The ADHD Experience Through the Eyes of a Woman and Its Symptoms

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a disease that is well-known in the field of mental health. It is possible for it to interfere with a person’s executive functioning, their social skills, their ability to sit still or control their impulses, and their capacity to interact with others. ADHD is more prevalent in children than in adults, and a diagnosis of ADHD is made in males more frequently than in girls. Because of this, a significant number of people do not have enough knowledge of the indications and symptoms of ADHD in females.

One can acquire ADHD, despite the fact that adult women may experience its symptoms in a variety of unique ways.

The Gender Bias in ADHD

Over the course of many years, medical professionals diagnosed ADHD in males at a considerably higher rate than they did in girls. In more recent years, there has been a decline in the gender bias that formerly existed in ADHD diagnosis. There was a time when there were 25 times as many guys diagnosed with ADHD as there were females. Today, a diagnosis of ADHD is almost three times more likely to be given to boys than they are to girls.

Despite this, one should not automatically conclude that the prevalence of ADHD in girls is lower than that in boys. Hyperactivity and impulsive behavior are common signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in males. These symptoms are simple to see and are strongly related with ADHD. Internalized or subtly manifested ADHD is more likely to be seen in females. They are less likely to be diagnosed as a result of this, since school counselors and physicians are less likely to send them for examination as a result of this.

According to the findings of recent studies, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects almost twice as many males as it does women. It is believed that the true prevalence of ADHD in adults is almost equal between men and women by the time they reach maturity. This indicates that the prevalence of ADHD among adult men and women is equal to one another. However, a significant number of women who have ADHD have never been properly identified. ADHD affects around 2.5% of adults.

A look at the telltale signs and symptoms of ADHD in females

Women who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are more likely to experience signs of inattention or internalization than hyperactivity. These are frequently more difficult to recognize. It’s possible that people will shrug them off as harmless personality quirks or ascribe them to the fact that the individual is cheerful or gregarious. In addition, many women find that they need to adopt disciplined coping techniques in order to be able to conceal the effects of ADHD.

Some girls and women exhibit classic signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as acting impulsively or being hyperactive. It is more probable that a diagnosis of ADHD will be given to these women. According to the findings of several studies, girls who have been diagnosed with ADHD tend to have the most severe symptoms of the condition compared to all other persons with ADHD diagnoses.This is probably due to the fact that less severe instances of ADHD in women and girls are frequently misdiagnosed.

Here’s what ADHD symptoms in a woman could look like:

Inattention Symptoms:

• Demonstrates a lack of care and attention to detail by making thoughtless blunders. It’s possible that she’ll mess up supper or send an email to the incorrect person.
  
• It might appear that this person does not listen or has difficulty remaining attentive. It’s possible that she will ask you to repeat yourself rather often.
  
• Having trouble staying organized, this person may have a cluttered living space, workplace, or vehicle.
  
• Has difficulties following orders, which creates problems for them at work.
  
• Is prone to being sidetracked or regularly misplacing items. It’s possible that she’s looking for her phone or keys all the time.
  
• Stays away from activities that take your whole attention, such as filling out paperwork or filing taxes.

Internalized Symptoms

• Daydreaming
• Having a racing mind and having difficulty focusing on the issue at hand
• Depression
• Anxiety
• The fear of being rejected, which can lead to relationships that are unhealthy
• Adopting self-coping skills to disguise the symptoms of ADHD, which take a significant amount of incredibly hard effort and self-discipline.

Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms

• A person who talks too much or too rapidly.
• Continually fidgets or moves about.
• Demonstrates impulsivity, including engaging in sexual activity at a young age or with reckless abandon
• Capable of quickly making friends yet unable to maintain either platonic or romantic relationships.

When You Should See a Medical Professional

If you think you might have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you should go to a medical professional who has expertise diagnosing ADHD in adult women. This is of the utmost importance in the event that symptoms such as disorganization or difficulties sustaining connections are having a negative impact on your professional life, your family life, or your personal life.

Even if you have already discussed ADHD with another healthcare professional, you should still make an appointment with your primary care physician. The diagnosis of ADHD in a great number of female patients who had previously been assessed was overlooked. It’s possible that this is because they have healthy coping strategies in place. Or the psychiatrist may have diagnosed them with a mood disorder such as sadness or anxiety, both of which are prevalent in women who have ADHD.

Treatment

A treatment plan for someone who has been diagnosed with ADHD may consist of psychotherapies, alterations to their way of life, as well as medication. It is up to you and your physician to choose what is best for you.

When treating ADHD in female patients, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Women who have ADHD may experience a worsening of their symptoms if their estrogen levels drop. These changes in hormone levels can be brought on by a woman’s menstrual cycle, birth control, pregnancy, or menopause, among other things. In addition, a significant number of women who have ADHD require the assistance of a healthcare practitioner who is able to address co-occurring disorders, such as poor self-esteem, depression, anxiety, or addiction to substances. These conditions are prevalent among women who have ADHD.

It may take some trial and error for you to develop a treatment plan that is effective for you; thus, it is useful to understand the pillars that are included in treatment programs for women who have ADHD.

Medications

Many persons who struggle with ADHD benefit greatly from the use of medication. Medication, both stimulant and non-stimulant, can be helpful in reducing the symptoms of ADHD. This makes it simpler to keep them under control through adjustments to one’s way of life and behavioral therapies. When estrogen levels drop after menopause, some women with ADHD seek treatment with hormone replacement therapy in order to better control the symptoms of their condition.

Although not all people with ADHD will benefit from medication, studies have shown that it is more effective than a placebo at reducing the symptoms of ADHD. Amphetamines are the most effective treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. Having said that, you really ought to discuss this matter with your primary care physician.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Many women may experience significant disruptions in their social lives as well as their mental health as a result of having ADHD. As a result of this, a significant number of women might benefit from therapy. Your ability to handle the symptoms of ADHD and the repercussions of ADHD, such as sadness, anxiety, and poor self-esteem, can be improved by working with a counselor who has experience in the field.

Research has indicated that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial when used on its own to treat some of the symptoms of ADHD in adults. When combined with traditional medical treatments for ADHD, its efficacy is increased significantly.

Lifestyle changes

Many women who have ADHD have already discovered modifications in their lifestyles that help them better control the symptoms of their condition. When you feel as though your ADHD symptoms are getting the better of you, experimenting with different ways to adjust your lifestyle may help you regain control.

Your ADHD symptoms will help determine which lifestyle treatments are the most effective for you. Some women find that focusing on their diet and getting regular exercise is the most effective way to manage their symptoms. Others seek the guidance of career mentors or professional organizers to assist them in overcoming their shortcomings and maximizing their potential. There are even ADHD coaches available that will assist you in working on the particular difficulties and objectives that you have set for yourself in order to lessen the influence that ADHD has on your life.

In conclusion, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is underdiagnosed in females because clinicians frequently fail to detect the signs and symptoms of ADHD in women. Even while some women who have this illness also exhibit hyperactivity, the vast majority of women suffer symptoms of inattentiveness as well as internalized symptoms such as despair or worry. Nevertheless, ADHD may have a significant influence, whether it be on a person’s professional or personal life.

Consult a physician who is experienced in identifying ADHD in adult women if you believe that the symptoms of ADHD are preventing you from realizing all of the potential that you are capable of. They are able to assist you in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and locating a treatment plan that is suitable for your needs.