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Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults Although ADHD symptoms are more common in males and females however, women can be affected by the disorder too. The symptoms can vary based on the time of the year, due to hormonal fluctuations that occur during menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal. Being diagnosed and receiving treatment is an important first step. Managing ADHD through therapy and medication improves relationships, school and work 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 brain structure or levels of chemicals like estrogen. Female hormones can change during menstrual periods, pregnancy, and perimenopause. This can affect the effectiveness of ADHD medications. The symptoms of ADHD can also be masked by a variety of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Women with these comorbid disorders often feel ashamed of their symptoms and are reluctant to disclose them to their doctor, making it difficult to identify and treated. Untreated ADHD can cause problems in many aspects of a woman's life. For instance, it can make it difficult to maintain the job or keep up with schoolwork. It can also cause financial problems, like not paying bills or appointments, and missing payments. It can 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 their symptoms, which can increase their stress and anxiety in relationships. The symptoms of ADHD tend to get worse as time passes. They may also become evident when a woman is stressed or going through an important life event. After a woman gets divorced or is pregnant or has children, she could have more difficulty with symptoms at work or home. Women can learn to manage their symptoms through combining therapy and behavioral strategies. A therapist can teach them how to manage time and organize their schedules and assist in improving their overall performance. You may also find it beneficial working with an ADHD coach, or attend an ADHD support group. Diagnosis Girls and women may struggle to get an accurate 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 symptom presentations females and girls tend to be misdiagnosed more often than males and females. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can manifest as disorganization, forgetfulness or problems managing time at home and at work. This can lead to delayed appointments, difficulties paying bills on time and having trouble keeping up with school or work 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 cause problems in relationships, at work, at home, as well as at school. For a long time, ADHD was thought to be a condition that was only affecting males and boys. Early studies of ADHD focused primarily on hyperactive boys' behaviors, which helped shape the diagnostic criteria and rating systems employed today. This led to the belief 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. Untreated ADHD can cause teenagers and girls to have difficulty navigating their lives as adults. Their struggles to manage their finances, maintain a clean home and manage their daily routines can result in feelings of being inadequate. Mood issues such as depression and anxiety may also be associated with ADHD in women, which can hinder their ability to seek treatment. Treatment There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD, including 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 reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Your doctor will discuss with you which medications are the most suitable for your situation. Your doctor may also suggest therapy in addition to medications. Specialized therapists for ADHD can show you how to manage your symptoms and also help you build confidence in yourself. They can help you learn healthy ways to cope and assist your family to comprehend your condition. They can provide cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches you to recognize negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones, or family psychoeducation that helps your loved ones better know about your ADHD and learn coping strategies. Women may have ADHD symptoms that are different from men. For instance women with inattentive-type ADHD may have trouble staying organized at work and home 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 ashamed or misunderstood because of their symptoms. Changes in hormone levels throughout menstrual cycle, menopausal and pregnancy can influence your ADHD symptoms. The treatment plan you choose to follow is based on your current hormonal levels, your age and stage of life. You might notice that your symptoms get better during pregnancy, when estrogen levels increase to help balance the chemicals in your brain. Your doctor may also suggest taking part in a clinical study. These studies investigate new methods to prevent, detect or treat diseases and conditions. Medication Women who suffer from ADHD have particular challenges when it comes to managing their symptoms. They must contend with a complex interplay between gender expectations and executive function problems. They also have to deal with sensitivity to rejection that can lead them to feel embarrassed when they fail to meet social expectations. This is a contributing factor to their difficulties in establishing and maintaining relationships. They may develop coping strategies to conceal their struggles and attempt to blend in, which can mask their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to recognize their own distressing feelings and are often tempted to believe that their behavior is “normal.” Because of these reasons, girls and women are less likely than males and boys to receive a correct diagnosis. Additionally their symptoms tend to be less severe and more inattentive rather than hyperactive. This makes them less likely to cause concern. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The medications help control the chemical imbalances which trigger the symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. The stimulant drugs are usually the first option for these patients, but they must be carefully monitored because some people can experience a serious reaction to these drugs. Other drugs that do not stimulate are also available, and these drugs can be combined with psychotherapy and other behavioral treatments to improve symptoms. They should inform their healthcare provider about any previous difficulties that they have had with ADHD. They can then use this information to develop a treatment plan. They may also request that their health care provider recommends them to a mental healthcare professional who has experience treating ADHD in girls and women. These professionals can provide counseling and psychotherapy as well as lifestyle management strategies including school and job accomodations and other treatments that help them better manage their ADHD symptoms. Support Women who suffer from ADHD have a variety of challenges, such as misdiagnosis or unrecognized signs. Rating scales for ADHD tend to be biased towards male behavior, and women who suffer from the condition are more likely to develop more internalized symptoms like anxiety and depression (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women tend to have different symptoms, with inattentive symptom appearance being more frequent than hyperactive or impulse symptom. In the beginning, you should talk to your primary care provider. They will evaluate your symptoms and recommend you to an expert in mental health. Many women discover that having a diagnosis helps them face their issues and deal with them more effectively. A doctor is likely to prescribe medication to help regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. Non-stimulant medications are also available to certain people. Doctors may also recommend therapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which can help people overcome negative thinking patterns and behaviors. They can also offer advice on ways to improve communication and relationships. To manage the symptoms of ADHD requires support from loved ones. Counseling and therapy for families can help people understand the difficulties ADHD poses in their lives. They can also learn how to handle issues caused by inattention or impulsive behaviors, such as inability to make decisions or forgetfulness. Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to ask for help or admit they need assistance. A doctor can assist them in overcoming this obstacle by helping them explain how ADHD affects their lives and also by providing them with strategies to improve their performance at school and at work. adhd traits in women could also ask their colleagues or teachers for small accommodations that will help them succeed in class or at work.