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Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults Women can also suffer from ADHD symptoms, although they are more common in men and boys. The symptoms can change at different times, as hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause can cause them to worsen. Getting diagnosed and receiving treatment is the first step. Controlling ADHD with medication and therapy 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 be related with brain structure or the levels of chemicals such as estrogen. Also, female hormones change during menstrual cycles and during pregnancy which affects the way ADHD medications work. ADHD symptoms can be concealed or worsened by anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. Women with these comorbid disorders often feel ashamed of their symptoms and are reluctant to inform their doctor, which makes it difficult to diagnose and treated. Untreated ADHD can create problems in many areas of a woman's daily life. It can be challenging to maintain a career or manage schoolwork. It can also lead to financial problems, like not paying bills or appointments, and missing payments. It can result in low self-esteem, which can affect relationships. Women with ADHD are also unable to navigate societal expectations of gender roles and are more likely to internalize symptoms, which can lead to their distress and difficulty with relationships. The signs of ADHD can worsen as time goes by. They can be more apparent when an individual is stressed or is going through a major life event. For example, a woman might have more trouble with symptoms at workplace or at home after getting divorced, pregnant or having children. Women can learn to manage their symptoms by combining therapy and behavioral strategies. A therapist can help them improve their overall performance by teaching them how to manage their time and organize their lives. They could also benefit from working with an ADHD coach or attending an ADHD support group. Diagnosis Because of gender stereotypes, females and girls might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis due to 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 boys and men. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can manifest as a lack of focus, confusion or problems with time management at work and home. This may result in missed appointments, trouble paying bills on time, and difficulties completing 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 symptoms can cause problems in relationships, at work and at home, as well as at school. For a long time, ADHD has been considered an illness that affects only males and boys. The early studies of ADHD focused primarily on the behaviors of boys who were hyperactive and helped to develop the diagnostic criteria and rating systems still in use today. This led to the notion that ADHD was only a problem for male children. Many women and girls weren't diagnosed with ADHD because their behavior did not fit the stereotypes. Untreated ADHD can cause teenagers and girls to have difficulty navigating their lives as adults. In addition their struggles to manage their finances, maintain an orderly home and keep up with daily routines can result in feelings of being inadequate. Women can also be affected by mood disorders such as depression and anxiety which can make it more difficult to seek treatment. Treatment There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD that include 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 decrease depression and anxiety symptoms. Your doctor will talk with you which medications are most appropriate for your particular condition. In addition to medication Your doctor may also recommend therapy. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. They can help you learn healthy coping techniques and help your family members to understand the condition. They can offer cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you identify negative thoughts and replace with more realistic ones. Or they can offer psychoeducation for the family, which can help your loved ones understand ADHD and develop coping techniques. Women may have different ADHD symptoms in comparison to men. Women with inattention ADHD may find it difficult to keep track of their time at home and at work or forget 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. Changing hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause can affect how your ADHD symptoms manifest. The treatment plan you choose to follow is based on your current hormone levels as well as your age and stage of life. adhd symptoms in women may notice that your symptoms are better during pregnancy, when estrogen levels rise to balance out the chemicals in your brain. Your doctor might also suggest taking part in a clinical trial. These trials are designed to discover new methods to detect, prevent or treat illnesses. Medication Women who suffer from ADHD have their own unique issues when it comes down to managing their symptoms. They have to deal with a complex interaction between gender expectations and executive function issues. They must also contend 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 difficulty in maintaining and establishing relationships. They may develop strategies for coping to hide their struggles and try to blend in, which can mask their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to recognize their own feelings of distress and often assume that their behaviors are “normal.” Because of these issues, it's harder for girls and women to get an accurate diagnosis than boys and men. In addition the symptoms of women are more likely to be unresponsive than hyperactive and do not easily trigger concern. This can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. The medications help control the chemical imbalances that cause the symptoms of ADHD among women and girls. These medications are often the first option for those suffering from the disorder, but they must be carefully watched as some people may have a serious reaction to these drugs. Non-stimulant drugs are also available, and these medications can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other behavioral treatments to improve symptoms. These individuals should tell their healthcare provider about any past issues with ADHD. They can then use this information to create a treatment plan. They could also ask their health care providers to refer them to a mental health professional who has expertise in treating ADHD both in girls and women. These professionals can provide counseling and psychotherapy and lifestyle management techniques, job accommodations, and school accommodations. Support Women who suffer from ADHD have a myriad of challenges, including misdiagnosis and unrecognized symptoms. Rating scales for ADHD tend to favor male behaviors, and women with ADHD tend to suffer from more internalized signs like depression and anxiety (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women tend to have different symptoms, with inattention symptom manifestation being more prevalent than hyperactive or impulse symptoms. The first step is talking to a primary health care provider. They can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to an expert in mental health. Many women discover that having a diagnosis can help them accept their challenges and manage them more effectively. Typically, a doctor will prescribe medication to control brain activity and reduce symptoms. Non-stimulant medications are also available for some people. Doctors may also prescribe therapy, like cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which can help people overcome negative thoughts and behaviors. They can also advise on ways to improve communication and improve relationships. Support from family members is essential for managing the symptoms of ADHD. Counseling for marriage and family therapy can help people to understand the challenges that ADHD presents in their lives. They can also learn to deal with problems that may result from impulsive or inattention behavior, like forgetfulness and difficulty making decisions. Many people who suffer from ADHD have a hard time seeking assistance or admitting that they require assistance. A doctor can help overcome this obstacle by explaining how ADHD affects their lives and teaching them strategies for coping to help them perform better in school and at work. They can also request coworkers and teachers for minor adjustments to make it easier to succeed in their jobs or classes.