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Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults Women also have ADHD symptoms, though they are more prevalent in boys and men. The symptoms can change depending on the season due to hormonal fluctuations that happen during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause. The diagnosis and treatment are essential first steps. Managing ADHD through therapy and medication can improve work relationships, social interactions and school performance. Symptoms Women with ADHD often have inattentive symptoms rather than the hyperactive/impulsive type more common in boys and men. This could be due to brain structure or levels like estrogen. Female hormones also change throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopause and can impact the effectiveness of ADHD medications work. Symptoms of ADHD can also be masked by a variety of mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. Women with these comorbid disorders often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and do not report them to their doctor, which makes it difficult to identify and treated. Untreated ADHD can cause a variety of issues in a woman's daily life. For instance, it can make it difficult to keep the job or manage schoolwork. It can also lead to financial issues, like being late to appointments or paying bills, and missing payments. It can lead to low self-esteem and affect relationships. Women with ADHD have difficulty navigating the societal expectations for gender roles. They are also more likely to internalize their issues which can cause an increase in stress and relationship problems. Symptoms of ADHD tend to get worse as time passes. They may be more apparent when women are stressed or going through some major life change. After a woman gets divorced or becomes pregnant or has children, she may have more difficulty with symptoms at home or at work. Women can manage their symptoms through a combination of behavioral and therapy strategies. A therapist can help them learn organizational and time management skills and aid in improving their overall performance. It may also be beneficial working with an ADHD coach, or attend an ADHD support group. Diagnosis Due to gender stereotypes, girls and women might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis due to a 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. Due to this distinction in symptom presentation females and girls are more likely to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed compared to boys and men. Inattention ADHD symptoms include disorganization, forgetfulness or problems with time management both at home and at work. This can result in missed appointments, 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 signs can cause disruption to relationships, hinder school and work performance and create problems at home or in a relationship. For a long time, ADHD was thought to be a disorder that was only affecting males and girls. The first studies of ADHD mostly focused on the behavior of boys who were hyperactive. This helped to shape diagnostic criteria and rating scales still in use today. This led to the belief that ADHD was a problem only for male children. Many women and girls were not diagnosed with ADHD because their behavior was not consistent with the stereotypes. As girls and adolescents become adults, they could be struggling to navigate everyday life with untreated ADHD. Additionally their struggles to manage their finances, keep a clean house and manage daily routines can lead to feelings of being inadequate. Mood issues such as depression and anxiety may also be associated with ADHD in women, which could further complicate the ability to seek treatment. Treatment There are many treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD that include medications. 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 decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. Your doctor will talk to you about which medication is best for your needs. In addition to medication Your doctor may also recommend therapy. Specialized therapists for ADHD can help you learn to manage your symptoms, and help you build self-esteem. They can help you learn healthy ways to cope and assist your family to understand your condition. They can also provide cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches to identify negative thoughts and replace with more realistic ones. They can also provide family psychoeducation which helps your loved ones understand ADHD and develop strategies for coping. Women can experience different ADHD symptoms as compared to men. For instance, a woman with inattentive-type ADHD may have trouble staying organized at home and work 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. They might feel uncomfortable or misunderstood due to their symptoms. The fluctuation in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal changes can impact how your ADHD symptoms manifest. The treatment plan you choose to follow is based on your current hormonal levels, your age and stage of life. You may find that your symptoms get better during pregnancy, as the surge of estrogen can help regulate the chemical imbalance in the brain. Your doctor might also suggest participating in a clinical trial. These studies investigate new methods to prevent or treat illnesses and conditions. Medication Women with ADHD have particular challenges to manage their symptoms. They have to deal with a complex interaction between gender expectations and executive functioning issues. They also have to deal with the sensitivity of rejection which can lead them to feel ashamed when they fail to meet social expectations. This makes it difficult for them to build and keep relationships. They may develop strategies for coping to cover up their issues and attempt to blend in, which can disguise their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to recognize their own anxiety and often believe that their behavior is “normal.” Because of these issues, it's harder for women and girls to get a clear diagnosis than males and females. Moreover the symptoms of women tend to be less severe and more attentive, rather than hyperactive. This makes them less likely to cause concern. This can lead them to be misdiagnosed and delayed in treatment. The medications help control the chemical imbalances that cause the symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. Drugs that stimulate are usually the first choice for these patients. However, they must be monitored closely as some people may have a serious reaction to these drugs. Non-stimulant drugs are also available. These medications can be combined with psychotherapy and behavioral therapies to alleviate symptoms. It is crucial for those with ADHD to inform their doctor about any previous issues related to ADHD as they will be able to use this information when creating an treatment plan. They may also ask their health care providers to refer them to an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating ADHD for girls and women. These specialists may offer counseling and psychotherapy methods for managing lifestyles, job and school accommodations and other treatments that aid in managing their ADHD symptoms. Support Women who suffer from ADHD face a number of difficulties, including misdiagnosis or unrecognized signs. Rating scales for ADHD tend to favor male behaviors, and women with ADHD tend to suffer from more internalized signs such as depression and anxiety (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women also experience different symptom presentations and symptoms of inattention appearing more frequently than hyperactive or impulse-related symptoms. First, you should speak to your primary care physician. They can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to an expert in mental health. Many women find that a diagnosis helps them accept their challenges more effectively and manage them better. A doctor is likely to prescribe medications to help regulate brain activity and control symptoms. adhd in women -stimulant medications are also available to certain people. Doctors can also suggest therapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which can help people change negative thought patterns and behavior. They can also provide advice on ways to improve communication and relationships. To manage the symptoms of ADHD requires the support of loved ones. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people better recognize the challenges ADHD creates in their lives. They can also learn how to deal with problems that may arise from impulsive or inattentive behavior, such as inattention and difficulty in making decisions. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance or admit that they need assistance. A doctor can help overcome this barrier by explaining how ADHD affects them and guiding them through coping strategies to improve their performance in school and at work. They can also request coworkers and teachers for minor adjustments to enable them to achieve their goals in their job or classes.