Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women with ADHD may be hyperactive, rushing through life at a high speed until they collapse due to the stress. They could also be hypoactive, unable to find the energy needed to accomplish daily tasks.
Women and girls can also suffer from co-occurring disorders like disordered eating, anxiety, mood disorders, depression, tic disorders, and fibromyalgia.
Symptoms
ADHD in women is often not recognized, partly due to societal expectations for women and girls, as well as the coping strategies they develop to hide their symptoms. This can lead to lifelong struggles with school, work, relationships and daily tasks. It can also trigger anxiety and depression. ADHD symptoms in women include executive function issues, memory and organizational issues, impulsivity, and problems with social boundaries.
A diagnosis of ADHD in women can be a moment of light and help explain why they have struggled all their lives, and giving them an external reason for why they behave as they do. A diagnosis can give women the confidence and strength to manage their symptoms.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary depending on the season and hormonal fluctuations, especially estrogen. Estrogen decreases during ovulation and in the middle of the menstrual cycle, and also during pregnancy and after menopause. This can lead to significant fluctuations in ADHD symptoms, as they can rise and fall daily.
A few signs of ADHD for women that are not often noticed are mood changes and a tendency for women to overreact or become easily frustrated by small things. They can be hard to be understood by male friends or colleagues who may interpret these behaviors as emotional instability. They may not realize that these symptoms are related to ADHD, and as a result they are often dismissed even by medical professionals.
Hormones can impact the effectiveness of medications or their interactions with other mental illnesses. It is not uncommon for other mental health disorders to occur in conjunction with ADHD, including depression and anxiety disorders which can mask or exacerbate ADHD symptoms. It's crucial to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis from a specialist.
Getting enough exercise can aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms, as it releases neurotransmitters that improve concentration and increase attention. Regular exercise can reduce stress and anxiety, which are common among those with ADHD. It's a great idea to find a kind of exercise that you enjoy so that you can stick with it and make it part of your daily routine.
Treatment
As girls mature into women, untreated ADHD symptoms continue to disrupt their lives. If not treated, it can be difficult for women to handle their work or take care of family members. Maintaining healthy relationships with loved ones can be difficult. Women with ADHD can feel unhappy when they aren't able to meet their peers' expectations or meet the challenges of life.
When women enter puberty, ADHD symptoms can be more subtle than the male counterparts. The symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the fluctuation in hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone. These fluctuations can lead to symptoms that are misinterpreted and even exacerbated. For example when estrogen levels decrease at the time of ovulation, and during menstrual cycles or when progesterone levels are high in anticipation of menopausal or pregnancy emotional symptoms can become a more prominent part of the ADHD experience.
In adulthood, hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms are more evident than in childhood. This can lead women to be more likely to be diagnosed of ADHD. However, many people with the disorder aren't diagnosed because their symptoms are masked by stress and lack of ability to cope.
There are effective treatments available for women suffering from ADHD. They include medications and psychotherapy. It is essential to find a therapist or professional who is experienced in treating ADHD both in women and girls. It's also beneficial to seek out an online support group where you can connect with other women who suffer from ADHD and share ideas about how to manage the condition in your unique way.
The NIMH's Clinical Trials Search page allows you to search for studies that might be suitable for you. You can also talk to your physician about taking part in a research study. You could learn new information about science by taking part in a research study. You may also be able to help researchers in learning more about ways to prevent, treat and improve the quality of life for patients. Speak to your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of taking part in a clinical trial. In some instances researchers will pay for the costs involved in taking part in a study.
Gender
ADHD symptoms are a result of a problem with executive function, which is the brain-based activity that helps you manage your mood, focus and impulse control. The symptoms differ for each person who suffers from ADHD however, generally the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms are more common in males and females, while the inattentive symptoms are more prevalent in females. 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 diagnosed and treated.
Women are more likely to exhibit the inattention symptoms of ADHD which can include difficulties paying attention, focusing on tasks and losing track of important details. These difficulties can make them suffer at school or at work. In addition, those who suffer from ADHD might struggle to maintain friendships or romantic relationships because of their difficulty regulating emotions and communicating.
Females with ADHD have a harder time finding and keeping jobs, despite being more qualified than male counterparts. This gap is not fully recognized. It could be due to stereotypes about women that cause teachers and employers to be less likely to suggest treatment for women suffering from ADHD.
Researchers have found that women suffering from ADHD tend to hide their symptoms. This is when they come up with strategies to cope with their challenges and meet societal expectations. This can be helpful in the short term, but it isn't long-term sustainable. 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 suffering from ADHD may also suffer from depression or other mental disorders, making it more difficult to treat and diagnose. Internalized shame can lead to depression and low self-esteem. Women with ADHD are also more likely to have suicidal thoughts or attempts which could lead to death in the event that they are not addressed promptly. It is essential to seek professional help and diagnosis the moment you first notice the symptoms of ADHD.
Self-Esteem
Women with adhd may struggle to maintain a positive image of themselves. They may feel like they are less than their peers and have difficulty accepting compliments. They can also be prone to overgeneralize, catastrophizing and make assumptions that can lead to negative self-talk.
This is especially problematic because people suffering from ADHD tend to be sensitive to rejection and criticism. This can lead to a lower self-esteem in a range of domains, including schoolwork as well as sports and physical appearance. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD tend to be more likely to be reprimanded from parents and teachers when they make mistakes (Manning 2010).
Many adults with adhd are frustrated and feel like they're failing throughout their lives, because they aren't able to manage their symptoms. This can lead to low self-esteem and a refusal to engage in activities or conversations.
Some studies suggest that all ADHD symptoms can affect self-esteem, however more research is needed to clarify the connection. For example, in one study, severe inattentive symptoms decreased self-perceptions of scholastic competence, but hyperactive-impulsive symptoms did not affect these domains. Additionally, oppositional defiant disorders (ODD) symptoms have a direct effect on depression, but these effects weren't caused by self-esteem (Dan Raz and Raz, 2015).
If you're having a difficult time overcoming your self-esteem issues, the good news is that it is possible to change it. There are a variety of strategies that can be employed to boost self-esteem, including cognitive behavioral therapy. The first step is to recognize the thoughts and beliefs that are holding you back. Examine these patterns of thought and determine if they are founded on concrete evidence or in irrational assumptions and self-criticisms. Then, replace these negative beliefs with more positive ones.
Another way to boost self-esteem is to think about positive aspects of your personality and accomplishments. A journal can be extremely helpful in identifying your strengths and achievements. Then, you can place them in a place where you'll be reminded of them regularly. You can also try volunteering or doing other charitable tasks to feel confident about yourself.
In the end, it's essential to find a therapist or therapist who is experienced in treating women suffering from ADHD. They can assist you in finding ways to increase your self-esteem and provide strategies to deal with setbacks. They can also assist you to get accommodations at work or school that can increase the efficiency of your work and boost your success.