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Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults Women can also be affected by ADHD symptoms, though they are more prevalent for boys and men. Symptoms can vary depending on the time of year, and hormonal changes during menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal symptoms can exacerbate them. The diagnosis and treatment are crucial first steps. The treatment of ADHD by taking medication and therapy can improve the quality of relationships, work 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 related with brain structure or levels of chemicals like estrogen. Female hormones also change during menstrual periods as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal. This could affect the effectiveness of ADHD medications. The symptoms of ADHD can also be masked by various mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Women with these comorbid conditions are often embarrassed by their symptoms and aren't able to inform their doctors which makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. Untreated ADHD can create a host of problems in women's lives. It can be difficult to maintain the pace of work or manage schoolwork. It can also lead to financial issues, like not paying bills or appointments, and missing payments. It can lead to low self-esteem, which can affect relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time navigating gender roles that society expects of them. They also tend to dwell on their symptoms and this can cause an increase in stress and relationship problems. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse as time passes. They can also become more prominent when women are stressed or is going through some major life change. After a woman gets divorced or is pregnant, or has children, she might have more difficulty with symptoms at work or home. Women can learn to manage their symptoms by combining therapy with behavioral strategies. Therapists can help them develop organizational and time management skills and help improve their overall functioning. You might also find it beneficial working with an ADHD coach, or to join an ADHD support group. Diagnosis Women and girls may have a difficult time to receive a clear diagnosis due to 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. Due to this difference in the symptom presentation, girls and women tend to be misdiagnosed a lot more often than boys and men. Inattentive ADHD symptoms can include forgetfulness, disorganization or issues in managing time both at home and at work. This can result in missing appointments, having 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 signs can cause issues in relationships, at work and at home and in school. For a long time, ADHD has been considered a disorder that affects only males and girls. Early studies of ADHD focused primarily on the behaviors of boys who were hyperactive, which helped shape the diagnostic criteria and rating systems still used today. This led to the assumption that ADHD only impacted male children as well as women and girls were not diagnosed because their behavior didn't match the typical stereotypes of the disorder. As girls and adolescent girls become adults, they may be struggling to navigate daily life with untreated ADHD. Their struggles to manage their finances, keep their home in order and manage their daily routines could result in feelings of being inadequate. Women can also suffer from mood issues like anxiety and depression, which makes it more difficult to seek treatment. Treatment There are a variety of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD which 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 also reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Your doctor will talk to you about the medications that are the best for you. Your doctor may also recommend therapy in addition to medications. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist you in learning to manage your symptoms and increase your confidence in yourself. They can teach you healthy strategies for coping and help your family members to be aware of your condition. They can provide cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches you to identify negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones. They can also provide psychoeducation for your family members that helps your loved one better comprehend ADHD and develop coping strategies. Women can experience different ADHD symptoms than men. Women with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty to stay organized both at home and at work, or forget 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 be embarrassed or misunderstood by their symptoms. The changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, menopausal and pregnancy can impact your ADHD symptoms. The treatment plan you follow will be based on your current hormone levels as well as your age and stage in life. You might find that your symptoms get better during pregnancy, when the surge of estrogen can neutralize the chemical imbalance in your brain. Your doctor may recommend participating in a clinical trial. These trials are designed to uncover new ways to detect, prevent or treat diseases. Medication Women with ADHD face particular challenges when it comes to managing their symptoms. They must contend with a complex interplay between gender expectations and executive function problems. They also have to contend with sensitivity to rejection, which can lead to feelings of shame when they can'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 try to fit in, which can mask their ADHD symptoms. Additionally, they struggle to understand their distressing emotions and often believe that their behavior is “normal.” Due to these reasons this makes it harder for girls and women to get an accurate diagnosis than men and boys. Moreover their symptoms tend to be less severe and more inattentive rather than hyperactive. This makes them less likely to trigger concern. This can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. The drugs help to control the chemical imbalances which trigger the symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice for these patients. However, they must be closely monitored as some patients may experience a severe reaction to these medications. adhd traits in women -stimulant drugs are also available, and these medications can be combined with psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments to improve symptoms. The individuals should inform their doctor about any past issues with ADHD. They can then use this information to formulate an treatment plan. They can also request their health care providers to refer them to a mental health professional with experience in treating ADHD for girls and women. These specialists may offer psychotherapy and counseling as well as lifestyle management strategies including school and job accomodations 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. Rating scales for ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors, and women who suffer from the condition are more likely to develop more internalized symptoms such as depression and anxiety (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women have a variety of symptoms, with inattention symptom appearance being more frequent than hyperactive or impulse-related symptoms. The first step is to talk with your primary healthcare provider. They can evaluate your symptoms, and recommend you to an expert in mental health. Many women find that having a diagnosis helps them accept their difficulties more efficiently and better manage them. Typically, a doctor will prescribe medication to control brain activity and manage symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are but non-stimulants are an option for certain people. Doctors can also suggest therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people to change their negative thinking patterns and behaviors. They can also give suggestions on how to improve communication and relationships. The support of family members is essential to managing the symptoms of ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people to understand the challenges that ADHD can bring to their lives. They can also learn how to deal with problems caused by inattention or impulsive behaviors, like forgetfulness or difficulty making decisions. Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance or admit that they need assistance. A doctor can help them overcome this barrier by helping them explain how ADHD affects their lives and by giving them strategies to boost their performance at school and work. They can also ask their coworkers as well as teachers for minor accommodations to enable them to be successful in their jobs or classes.