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Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults Women can also suffer from ADHD symptoms, though they are more common in boys and men. The symptoms can vary based on the season due to hormonal fluctuations that occur during menstruation or pregnancy, or menopausal symptoms. Treatment and diagnosis are essential first steps. Controlling ADHD through medication and therapy improves relationships, school and work performance. Symptoms Women with ADHD often have inattentive symptoms rather than the hyperactive/impulsive type more common in boys and men. This could be due to with the structure of the brain or the levels of chemicals such as estrogen. Female hormones also change throughout the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy which affects the way ADHD medication works. Symptoms of ADHD can also be disguised by a variety of mood disorders, like depression and anxiety. Women with these comorbid conditions tend to feel more embarrassed about their symptoms and aren't able to report them to their doctors and make it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. Untreated ADHD can cause a variety of issues in the daily routine of a woman. It can be challenging to maintain the pace of work or manage schoolwork. It can also lead to financial problems, like missing payments or forgetting about appointments and bills. It can affect relationships and create feelings of low self-esteem. Women with ADHD struggle to navigate gender roles that society expects of them. adhd symptoms in women test tend to internalize their symptoms, which can lead to more stress and relationship issues. The symptoms of ADHD are likely to worsen over time. They may also be more noticeable when women are stressed or going through a major life event. When a woman is divorced, becomes pregnant, or has children, she might experience more issues with symptoms at home or at work. Women can manage their symptoms through the use of behavioral strategies and therapy. A therapist can assist them to improve their overall functioning by teaching them how to manage their time and organize their lives. You may also find it beneficial working with an ADHD coach, or to join an ADHD support group. Diagnosis Females and females may struggle to receive a clear diagnosis due to gender stereotypes and a 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 variation in symptom manifestations females and girls tend to be misdiagnosed more frequently than males and females. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can show up as forgetfulness, disorganization or problems with time management at work and home. This may result in missing appointments, having trouble paying bills on time and difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or work. 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 disruption to relationships, affect school and work performance and cause issues at home or in a relationship. For many years, ADHD has been considered as a condition that only affects males and boys. The first studies on ADHD mostly focused on the behavior of boys who were hyperactive, which helped to shape the diagnostic criteria and rating scales still in use today. This led to the assumption that ADHD was a problem only for boys. Many girls and women weren't diagnosed with ADHD because their behavior was not in line with the stereotypes. As girls and adolescent girls grow into adults, they may have issues navigating everyday life with untreated ADHD. In addition, their struggles to organize their finances, maintain their home clean and maintain routines in their lives can cause feelings of inadequate. Depression and anxiety can also co-occur with ADHD in women, which may make it more difficult to seek treatment. Treatment There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD that include 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 can also help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Your doctor will inform you about which medications are the best for you. In addition to medications Your doctor may also recommend therapy. Specialized therapists in ADHD can show you how to manage your symptoms, and also help you build self-esteem. They can help you learn healthy coping techniques and help your family members be aware of the condition. They can also provide cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to identify negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones or psychoeducation for the family, which helps your loved ones understand your ADHD and develop coping skills. 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 forget about 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 feel ashamed or misunderstood because of their symptoms. Changes in hormone levels during menstrual cycle, menopausal cycle and pregnancy could affect your ADHD symptoms. Your treatment plan depends on your current hormonal levels as well as your age and stage of life. You may notice that your symptoms improve during pregnancy, when the surge of estrogen can neutralize the chemical imbalance in your brain. Your doctor may also recommend that you take part in a study conducted by a clinical researcher. These studies investigate new methods to prevent and treat diseases, as well as detect and conditions. Medication Women with ADHD face particular issues when it comes down to managing their symptoms. They have to deal with a complex interaction between gender expectations and executive function problems. They also have to deal with the sensitivity of rejection which can cause them to feel embarrassed when they fail to meet social expectations. This is a contributing factor to their difficulty in establishing and maintaining relationships. They may develop coping strategies to cover up their issues and try to fit into the crowd, which may mask their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to recognize their own anxiety and are often tempted to believe that their behaviors are “normal.” Because of these factors, it's harder for girls and women to get an accurate diagnosis than men and boys. Moreover the symptoms of women tend to be less severe and attentive, rather than hyperactive. This makes them less likely to raise concerns. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The medications assist in reducing the chemical imbalances which trigger the symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. Stimulant medications are typically the first option for patients suffering from ADHD, however they must be monitored because some people can experience a serious reaction to these drugs. Non-stimulant medications are also available. These medications can be combined psychotherapy and behavioral treatments in order to improve symptoms. They should inform their healthcare provider about any past issues with ADHD. They can then use this information to formulate a treatment plan. They can also ask their health professionals to refer them to a mental health professional with expertise in treating ADHD for girls and women. These professionals can provide psychotherapy and counseling, lifestyle management techniques including school and job accomodations and other treatments to assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms. Support Women with ADHD have a myriad of challenges that can lead to misdiagnosis and a lack of recognition of symptoms. Rating scales for ADHD tend to favor male behaviors, and females with ADHD tend to develop more internalized symptoms like depression and anxiety (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women tend to have different symptoms, with inattention symptom appearance being more frequent than hyperactive or impulse symptoms. The first step is to speak to a primary care physician. They will assess your symptoms and refer you to a mental health professional. Many women find that having a diagnosis helps them face their challenges more efficiently and better manage them. Typically doctors prescribe medications to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. Non-stimulant medications are also available for some people. Doctors may also recommend therapies, like cognitive behavior therapy, which can help people change negative thought patterns and behaviors. They can also give suggestions on how to improve communication and relationships. The treatment of symptoms of ADHD requires the support of loved ones. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people comprehend the difficulties ADHD can bring to their lives. They can also learn how to manage issues caused by impulsive or inattentive behavior, such as inability to make decisions or forgetfulness. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to ask for assistance or admit that they require assistance. A doctor can help them overcome this hurdle by helping them understand how ADHD impacts their lives, and also by giving them strategies to help them perform better at work and school. They can also ask their coworkers as well as teachers for minor accommodations to help them succeed in their jobs or classes.