Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD may be hyperactive, rushing through life at a high speed until they crash from the stress. They could also be hypoactive who lacks the ability to finish daily tasks.
Women and girls can also suffer from co-occurring illnesses such as eating disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, tic disorders and fibromyalgia.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is not diagnosed in women, partly because of societal expectations and coping mechanisms that women use to mask symptoms. This can cause difficulties with school, work, relationships and daily tasks. It can also cause anxiety and depression. ADHD symptoms in women include executive function issues, memory and organization issues, impulsivity, and problems with 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 explanation for why they behave the way they do. Receiving a diagnosis can also provide them with the confidence and support they require to manage their symptoms.
The symptoms of ADHD for women can differ depending on the time of year, and hormonal fluctuations, especially estrogen. Estrogen levels drop during ovulation, and during the middle of the menstrual cycle, as well as during pregnancy, and also during or after menopausal. This can lead to significant fluctuations in ADHD symptoms, as they can fluctuate daily.
Some symptoms of ADHD among women that are often ignored are mood changes and a tendency to overreact or become easily frustrated by small things. They can be difficult to understand by male colleagues or partners who might believe that these symptoms are a sign of emotional instability. They may not believe that these symptoms are linked to ADHD and, consequently these women are often dismissed even by medical professionals.
Hormones can impact the effectiveness of medications or their interactions with other mental illnesses. It is not uncommon for other mental health conditions to manifest alongside ADHD such as depression and anxiety which can cause or worsen ADHD symptoms. This is the reason it's essential to have a full diagnosis by a specialist in ADHD.
Exercise can reduce ADHD symptoms since it releases neurotransmitters which improve attention and focus. Regular exercise can decrease stress and anxiety that are common among people with ADHD. Find an exercise you like and commit to it.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD symptoms continue to impact the lives of girls as they develop into women. Women who do not receive treatment may face difficulties to manage their careers or take care of their families. Maintaining a healthy relationship with a partner can be a challenge. Women with ADHD might be frustrated when they're not able meet the expectations of others or cope with life's many challenges.
When women enter puberty, women's ADHD symptoms can be more subtle than those of men or boys. The symptoms of ADHD may vary depending on hormone fluctuations including estrogen and progesterone. These fluctuations can result in symptoms that are misinterpreted and even worsen. For instance, when estrogen decreases at the time of ovulation, and during the menstrual cycle, or when progesterone is high in anticipation of menopausal or pregnancy emotional symptoms may be a more prominent aspect of the ADHD experience.
In adulthood, symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are more evident than they were in childhood. This could cause women to be more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD. However, many adults with the disorder don't get diagnosed because their symptoms are obscured by life stresses and poor management skills.
There are effective treatments for women suffering from ADHD. This includes psychotherapy and medication. It is crucial to find a therapist or specialist who has experience in treating ADHD for both women and girls. There is also an online support group that allows you to interact with other women who suffer from ADHD and to discuss ideas for managing your condition.
The NIMH's Clinical Trials Search page allows you to search for studies that might be suitable for you. You can also talk to your doctor about joining any research study. The benefits of participating in a clinical study is that you have the opportunity to acquire new knowledge in science and could be able to help researchers learn more about ways to help prevent, treat and improve diseases and conditions. Consult your physician about the advantages and disadvantages of taking part in a clinical study. In some instances, the costs of participating in a clinical study are paid for by the researcher.
Gender
ADHD symptoms are the result of a problem with executive function, which is the brain-based activity that helps manage your mood, focus and impulse control. Symptoms are different for everyone who suffers from ADHD, but generally the impulsive and hyperactive symptoms are more prevalent in males and females and the inattention-related symptoms are more common for women. Experts aren't sure what is causing these differences but they do know that females are more likely to develop inattentive ADHD symptoms earlier than males. This makes it more difficult for them be identified and treated.
Women often have the inattentive symptoms of ADHD that include difficulty paying attention to tasks, focusing on them and losing track of details. These difficulties can make them struggle in school or at work. Women with ADHD might also have trouble maintaining friendships or romantic relationships because of their inability to communicate and regulate emotions.
Women with ADHD are more difficult finding and retaining a job, despite having more qualifications than their male counterparts. The reason behind this disparity isn't fully understood however it could be due to sex-based stereotypes cause teachers and employers to be less likely to recommend women suffering from ADHD for treatment.
Researchers have found that women with ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms. This can include developing strategies to deal with the symptoms and meeting social expectations. This can be beneficial in a short-term, but it isn't sustainable in the long-term. Therefore, women suffering from ADHD often have to seek treatment for the condition only when their lives spin out of control at home or at work.
Women with ADHD are more likely to have depression or other mental health problems that can make it even harder to identify and treat the disorder. Combined with their shame-inducing internalization, this can cause feeling depressed and a low self-esteem. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from suicidal thoughts and attempts which could lead to death if not stopped promptly. This is why it's important to seek a professional diagnosis and treatment when you experience the earliest symptoms of ADHD regardless of your sexual orientation.
Self-Esteem
Women who have adhd may have difficulty to maintain a positive self-image. They may feel inferior to their peers, and they might be unable to accept compliments. They tend to make negative assumptions, and overgeneralize, and catastrophize.
This is especially problematic because people with ADHD are prone to being criticized and rejection. This can lead people to feel self-conscious particularly in regards to schoolwork, sports, and physical appearance. Additionally, those with ADHD tend to be more likely to face criticism from their parents and teachers for making mistakes (Manning 2010).
Many adults with adhd experience feelings of frustration and failure throughout their lives because they aren't able to effectively manage their symptoms. This can lead to lower self-esteem and a reluctance to participate in activities or conversations.
Certain studies suggest that ADHD symptoms can lower self-esteem. However, more research is required to confirm this relationship. 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 a direct effect on depression. However, these effects were not caused by self-esteem (Dan and Raz 2015).
If you're struggling with low self-esteem the good news is that it can be improved. You can employ a variety of strategies to boost your self-esteem. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good example. The first step is to pinpoint the thoughts and beliefs that hinder you. Examine these patterns of thought and identify whether they are grounded in actual evidence or irrational assumptions and self-criticisms. Replace women and adhd with productive ones.
Another way to boost self-esteem is to focus on the positive aspects of your personality and achievements. A journal can be extremely helpful in identifying your strengths and achievements. Then, you can put them in a spot where you will be reminded of them often. You can also do some volunteering or charitable work to feel better about yourself.
It's also important to locate a therapist or a clinician who has experience treating women with ADHD. They can teach you how to handle difficulties and boost your self-esteem. They can also help you obtain accommodations at work or school which can boost your productivity and increase your chances of success.