Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women suffering from ADHD might be extremely active, racing through life at a high speed until they fall over from the overload. They can also be hypoactive who lacks the ability to finish daily tasks.
Women and girls can also suffer from co-occurring conditions such as eating disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, tic disorders, and fibromyalgia.
Symptoms
ADHD in women is underdiagnosed, partly due to societal expectations for women and girls as well as the coping strategies they develop to disguise their symptoms. This can cause struggles with school, work relationships, and everyday tasks. It can also trigger anxiety and depression. The signs of ADHD in women can include issues with executive functioning, memory and organization, impulsivity, trouble with conversational self-restraint and difficulties in understanding social boundaries.
A diagnosis of ADHD in women could be a lightbulb moment that helps to understand the reasons why they've struggled through their lives, and providing them with an external reason for why they behave the way they do. A diagnosis can provide them with the confidence and help they require to manage their symptoms.
The symptoms of ADHD in women may vary depending on the season and hormonal fluctuations, specifically estrogen. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation and in the middle of menstrual cycles, and also during pregnancy, and also during or after menopausal. This can cause a significant fluctuation in ADHD symptoms, since they can fluctuate day-to-day.
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently experience mood swings, an inclination to react in a way that is excessive or become easily frustrated by small things. These are difficult to comprehend for others, especially male colleagues or partners who might interpret these behaviors as an emotional disorder or a lack of control. They may not realize that these symptoms are linked to ADHD. Because of this they are often dismissed by medical professionals.
Hormones can alter the efficacy of medications or their interactions with other mental illnesses. Other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, can be present alongside ADHD. These conditions can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD. This is why it's crucial to get a complete diagnostic evaluation by an expert in ADHD.
Regular exercise can help with ADHD symptoms because it releases neurotransmitters that improve concentration and increase attention. Regular exercise can reduce stress and anxiety, which are common in people who suffer from ADHD. It's a good idea to find a kind of exercise that you like, so you stick with it and make it part of your daily routine.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD symptoms continue to affect the lives of girls as they mature into women. Without treatment, it could be difficult for women to maintain their jobs or care for family members. Maintaining healthy romantic relationships can be a challenge. Women with ADHD are often dissatisfied when they are unable to meet the expectations of others or cope with the challenges of life.
In the midst of puberty, female ADHD symptoms can be more subtle than the symptoms of men or boys. The symptoms of ADHD may be different depending on the hormone fluctuations, especially estrogen and progesterone. These fluctuations can lead to symptoms being misinterpreted, or even exacerbated. When estrogen levels decrease around ovulation, during menstruation, or when progesterone levels are high in anticipation of pregnancy, menopause or other hormonal changes, the emotional symptoms of ADHD are more apparent.
As we age, the signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity become more apparent than in childhood. This can cause women to be more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD. However, a lot of adults suffering from the disorder don't get diagnosed because their symptoms are concealed by stress and lack of coping skills.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for women with ADHD. These include psychotherapy and medications. It is important to find a therapist and specialist who has experience in treating ADHD both in women and girls. You can also find an online support group to connect with other women suffering from ADHD and to discuss ideas for managing your condition.
NIMH's Clinical Trials Search page allows you to search for studies that might be appropriate for you. You can also inquire with your physician to participate in a study. The advantages of participating in a clinical trial is that you have the opportunity to gain new scientific knowledge and also help researchers learn more about ways to prevent, treat and improve conditions and diseases. Speak to your doctor about the pros and con of participating in a clinical trial. In some instances, researchers will cover the costs involved in taking part in a research study.
Gender
The signs of ADHD stem from the issue of executive functions, which are brain-based activities which help you control attention, emotional regulation and impulse control. The symptoms of ADHD vary for each person, but the hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive symptoms tend to be more common in males and females. Experts aren't sure what is causing these differences, but they do know females suffer from inattentive ADHD symptoms earlier than males. This makes it harder for them to be identified and treated.
Women often have the inattentive symptoms of ADHD which can include difficulties paying attention in their work, focusing on the task at hand and forgetting important details. These issues can cause them to struggle in school or at work. In adhd symptoms in women test , women with ADHD may struggle to maintain friendships or romantic relationships because of their difficulty regulating emotions and communicating.
Females who suffer from ADHD have a harder time finding and keeping jobs, even though they are more skilled than their male counterparts. The reason behind this disparity isn't fully understood however it could be because gender-based stereotypes cause employers and teachers to be less likely to recommend women suffering from ADHD for treatment.
Researchers have discovered that women with ADHD tend to hide their symptoms. This means they develop strategies to deal with their difficulties and to meet society expectations. This can be beneficial in the short-term, however, it's not long-term and sustainable. This is why women suffering from ADHD typically need treatment for the condition only after their lives spin out of control at home and work.
Women with ADHD may also suffer from depression or other mental disorders, making it more difficult to identify and treat. Combined with their internalized shame this can cause feeling depressed and an insecure self-esteem. Women with ADHD are also more likely to have suicidal thoughts and attempts, which can be fatal if not stopped quickly. It's important to seek out professional treatment and diagnosis the moment you first notice the symptoms of ADHD.
Self-Esteem
Women who have adhd may struggle to maintain a positive self-image. They may think they are less than 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 because people with ADHD tend to be prone to rejection and criticism. This can cause them to have a negative self-perception especially in areas such as physical appearance. People who suffer from ADHD tend to be more likely to receive criticism from their teachers and parents for committing mistakes (Manning 2010).
Many people with adhd feel an overwhelming sense of failure and frustration throughout their lives due to the fact that they aren't able to manage their symptoms well. This can lead to a lower sense of self-esteem, which makes them more hesitant to engage in any future activities or conversations.
Certain studies suggest that all ADHD symptoms can lower self-esteem, however more research is needed to determine this connection. For example, in one study, severe inattentive symptoms decreased self-perceptions of scholastic competence, but hyperactive-impulsive symptoms did not affect these domains. Also, the symptoms of oppositional defiant disorders (ODDs) had an immediate effect on depression. However these effects were not affected by self-esteem (Dan and Raz 2015).
If you're having a difficult time overcoming your self-esteem issues The good news is that it can be improved. You can use various strategies to boost self-esteem. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one example. The first step is to notice the thoughts and beliefs that are holding you back. Interrogate these thought patterns and determine if they're grounded in actual evidence or irrational assumptions and self-criticisms. Then, replace these negative beliefs with more constructive ones.
Focusing on the positive aspects of your personality and accomplishments is another way to boost self-esteem. A journal can be helpful in identifying your strengths and achievements. Then, you can put them in a spot where you'll be reminded of them regularly. You can also do some charitable work or even volunteer to feel more confident about yourself.
Lastly, it's important to find a clinician or therapist with experience in treating women suffering from ADHD. They can help you find ways to boost your self-esteem and provide strategies to deal with difficulties. They can also assist you to obtain accommodations at school or work which can boost your productivity and increase your chances of success.