Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD can be extremely active and rush through life at high speed until they collapse. They may also be a hypoactive individual who lacks the energy to complete daily tasks.
Girls and women can suffer from co-occurring disorders such as disordered eating and anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, tic disorders, and fibromyalgia.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is not a recognized condition in women, partly due to societal expectations and coping strategies that women employ to disguise their symptoms. This can cause lifelong challenges in work, school relationships, as well as everyday life. It can also lead to anxiety and depression. Symptoms of ADHD in women may include trouble with executive functioning, memory and organization, impulsivity, trouble with conversational self-restraint and difficulty understanding social boundaries.
A diagnosis of ADHD for women can be a moment of light, helping to explain the reasons why they've struggled through their lives and providing them with an external reason why they behave as they do. Being diagnosed with ADHD can help give them the confidence and support they need to manage their symptoms.
The symptoms of ADHD in women may vary depending on the season and hormone fluctuations, particularly estrogen. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, at the middle of menstrual cycle, pregnancy and after menopause. This could cause ADHD symptoms to fluctuate from day to day.
Women suffering from ADHD frequently experience mood swings and an inclination to react in a way that is excessive or become easily annoyed by small things. They can be difficult to be understood by others, particularly male colleagues or partners, who may mistakenly believe that these symptoms are a sign of emotional instability. These women may not think that these symptoms are connected to ADHD. Because of this they are often dismissed by medical professionals.
Hormones can affect the effectiveness of medications or their interaction with other mental conditions. It is common for other mental health disorders to manifest alongside ADHD such as anxiety and depressive disorders, which can mask or exacerbate ADHD symptoms. This is why it's important to get a complete diagnostic evaluation by an expert in ADHD.
Regular exercise can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms, as it releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and increase attention. adhd in women can also help reduce stress and anxiety, both of which are common for people who suffer from ADHD. It is a good idea to choose a type of exercise you enjoy so that you can stick with it and make it a part of your daily routine.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD symptoms continue affecting the lives of girls as they develop into women. Women who don't get treatment may face difficulties to manage their work or take care of their families. Maintaining a healthy relationship with a partner can be difficult. Women who suffer from ADHD are often frustrated when they are unable to meet the expectations of others or meet the problems of life.
As puberty progresses, female ADHD symptoms can be more subtle than those of boys or men. The symptoms can vary based on hormone changes, including estrogen and progesterone. These fluctuations can result in symptoms being misinterpreted, or even exacerbated. When estrogen levels drop at the time of ovulation, during menstrual cycle or when progesterone levels are high in anticipation of pregnancy or menopause or other hormonal changes, the emotional symptoms of ADHD can become more prominent.
In adulthood, signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity are more evident than they were in childhood. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because of this. However, a lot of adults suffering from the disorder don't get diagnosed because their symptoms are masked by the stress of life and poor coping skills.
There are effective treatments for women with ADHD. This includes psychotherapy and medication. It is essential to find a therapist or clinician who has experience treating ADHD both in women and girls. You can also find a support group to interact with other women with ADHD and to discuss suggestions on how to manage your condition.
You can look up studies on the NIMH Clinical Trials Search Page. You can also inquire with your physician about participating in a study. You can gain new knowledge about science by taking part in a research study. You may also be able help researchers in understanding how to prevent, treat and improve the quality of life for patients. Talk with your physician about the advantages and disadvantages of taking part in a study. In some cases, researchers will cover the costs of taking part in a research study.
Gender
ADHD symptoms result of a problem with executive function, which is the brain-based activity that helps you regulate your mood, focus and impulse control. Symptoms are different for everyone who suffers from ADHD, but generally, the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms are more prevalent in males and females and the inattention-related symptoms are more prevalent in women. Experts don't know what causes these differences, but they do know that females suffer from inattentive ADHD symptoms earlier than males. This makes it more difficult for them to be identified and treated.
Attention deficit symptoms are common among women, which include difficulties in paying attention, ignoring details, and not focusing on work. These issues can make it hard for them to perform well at school or work. In addition, those who suffer from ADHD might struggle to maintain romantic relationships or friendships due to their difficulties in regulating emotions and communicating.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time finding and retaining jobs despite having more qualifications than male counterparts. This disparity isn't fully acknowledged. However, it could be due to stereotypes about women that cause teachers and employers to less likely recommend treatment for women with ADHD.
Researchers have discovered that women suffering from ADHD tend to hide their symptoms. This means they develop strategies to overcome their difficulties and to meet society expectations. This is helpful in the short-term however it's not sustainable over the long term. Women suffering from ADHD are typically forced to seek treatment when their lives are spiraling out of control, be it at work or home.
Women with ADHD might also be suffering from depression or other mental disorders, which makes it harder to identify and treat. Internalized shame can lead to despair and low self-esteem. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from suicidal thoughts or attempts that could be fatal if not stopped quickly. This is why it's crucial to seek a professional diagnosis and treatment when you begin to show the first symptoms of ADHD regardless of your gender.
Self-Esteem
Women who have adhd may have difficulty to maintain a positive self-image. They may feel inferior to their peers and have difficulty accepting compliments. They are prone to make negative assumptions, make generalizations and catastrophize.
This can be particularly difficult because people who suffer from ADHD are sensitive to criticism and rejection. This can cause them to feel self-conscious, especially in areas such as schoolwork, sports and physical appearance. People with ADHD tend to be more likely to face criticism from their parents and teachers for making errors (Manning 2010).
Many adults with adhd experience an overwhelming sense of frustration and failure throughout their lives due to the fact that they aren't able to effectively manage their symptoms. This can lead to an uneasy feeling of self-esteem, and make them more hesitant to engage in future activities and discussions.
Some studies suggest that ADHD symptoms generally can lower self-esteem. However more research is needed 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 disorders (ODDs) had an immediate effect on depression. However, these effects were not affected by self-esteem (Dan and Raz, 2015).
You can improve your low self-esteem. There are many strategies that can be employed to build self-esteem, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. The first step is to identify the thoughts and beliefs that are holding you back. Interrogate these thought patterns and identify whether they are grounded in actual evidence or in irrational assumptions and self-criticisms. Replace these negative beliefs with positive ones.
Another way to boost self-esteem is to think about the positive aspects of your personality and achievements. A journal can be helpful in identifying your strengths and accomplishments. Then, you can put them in a place where you will be reminded of them regularly. You could also participate in charitable work or even volunteer to feel more confident about yourself.
It's also important to locate a therapist or a clinician who has experience treating women with ADHD. They can help you learn how to deal with setbacks and boost your self-esteem. They can also assist you with accommodations at work or at school, which can increase your productivity and achieve success.