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Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults Women also have ADHD symptoms, but they are more prevalent in men and boys. The symptoms can be different depending on the time of year, and hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal symptoms can exacerbate them. Finding a diagnosis and getting treatment is a crucial first step. Managing ADHD by taking therapy and medication improves relationships, school and work 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 be due to the brain's structure or levels like estrogen. Also, female hormones change during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopause which affects how well ADHD medications work. ADHD symptoms can be disguised or exacerbated by anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. People with these comorbid disorders often feel more shame about their symptoms and don't report them to their doctors, making it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated. Untreated ADHD can cause many problems in women's lives. It can be difficult to maintain a career or keep up with schoolwork. It can also cause financial difficulties, such as missing payments or forgetting about appointments and bills. It can lead to low self-esteem and negatively impact relationships. Women with ADHD are also unable to navigate gender roles in society and are more likely to internalize symptoms, which can cause their stress and anxiety in relationships. The signs of ADHD tend to get worse over time. They may be more apparent when women are stressed or experiencing a major life event. If a woman divorces or is pregnant, or has children, she could have more difficulty with symptoms at home or at work. Women can learn to manage their symptoms with the combination of behavioral and therapy strategies. A therapist can help them improve their overall functioning by teaching them time management and organizational skills. You may also find it beneficial working with an ADHD coach, or attend an ADHD support group. Diagnosis Girls and women may struggle to receive a clear diagnosis because of gender stereotypes and 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. Because of this difference in the way symptoms are presented, girls and women are more likely to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed compared to men and boys. Inattentive ADHD symptoms can include a lack of focus, confusion or issues in managing time both at home and at work. This can result in missed appointments, trouble paying bills on time and struggling to keep up with 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 cause problems in relationships, at work, at home and in school. For many years, ADHD has been considered an illness that affects only males and girls. Early studies of ADHD focused on hyperactive boys' behaviors, which helped shape the diagnostic criteria and rating systems that are still in use today. This led to the assumption that ADHD only impacted male children as well as girls and women were not diagnosed because their behaviors did not fit the stereotypes associated with the disorder. Untreated ADHD can cause girls and adolescents to struggle with their daily lives as adults. In addition their struggles to manage their finances, maintain an orderly home and keep up with routines in their lives can cause feelings of inadequacy. Women can also be affected by mood disorders such as anxiety and depression that can make it harder to seek treatment. Treatment There are a variety of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD which includes 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 also reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Your doctor will discuss with you which medications best suit your condition. Your doctor may also suggest therapy in addition to medications. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist you in learning to manage your symptoms and build confidence in yourself. They can also help you learn healthy strategies to cope and help your family members understand the severity of your condition. They can offer cognitive behavioral therapy which helps you recognize negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones, or psychoeducation for the family, which helps your loved ones know about your ADHD and develop coping skills. Women may experience ADHD symptoms that differ from men. For example women with inattentive type ADHD may struggle to stay organized at work and home or be forgetful of appointments and bills. In contrast, a woman with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may be more disruptive in social and professional settings. They may feel embarrassed or misunderstood by their symptoms. Changes in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause may impact your ADHD symptoms. The treatment plan you follow will be based on your current hormone levels and your age and stage of life. You might notice that your symptoms get better when you are pregnant as the increase in estrogen can help regulate the chemical imbalance in the brain. Your doctor might also suggest that you consider taking part in a clinical study. These studies explore new ways to prevent and treat diseases, as well as detect and conditions. Medication Women suffering from ADHD have unique difficulties in managing their symptoms. They must contend with a complex interaction between gender expectations and executive function issues. 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 can make it difficult for them to build and maintain relationships. They may develop coping strategies to conceal their struggles and they may attempt to blend in. This may mask their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to recognize their own distressing feelings and often believe that their behaviors are “normal.” Due to these reasons that make it more difficult for girls and women to receive an accurate diagnosis than boys and men. Furthermore the symptoms of women are more likely to be unresponsive than hyperactive and don't easily arouse concern. This could cause them to be undiagnosed and delayed in treatment. The drugs help to control the chemical imbalances which trigger the symptoms of ADHD for girls and women. Drugs that stimulate are usually the first choice for patients with ADHD. However, they must be monitored closely as some people may have a serious reaction to these medications. navigate here that do not stimulate are also available, and these drugs can be combined with psychotherapy and other behavioral treatments to alleviate symptoms. The individuals should inform their doctor about any prior issues related to ADHD. They can utilize this information to develop a treatment plan. They may also request that their health care provider refer them to a mental health specialist who is skilled in treating ADHD among women and girls. These specialists may offer psychotherapy and counseling methods for managing lifestyles, job and school accommodations and other therapies that assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms. Support Women with ADHD face a number of challenges, such as incorrect diagnosis or a lack of recognition of signs. The rating scales for ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience internalized symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. Women are more likely to exhibit different symptoms, with inattention symptom manifestation being more prevalent than hyperactive or impulse symptoms. In the beginning, you should talk to your primary care provider. They will assess your symptoms, and recommend you to an expert in mental health. Many women find that a diagnosis helps them face their difficulties more efficiently and effectively manage them. Typically doctors prescribe medication to control brain activity and reduce symptoms. Non-stimulant drugs are also available for some people. Doctors can prescribe therapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, to assist people in changing negative thoughts and behavior. They can also give suggestions on how to improve relationships and communication. The treatment of symptoms of ADHD requires support from loved ones. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people understand the challenges ADHD creates in their lives. They can also learn to manage issues caused by impulsive or inattentive behaviors, such as confusion or inability to make decisions. Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to ask for assistance or admit that they require help. A doctor can assist them in overcoming this obstacle by helping them understand how ADHD affects their lives, and by providing them with strategies to improve their performance at school and work. They can also request coworkers and teachers for small accommodations to make it easier to achieve their goals in their job or classes.