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Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults Women can also be affected by ADHD symptoms, but they are more common in boys and men. Symptoms can vary depending on the time of year, and hormonal changes during menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal symptoms can make them worse. Being diagnosed and receiving treatment is the first step. Controlling ADHD with therapy and medication improves relationships, work and school 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 have to do with the structure of the brain or the levels of chemicals such as estrogen. Also, female hormones alter during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopause, which can affect how well ADHD medications work. ADHD symptoms can be disguised or exacerbated by anxiety depression and other mood disorders. Women with these comorbid disorders often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and don't disclose them to their doctor, which makes it difficult to identify and treated. Untreated ADHD can cause many problems in women's lives. For instance, it could make it difficult to keep the job or keep up with schoolwork. It can also cause financial problems, like not paying bills or appointments, and a lack of payment. It can cause low self-esteem and affect relationships. Women with ADHD also have trouble navigating societal expectations of gender roles and tend to internalize symptoms, which can increase their anxiety and difficulties in relationships. The symptoms of ADHD tend to get worse over time. They can be more apparent when a woman is under stress or going through an important life event. For example women might experience more issues with symptoms at home or at work after getting divorced, being pregnant or having children. Women can learn how to manage their symptoms by combining therapy with behavioral strategies. A therapist can assist them to improve their overall performance by teaching them the art of time management and organizational skills. You may also find it beneficial working with an ADHD coach, or to join an ADHD support group. Diagnosis Girls and women may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis because of gender stereotypes and a tendency to conceal 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 gender, women and girls are more likely to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed compared to boys and men. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can show up as a lack of focus, confusion or difficulty managing time at home and at work. This can lead to delayed appointments, difficulties paying bills on time and difficulty keeping up with work or school 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, as well as at school. For a long time, ADHD has been considered a disorder that affects only males and girls. The initial studies on ADHD focused on the behaviors of boys who were hyperactive, which helped define diagnostic criteria and rating scales still in use today. This led to the notion 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. Untreated ADHD can cause teenagers and girls to struggle with their lives as adults. Their struggles to manage their finances, keep a clean home and manage their daily routines can result in feelings of being inadequate. Women can also be affected by mood disorders such as anxiety and depression that can make it more difficult to seek treatment. Treatment There are a variety of treatment options available for people suffering from ADHD. This 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 anxiety and depression symptoms. Your doctor will consult with you about the medications that are the best for you. Your doctor might also suggest therapy in addition to medication. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and increase your confidence in yourself. They can teach you healthy ways to cope and assist your family members comprehend your condition. They can also provide cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones or family psychoeducation that helps your loved ones better comprehend your ADHD and develop coping strategies. Women may have different ADHD symptoms than men. For example, a woman with inattentive-type ADHD might struggle to stay organized at home and work or be unable to remember appointments and bills. In contrast, a woman with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may be more disruptive in social and professional settings. This means that they might feel misunderstood, or even embarrassed by their behavior. The fluctuation in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause can affect how your ADHD symptoms manifest. The treatment you receive will depend on your current hormone levels, your age and stage of life. You may find that your symptoms improve when you're pregnant because the surge of estrogen can help regulate the chemical imbalance in the brain. Your doctor might also suggest that you take part in a research study. These studies explore new ways to prevent, detect or treat diseases and conditions. Medication Women with ADHD have particular difficulties in managing their symptoms. They have to deal with an intricate interaction between gender expectations and executive function problems. They must also deal with sensitivity to rejection, which can cause feelings of shame when they don't meet social expectations. This dynamic can make it difficult for them to establish and keep relationships. They may develop coping strategies to cover up their issues, and they may attempt to blend in. This may mask their ADHD symptoms. In addition, they struggle to identify their own distressing emotions and often assume that their behavior is “normal.” Due to these reasons this makes it harder for women and girls to get a clear diagnosis than males and females. Furthermore their symptoms tend to be more unresponsive than hyperactive and do not easily trigger concern. This can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Medications help manage the chemical imbalances that trigger the symptoms of ADHD in women and girls. The stimulant drugs are usually the first option for those suffering from the disorder, but they must be carefully watched as some people may suffer a serious reaction these drugs. There are also non-stimulant medications available, and these medications can be combined with psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments to improve symptoms. They should inform their healthcare provider about any prior issues with ADHD. They can then use this information to develop an treatment plan. They may also request their health care providers to refer them to an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating ADHD for girls and women. These professionals can provide counseling and psychotherapy, lifestyle management techniques, job and school accommodations and other treatments that help them better manage their ADHD symptoms. Support Women suffering from ADHD have a myriad of difficulties, including misdiagnosis and unrecognized symptoms. The scales used to rate ADHD tend to be skewed towards male-dominated behaviors. Women who suffer from ADHD also tend to develop internalized symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Women also have different symptom presentations, with inattentive symptoms being more frequent than hyperactive or hyperactive symptoms. In the beginning, you should talk to your primary care physician. They will assess your symptoms, and recommend you to an expert in mental health. Many women find that having a diagnosis can help them recognize their struggles and manage them more effectively. Typically doctors will prescribe medications to control brain activity and manage symptoms. Most stimulant medications are prescribed, but non-stimulants are an option for some people. Doctors can also prescribe therapy, like cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which can assist people in changing negative thoughts and behaviors. They can also offer advice on how to improve communication and relationships. The treatment of symptoms of ADHD requires support from loved ones. adhd in adult women and therapy for families can help people understand the challenges ADHD poses in their lives. They can also learn to manage issues caused by inattention or impulsive behavior, such as inability to make decisions or forgetfulness. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to seek help or admit they need help. A doctor can assist them in overcoming this obstacle by helping them explain how ADHD affects their lives and by giving them strategies to improve their performance at school and at work. They can also ask their co-workers or teachers for small adjustments to help them achieve their goals in school or at work.