Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women with ADHD may be hyperactive, running through life at full speed until they collapse from the stress. They could also be hypoactive, inability to muster up energy to get through daily tasks.
Girls and women may also suffer from co-occurring illnesses such as eating disorders and mood disorders, anxiety and depression, tic disorders, and fibromyalgia.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is not recognized in women, partly because of societal expectations and the coping strategies women use to hide their symptoms. This can lead to challenges for life in work, school and relationships as well as in daily tasks. It can also lead to anxiety and depression. The signs of ADHD in women can include issues with executive functioning, memory and organization and impulsivity, problems with self-control of conversation, and trouble understanding social boundaries.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a lightbulb moment for women. It helps them understand why they've struggled their whole lives and gives them an external reason for why they behave the way they act. A diagnosis can provide them with the confidence and help they need to manage their symptoms.
Symptoms of ADHD in women may vary depending on the season and the fluctuation in hormones, specifically estrogen. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, the middle of menstrual cycles, pregnancy and after menopause. This can cause a significant fluctuation in ADHD symptoms, as they can rise and fall daily.
Some symptoms of ADHD among women that are often ignored are mood swings and a tendency for women to overreact or become easily frustrated by small things. These are difficult to comprehend for others, especially male partners or colleagues, who may misinterpret these behavior patterns as emotional instability or uncontrollable anger. They may not believe that these symptoms are related to ADHD, and as a result they are often dismissed, even by medical professionals.
In addition to a fluctuation in the severity of ADHD symptoms, hormones can also affect how well medications work or how they interact with other mental health conditions that might be present. Other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, can be a part of ADHD. These conditions can exacerbate or mask the symptoms of ADHD. This is why it's crucial to undergo a thorough diagnosis by a specialist in ADHD.
Exercise is a great way to aid in reducing ADHD symptoms as it releases neurotransmitters to boost focus and attention. Regular exercise can also reduce stress and anxiety, which are common among people with ADHD. Find an exercise you enjoy and keep doing it.
Treatment
As girls mature into women as they become women, untreated ADHD symptoms continue to interfere with their lives. Without treatment, it could be difficult for women to handle their work or take care of family members. Maintaining a healthy relationship with a partner can be difficult. Women with ADHD might be frustrated because they're not able meet the expectations of others or deal with life's many challenges.
When women enter puberty, ADHD symptoms may be more subtle than those of boys or men. Symptoms often vary according to hormone fluctuations, specifically estrogen and progesterone. These fluctuations can cause symptoms be misinterpreted and can cause them to worsen. When estrogen levels decrease at the time of ovulation, during menstrual cycle or when progesterone levels are high in anticipation of pregnancy or menopausal or other hormonal changes, the emotional symptoms of ADHD are more apparent.
As we age, the signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity are more noticeable than in childhood. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because of this. Many adults with ADHD are not diagnosed because their symptoms are often concealed by stress and ineffective strategies for coping.
The good news is that there are effective treatments available for women suffering from ADHD. They include medications and psychotherapy. It is important to find a therapist and clinician who has experience treating ADHD both in women and girls. You can also find an online support group that allows you to interact with other women with ADHD and to share ideas on how to manage your condition.
NIMH's Clinical Trials Search page allows you to find studies that might be suitable for you. You can also talk to your doctor about taking part in a research study. You could gain new scientific knowledge by participating in a trial. You may also be able to help researchers in learning more about how to prevent, treat and improve the quality of life for patients. Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of participating in a study. In some cases researchers will cover the costs of taking part in a study.
Gender
Symptoms of ADHD revolve around a problem with executive functions, which are brain-based activities that help you manage attention, emotional regulation and impulse control. The symptoms of ADHD differ for every person, however the hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive symptoms tend to be more common in boys and men. Experts aren't quite sure what causes these differences however they do know that females are more likely to develop the inattentive symptoms of ADHD at a later time than males, making it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated.
Women are often plagued by the inattention symptoms of ADHD, which include trouble paying attention in their work, focusing on the task at hand and ignoring important details. These difficulties can make it hard for them to do well at school or work. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulties maintaining romantic relationships or friendships because of their inability to communicate and manage emotions.
Females who suffer from ADHD also have more trouble finding and retaining jobs, despite being more qualified than their male counterparts. This disparity isn't fully acknowledged. It could be due to sexist stereotypes that cause teachers and employers to less likely suggest treatment for women suffering from ADHD.
Researchers have discovered that women with ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms. This includes developing strategies to cope and meet social expectations. This is helpful in the short term however it's not sustainable over the long term. This is why women with ADHD often have to seek treatment for the condition only when their lives get out of control at home or at work.
Women with ADHD might also be suffering from depression or other mental disorders, which makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. In combination with their internalized shame, this can lead to a sense of despair and a low self-esteem. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts that could be fatal when not dealt with promptly. This is why it's so important to seek a professional diagnosis and treatment if you experience the earliest signs of ADHD, regardless of your sexual orientation.
Self-Esteem
Women with adhd may struggle to build a positive image of themselves. They may feel inferior to their peers, and they may struggle to accept compliments. They are more likely to make negative assumptions, overgeneralize and catastrophize.
This can be particularly problematic due to the fact that people with ADHD tend to be more sensitive to rejection and criticism. This can result in lower self-esteem in a range of domains such as schoolwork as well as sports and physical appearance. Additionally, those with ADHD tend to be more likely to face criticism from their teachers and parents for committing mistakes (Manning 2010).
Many adults with adhd experience frustration and struggle throughout their lives because they can't manage their symptoms. This can result in feelings of low self-esteem, which makes them more hesitant to engage in any future activities or conversations.
Some studies suggest that ADHD symptoms in general can lower self-esteem. However, more research is required to confirm this correlation. For example, in one study, severe inattentive symptoms decreased self-perceptions of scholastic competence, but hyperactive-impulsive symptoms did not affect these domains. Additionally, the symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder (ODDs) were an immediate effect on depression. However the effects weren't caused by self-esteem (Dan and Raz 2015).
If you're struggling with low self-esteem The good news is that it is possible to change it. There are many methods that can be employed to build self-esteem, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. The first step is to notice the thoughts and beliefs that hinder you. Review these thought patterns to determine whether they are based upon tangible evidence or irrational beliefs and self-criticisms. Then, replace these negative beliefs with more positive ones.
Concentrating on the positive aspects in your personality and achievements is another method to boost your self-esteem. A journal can be very useful in identifying your strengths and achievements. Then, you can put them in a spot where you'll be reminded of them frequently. You could also participate in volunteering or charitable work to boost your self-esteem.
Lastly, it's important to find a therapist or therapist with experience in treating women suffering from ADHD. try these out can teach you how to handle setbacks and boost your self-esteem. They can also assist you with accommodations in workplace or school that can improve your efficiency and productivity.