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Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults Women can also suffer from ADHD symptoms, though they are more common in men and boys. The symptoms can change depending on the time of the year due to hormonal fluctuations that happen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. Getting diagnosed and receiving treatment is the first step. Managing ADHD with medication and therapy can improve work relationships, social interactions and school performance. Signs and symptoms Women with ADHD often have inattentive symptoms rather than the hyperactive/impulsive type more common in boys and men. This could have to do with brain structure or levels of chemicals like estrogen. Female hormones also change throughout the menstrual cycle as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal, which can affect the way ADHD medications work. ADHD symptoms can be masked or exacerbated by anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. People with these comorbid disorders are often embarrassed by their symptoms, and they aren't willing to report them to their doctors, making it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Untreated ADHD can cause problems in a variety of areas of a woman's life. It is often difficult to sustain the pace of work or manage schoolwork. It can also lead to financial difficulties, such as missing payments or forgetting about appointments and bills. It can result in low self-esteem and affect relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD are also unable to navigate gender roles within society and tend to internalize symptoms, which can lead to their distress and difficulty with relationships. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to worsen over time. They may also become more prominent when an individual is stressed or experiencing some major life change. When a woman is divorced or is pregnant or has children, she might be more prone to experiencing symptoms at home or at work. Women can manage their symptoms with the use of behavioral strategies and therapy. A therapist can teach them organizational and time management skills and aid in improving their overall performance. They may benefit from working with an ADHD coach or attending an ADHD support group. Diagnosis Females and females may struggle to receive a clear diagnosis because of gender stereotypes and the tendency to hide ADHD symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD in girls and women tend to be more inattentive, whereas boys and men often have hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Because of this distinction in the symptom presentation females and girls are more likely to be misdiagnosed more often than males and females. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can manifest as forgetfulness, disorganization or difficulties managing time at home and work. This may result in missing appointments, having trouble paying bills on time and difficulties completing schoolwork or work tasks. Symptoms of the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD in women can present as restless behavior, frequent need to move around, difficulty staying quiet or talking out loud or saying nonsensical words or phrases. These symptoms can disrupt relationships, interfere with work and school performance and cause problems at home or in the course of a relationship. For a long time, ADHD has been considered a disorder that affects only males and boys. Early studies of ADHD focused on hyperactive boys' behavior and helped to develop the diagnostic criteria and rating systems still employed today. This led to the belief that ADHD was only a problem for male children. Many women and girls weren't diagnosed with ADHD because their behavior did not fit the stereotypes. As girls and adolescents become adults, they could continue to experience difficulties navigating daily life with untreated ADHD. Their struggles to manage their finances, keep a clean home, and manage their daily routines could lead to feelings of inadequateness. Women can also be affected by mood issues like depression and anxiety, which can make it harder to seek treatment. Treatment There are many treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD. This includes medication. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin®), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall®) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®) help improve focus and motivation, reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity, and increase working memory and verbal memory. They can also help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Your doctor will inform you about the medications that are most appropriate for your needs. Your doctor might also suggest therapy in addition to medications. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist you in learning to manage your symptoms and boost your confidence in yourself. They can also teach you healthy strategies to cope and help your family members understand the severity of your condition. They can offer cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones, or psychoeducation for the family that helps your loved ones to understand your ADHD and develop coping strategies. Women may have different ADHD symptoms in comparison to men. For instance, a woman with inattentive-type ADHD may have trouble staying organized at work and home or forget about appointments and bills. In contrast, a woman with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may be more disruptive in social and professional settings. adhd in women might be ashamed or misunderstood because of their symptoms. Changes in hormone levels during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause may influence your ADHD symptoms. Your treatment plan depends on your current hormone levels and your age as well as the stage of life. You may find that your symptoms improve when you are pregnant as the increase in estrogen can help regulate the chemical imbalance in the brain. Your doctor may also suggest that you take part in a research study. These studies are designed to discover new ways to prevent or treat illnesses and conditions. Medication Women suffering from ADHD face unique difficulties when it comes to managing their symptoms. They must deal with a complex interaction between gender expectations and executive function problems. They must also deal with the sensitivity of rejection that can cause feelings of shame when they don't keep up with social expectations. This dynamic contributes to their difficulty in establishing and maintaining relationships. They may develop coping strategies to hide their struggles and try to fit into the crowd, which may mask their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to recognize their own anxiety and often assume that their behavior is “normal.” Because of these issues, it's harder for women and girls to receive an accurate diagnosis than men and boys. In addition their symptoms tend to be more inactive than hyperactive, and therefore don't easily arouse concern. This could cause them to be undiagnosed and delayed in treatment. Medicines can manage the chemical imbalances that trigger the symptoms of ADHD for girls and women. Stimulant medications are typically the first option for patients suffering from ADHD, however they must be watched as some people may experience a serious reaction to these medications. There are also non-stimulant medications available, and these drugs are often combined with psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments to reduce symptoms. add in adult women should tell their doctor about any prior issues that they have had with ADHD. They can then use this information to develop an treatment plan. They may also request that their health care provider refer them to a mental health professional who has experience treating ADHD both in girls and women. These specialists may offer counseling and psychotherapy as well as lifestyle management strategies as well as school and job accommodations and other treatments that aid in managing their ADHD symptoms. Support Women who suffer from ADHD can face a variety of difficulties, including misdiagnosis and unrecognized symptoms. The scales of rating for ADHD tend to be biased towards male behavior. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to develop internalized symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Women have a variety of symptoms, with an inattention manifestation being more prevalent than hyperactive or impulse-related symptoms. In the beginning, you should talk to your primary care provider. They will assess your symptoms, and refer you to an expert in mental health. Many women discover that having a diagnosis can help them accept their challenges and manage them more effectively. A doctor may prescribe medications to help regulate brain activity and control symptoms. Stimulant medications are most common however, non-stimulants can be an option for some people. Doctors may also recommend therapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which can help people change negative thought patterns and behavior. They can also offer advice on how to improve communication and relationships. Family support is crucial to tackling the symptoms of ADHD. Marriage counseling and family therapy can help people to understand the challenges ADHD can bring to their lives. They can also learn how to handle issues caused by inattention or impulsive behavior, such as confusion or inability to make decisions. Many people with ADHD are unable to getting help or admitting they need assistance. A doctor can help overcome this hurdle by explaining how ADHD affects them and teaching them strategies for coping to help them perform better in the classroom and at work. They could also ask their colleagues or teachers for minor adjustments that will help them achieve their goals in school or at work.