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10 ADHD Symptoms In Women That Are Unexpected
ADHD Symptoms in Women

Adult women suffering from ADHD have challenges that a lot of don't realize. Untreated symptoms can cause chaos in the workplace and in relationships.

Gender bias and a tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms cause underdiagnosis. However, the increased awareness means more adults are getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those of men, and can be aggravated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.

Inattentive Type Signs

Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble staying on task performing tasks and making mistakes. They may also misunderstand or make careless errors. They may be unable to keep on top of their obligations, like paying bills, making calls, or sending birthday cards. They may also forget appointments, and often miss social or work-related events or arrive late for meetings.


The symptoms of inattentive type ADHD are less noticeable than hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms in boys and men, so it's possible that women and girls who have these symptoms don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood. Patients who don't seek help for their symptoms can experience emotional anxiety. This can lead to poor relationships or co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

In the end, the problems of living with untreated ADHD can seem overwhelming. For certain people, it can lead to self-blame and unhealthy coping habits like excessive drinking and substance abuse. Some turn to unhealthy behaviors such as eating less and gaining weight. For some young girls and teens, the anger of not being in a position to meet social expectations can result in self-injury that isn't suicide-related. It could appear as burning, cutting or scratching.

It's not a surprise that women who have inattention ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This makes it difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. These women may also have low self-esteem, which makes it hard to realize that the problem is a mental illness and not their fault.

Girls with inattention ADHD may also have trouble interpreting social cues, making them appear distant or unobservant to others. They may miss jokes or misread body language, and be accused of being rude or offensive. They might be unable to control their impulses and might make hurtful comments or interrupt others.

To increase their focus, it's important for women suffering from inattention type ADHD to get enough sleep each night and avoid nicotine, caffeine and stimulants. Regular exercise can increase neurotransmitters, which may help in focusing.

Symptoms of Hyperactive/Impulsive Type

Women and adolescent girls with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD can find it hard to concentrate or organize. This can lead a messy house and to difficulties in paying bills on time. They may also forget their appointments or the names and faces of family members and friends. They tend to be easily distracted or bored and are unable to wait for their turn in conversation. They are less likely than males and females to exhibit internalizing symptoms such as depression or anxiety.

It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. Because these symptoms are more common in males and females health professionals may not look for them in girls and women or may ignore these symptoms, putting them down to gender stereotypes or mood issues. ADHD rating scales tend to be skewed towards male behavior, which makes these symptoms difficult to measure and identify for women.

The good news is that there are options to manage ADHD as a woman in adulthood as well as taking medication. The most important thing is to find a therapist and a doctor who are experienced in treating ADHD for women and girls. The type of therapy suggested will depend on the severity of your conditions and lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help validate your experience and reframe negative thinking patterns, family psychoeducation, or help with group work.

For some, a sleep routine, regular exercise and a healthy diet can help reduce symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.

During menopause, when hormone levels decrease, many symptoms of ADHD get worse. During this time you must be on top of things and keep the track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You can also request that your doctor alter the dosage or type of medication you're taking as needed. Speak with your therapist about the difficulties you face dealing with your symptoms and how they affect your daily life at home, work, and in your relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve your communication with your partner and other people in your life.

Signs of Mixed Type

Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD have issues at school and at work, however they do not show the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They might forget important documents, pay bills or forget to schedule appointments. Symptoms of this form of the disorder can include interrupting others, blurting out answers and speaking without thinking. Women suffering from this form of the disorder may also have difficulty maintaining friendships and relationships and may find it difficult to be self-sufficient.

In many cases, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms noticed by family or friends. In the end, young women and girls with this disorder are underdiagnosed. The gender bias and the tendency of those with ADHD to conceal their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.

The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, puberty and menopause. In www.iampsychiatry.uk decrease, and progesterone increases. This combination accentuates ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can also vary from day to day, based on estrogen and progesterone levels. This can cause misdiagnosis or improper or insufficient treatment.

Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which helps change negative thoughts and behaviours and psychoeducational counselling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics, as well as online.

Getting regular physical exercise, like running, swimming, or walking can improve attention and focus. It also helps release brain-boosting neurotransmitters and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety which are common among people with ADHD. Other strategies to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing routines for your day, and employing methods for organizing. Support groups can be extremely useful in gaining knowledge about changes in lifestyle and strategies for coping. For some individuals, a professional ADHD coach is a great option for individualized, individual guidance. People with ADHD may also benefit from a cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help the person be aware of their behavior and how it affects other people. They can also develop communication skills.

Signs of an adult type

Women suffering from ADHD might have symptoms that are different from men. The process of diagnosing and treating the condition for women can be complicated due to gender role expectations, which makes it difficult for parents or teachers to recognize when the girl is struggling with her attention or hyperactivity. The condition can also be masked by depression or other mental health issues that make it less evident to people who are around you. Symptoms can also fluctuate with hormone levels, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy and menopause.

Attention-deficit symptoms are the most frequent for women suffering from ADHD. You tend to forget things, have trouble remembering details, and get distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD can impact your work, school as well as marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends may notice that you have difficulty following directions and keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your teacher or boss may observe that you're struggling to stay focused in meetings or completing tasks in the time frame required.

If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless, always moving around, and you disrupt others, talk excessively, or say things that are illogical without thinking. You have trouble waiting for your turn and struggle to maintain eye contact with other people. You may be irritable and experience mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to tolerate.

It may be difficult to manage your emotions, particularly in times of stress and trauma. You may be more prone to react to criticism or start fights even if the situation isn't a serious one. It could be easier to deal with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as drug and alcohol consumption, or unhealthy eating patterns.

Women who are diagnosed with ADHD can make a difference in their lives by getting the proper treatment. Think about working with a coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You can also seek help from a professional counselor with expertise in treating women suffering from this disorder. You may want to speak to a psychiatrist, who can help you understand the way your genes and brain activity might influence your ADHD symptoms.

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