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Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults Women can also suffer from ADHD symptoms, but they are more prevalent in men and boys. The symptoms can change depending on the season due to hormonal fluctuations that occur during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause. Being diagnosed and receiving treatment is a crucial first step. Managing ADHD by taking therapy and medication 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 the brain's structure or levels like estrogen. The female hormones can also change during the menstrual period, pregnancy, and perimenopause. This could affect the effectiveness of ADHD medication. The symptoms of ADHD are also covered by a variety of mood disorders, like depression and anxiety. Women who suffer from these conditions tend to feel more embarrassed about their symptoms and don't disclose them to their physicians, making it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated. Untreated ADHD can cause issues in many areas of a woman's daily life. For example, it can make it difficult to maintain an occupation or maintain a schedule for schoolwork. It can also cause financial problems, such as forgetting appointments or bills and missing payments. It can also affect relationships and cause feelings of low self-esteem. Women with ADHD also have trouble navigating societal expectations of gender roles and are more likely to internalize symptoms, which can lead to their distress and difficulty with relationships. The symptoms of ADHD can worsen over time. They may also become more obvious when a person is stressed or going through an important life event. If a woman divorces, becomes pregnant or has children, she might experience more issues with symptoms at home or at work. More 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 how to manage their time and organize their lives. They may also benefit from working with an ADHD coach or attending an ADHD support group. Diagnosis Girls and women may struggle to receive a clear diagnosis because of 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. Because of this distinction in the symptom presentation females and girls tend to be misdiagnosed more frequently than boys and men. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can show up as a lack of focus, confusion or difficulties managing time at home and work. This could result in delays in appointments, problems paying bills on schedule and having trouble keeping up with school or work obligations. 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 at home, as well as at school. For many years, ADHD has been considered a disorder that affects only boys and men. The first studies of ADHD mostly focused on the behavior of hyperactive boys, which helped to shape diagnostic criteria and rating scales still in use today. This led to the belief that ADHD only impacted male children, and many girls and women were not diagnosed because their behavior didn't match the typical stereotypes of the disorder. As girls and adolescent girls grow into adults, they could have issues navigating everyday life with untreated ADHD. Additionally the struggles they face to organize their finances, keep an orderly home and keep up with routines in their lives can cause feelings of inadequacy. Mood issues such as depression and anxiety may also co-occur with ADHD in women, which can make it more difficult to seek treatment. Treatment There are a variety of options for treatment for adults 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 depression and anxiety symptoms. Your doctor will discuss with you the medications that best suit your situation. Your doctor may also recommend therapy in addition to medications. Specialized therapists for ADHD can teach you how to manage your symptoms, and also help you build confidence in yourself. They can also help you learn healthy strategies to cope and help your family members understand your condition. They can offer cognitive behavioral therapy which helps you recognize negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones or family psychoeducation that helps your loved ones better know about your ADHD and develop coping strategies. Women may have ADHD symptoms that differ from men. For instance, a woman with inattentive-type ADHD may have trouble staying 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. They may feel uncomfortable or misunderstood due to their symptoms. The changes in hormone levels during the menstrual period, pregnancy and menopause may affect your ADHD symptoms. The treatment plan you choose to follow is based on your current hormone levels as well as your age and stage of life. You may notice that your symptoms are better during pregnancy, when estrogen levels increase to help balance the chemicals in your brain. Your doctor might also suggest that you consider taking part in a clinical trial. These studies are designed to discover new ways to prevent, detect or treat diseases and conditions. Medication Women who suffer from ADHD have their own unique issues when it comes down to managing their symptoms. They must deal with a complex interaction between gender expectations and executive function issues. 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 can make it difficult for them to form and maintain relationships. They may develop strategies for coping to cover up their issues and try to fit in, which can disguise their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to recognize their own feelings of distress and are often tempted to believe that their behaviors are “normal.” Because of these reasons, girls and women are less likely than boys and men to receive a precise diagnosis. Additionally the symptoms of women are more likely to be inattentive than hyperactive and thus do not easily trigger concern. This can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. The medications help control the chemical imbalances that trigger the symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. The stimulant drugs are typically the first choice for these patients. However, they must be monitored carefully as certain individuals may have a significant reaction to these drugs. Other drugs that do not stimulate are also available, and these drugs can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other behavioral treatments to alleviate symptoms. It is essential for people with ADHD to inform their health care provider about any issues they have had prior to being diagnosed to ADHD in order to use this information when creating the treatment plan. They may also request their health care providers to refer them to an expert in mental health who has experience in treating ADHD for girls and women. These specialists may offer counseling and psychotherapy as well as lifestyle management strategies including school and job accomodations and other therapies that aid in managing their ADHD symptoms. Support Women who suffer from ADHD have a variety of issues, including misdiagnosis or unrecognized signs. The scales used to rate ADHD tend to be skewed towards male behaviors. Women who suffer from ADHD also tend to develop internalized symptoms like anxiety and depression. Women have a variety of symptoms, with an inattention appearance being more frequent than hyperactive or impulse symptoms. The first step is to talk to a primary care provider. They will assess your symptoms and refer you to an expert in mental health. Many women find that having a diagnosis helps them face their challenges more efficiently and effectively manage them. A doctor may prescribe medication to help regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. Stimulant medications are most common however, non-stimulants can be an option for a few people. Doctors may also prescribe therapy, like cognitive behavior therapy, to help people change negative thoughts and behaviors. They can also offer suggestions on how to improve relationships and communication. Family support is crucial to tackling the symptoms of ADHD. Marriage counseling and family therapy can help people to understand the challenges ADHD can bring to their lives. They can also learn how to overcome issues that arise from impulsive or inattentive behavior, like memory loss and difficulties in making decisions. Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance or admit that they need help. A doctor can assist them in overcoming this obstacle by helping them explain how ADHD affects their lives and also by giving them strategies to improve their performance at school and work. They may also ask their coworkers or teachers for small accommodations to help them achieve their goals in school or at work.