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Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults Women can also suffer from ADHD symptoms, but they are more prevalent in boys and men. The symptoms may change based on the season, due to hormonal fluctuations that occur during menstruation or pregnancy, or menopausal symptoms. Getting diagnosed and receiving treatment is the first step. Controlling ADHD with medication and therapy can improve 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 have to do with brain structure or levels of chemicals like estrogen. Also, female hormones change throughout the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy and can impact the way ADHD medications work. ADHD symptoms can be disguised or exacerbated by anxiety depression, and other mood disorders. People with these comorbid disorders tend to feel more embarrassed about their symptoms and don't inform their doctors and make it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. Untreated ADHD can cause issues in many areas of a woman's life. 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 forgetting appointments and bills. It can affect relationships and create feelings of low self-esteem. Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time navigating gender roles of society. They are also more likely to internalize their symptoms and this can cause an increase in stress and relationship problems. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse as time passes. They may also become more obvious when a person is stressed or undergoing a major life event. After a woman gets divorced, becomes pregnant, or has children, she might have more difficulty with symptoms at work or home. Women can manage their symptoms with a combination of therapy and behavioral strategies. Therapists can help them develop organizational and time management skills and aid in improving their overall functioning. They may benefit from working with an ADHD coach or attending an ADHD support group. Diagnosis Females and females may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis because of gender stereotypes and the 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 symptom presentation gender, women and girls are more likely to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as compared to males and females. The signs of inattention ADHD can manifest as disorganization, forgetfulness or difficulty with time management at work and home. This can lead to delays in appointments, problems paying bills on schedule 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 symptoms can lead to problems in relationships, at work and school and at home. For a long time, ADHD was thought to be a disorder that only affected males and girls. The early studies of ADHD focused on hyperactive boys' behaviors which influenced the diagnostic criteria and rating systems employed today. This led to the assumption that ADHD only affected males as well as girls and women were not diagnosed due to the fact that their behavior didn't match the typical stereotypes of the disorder. As girls and adolescent girls become adults, they may have issues navigating everyday life with untreated ADHD. Additionally the struggles they face to organize their finances, keep their home clean and maintain daily routines can result in feelings of inadequate. Women can also be affected by mood issues like anxiety and depression that makes it more difficult to seek treatment. Treatment There are a variety of treatment options available to adults with ADHD. This 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 can also help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Your doctor will talk with you the medications that are the most suitable for your condition. Your doctor may also suggest therapy in addition to medication. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and build confidence in yourself. They can also help you learn healthy coping strategies and assist your family members in understanding your condition. They can offer cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches to identify negative thoughts and replace with more realistic ones. They could also offer psychoeducation for the family, which can help your loved one to comprehend ADHD and develop strategies for coping. Women may have ADHD symptoms that differ from men. For example, a woman with inattentive-type ADHD may have trouble staying organised at home and at 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 may feel slighted or even ashamed of their condition. Changes in hormone levels during the menstrual period, menopausal cycle and pregnancy could affect your ADHD symptoms. adhd in women symptoms will be based on the current levels of hormones and your age and stage of life. You may notice that your symptoms get better during pregnancy, as the surge of estrogen can help balance the chemicals in your brain. Your doctor may recommend participating in a clinical trial. These studies are designed to find new ways to prevent, detect or treat illnesses. Medication Women suffering from ADHD have their own particular challenges when it comes to managing their symptoms. They must deal with a complicated interplay between gender expectations and executive function issues. They also have to deal with rejection sensitivity, which can cause feelings of shame when they don't meet social expectations. This can cause difficulties in establishing and maintaining relationships. They may develop coping strategies to cover up their issues, and may even try to fit in. This can mask ADHD symptoms. They may also be unable to acknowledge their own feelings of distress and often assume that their behavior is “normal.” Because of these reasons due to these factors, women and girls are less likely than men and boys to receive a precise diagnosis. In addition their symptoms tend to be less severe and more attentive, rather than hyperactive. This means they are less likely to cause concern. This can cause them to be undiagnosed and delayed in treatment. The drugs help to control the chemical imbalances that trigger the symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. Drugs that stimulate are usually the first choice for these patients. However, they need to be monitored closely as some people may have a serious response to these medications. There are also non-stimulant medicines available. These drugs can be combined psychotherapy and behavioral treatments to alleviate symptoms. The individuals should inform their healthcare provider about any prior issues with ADHD. They can use this information to formulate an treatment plan. They can also ask their health professionals to refer them to a mental health professional who has experience in treating ADHD in women and girls. These specialists may offer psychotherapy and counseling as well as lifestyle management strategies, job and school accommodations and other therapies that help them better manage their ADHD symptoms. Support Women with ADHD can face a variety of challenges, including misdiagnosis and unrecognized symptoms. Rating scales for ADHD are skewed toward male behaviors, and females who suffer from the condition are more likely to experience more internalized symptoms like anxiety and depression (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women also have different symptom presentations with inattention symptoms being more frequent than hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. The first step is to talk with your primary healthcare provider. They can evaluate your symptoms, and refer you to an expert in mental health. Many women find that having a diagnosis helps them accept their difficulties more efficiently and effectively manage them. A doctor will typically prescribe medication to help regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. Most stimulant medications are prescribed but non-stimulants are an option for a few people. Doctors can also prescribe therapy, like cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which can help people change negative thoughts and behavior. They can also provide advice on ways to improve communication and improve relationships. To manage the symptoms of ADHD requires the support of loved ones. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people understand the challenges ADHD poses in their lives. They can also learn to overcome issues that result from impulsive or inattention behavior, such as forgetfulness and difficulty making decisions. Many people with ADHD have a hard time getting help or admitting they need assistance. A doctor can help them overcome this hurdle by helping them understand how ADHD affects their lives and also by giving them strategies to improve their performance at work and school. They may also ask their coworkers or teachers for small adjustments that will help them succeed in class or at work.