ADHD in Adult Women
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause women to develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms, making it more difficult for others notice. They might also find it more difficult to be diagnosed, especially as a woman goes through menopause or perimenopausal.
Treatment for adult women with ADHD usually involves therapy and medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts may help, as well as nonstimulants such as atomoxetine and antidepressants.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD often have more trouble understanding their symptoms than boys and men. This makes it more difficult to get the diagnosis and treatment they need. In addition, they might use different coping mechanisms to manage their symptoms, such as hiding or imitating others, which can also affect their self-esteem as well as confidence, and contribute to an inability to recognize that they're struggling.
adhd traits in women of adult adhd in women may include disorganization, difficulty in focusing or concentrating, impulsivity, and forgetfulness. Women and girls suffering from the condition can also have trouble controlling their emotions, which can lead to emotional outbursts which can cause damage to relationships and cause low self-esteem. These symptoms can be made worse by hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy and menopausal.
If you've been diagnosed with adult adhd, your physician is likely to recommend therapy to help you manage your symptoms. It could be cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which will help you identify and alter negative patterns of thinking to more positive ones, or family counseling. Your doctor may also recommend support groups for women with the condition, which will offer you a safe place to talk about your experiences and seek help.
Many people suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from other treatments, including lifestyle adjustments and sleep aids in addition to medication. You can improve your sleep habits by creating a peaceful routine before bedtime or listening to relaxing audiobooks or music before bed and limiting your screen time before going to bed. You can also use techniques to relax, like deep breathing or picturing a calm and peaceful space.
In certain situations, a doctor may ask you to refer you to a specialist. This can help you get an in-depth examination and get better treatment, which is important for your overall health. It will also help your doctor choose the right medication for you. A psychiatrist may prescribe stimulant medication, while a general physician will prescribe non-stimulants. Both types of medication are effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They should be taken as directed by your doctor as the effects differ based on the medication and your sensitivity.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from a variety of treatments including medication management. Start by speaking with your primary care physician. If needed their doctor will refer them to a mental health specialist. The initial assessment will typically include a thorough medical history, questions about their symptoms and their effects on their school, work and relationships.
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms and to help them conform to social expectations and norms. This makes it more difficult to recognize and diagnose ADHD. In addition, hyperactive/impulsive symptoms are more commonly associated with boys and men, so they may be less frequently recognized in girls and women.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is stimulant drugs like the methylphenidate (MPH). NIMH describes this type of medication as "a fast-acting and effective medication to treat ADHD in adults." It can cause a variety of adverse negative effects, however, and can result in addiction in the wrong way if it is not used correctly.
For some people the best treatment is a combination of different medications to treat their symptoms. The exact combination and dose will vary depending on the person, their medical history and their symptoms.
Certain people with ADHD require therapy or other psychological treatments. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people transform negative thoughts into positive ones. It can be beneficial for people with depression or anxiety disorders that co-occur.
Along with therapy lifestyle changes and other self-help techniques can enhance the quality of life of those suffering from ADHD. This includes practicing strategies for managing time in addition to getting enough rest and exercise as well as reducing sugar and caffeine intake, and keeping an organized schedule. It is important to establish boundaries with your family and friends. Last but not least women suffering from ADHD should seek support from groups and organizations in case they haven't before.
Some people suffering from ADHD take part in clinical trials that try new methods of diagnosing, treating and preventing conditions. Speak to your doctor about opportunities for clinical trials. NIMH's Clinical Trials page provides information about how to find studies that could be suitable for you.
Medication
ADHD medication is typically stimulants. However, for some adults, non-stimulant medication may be more effective. Your doctor will prescribe the most effective medication for you depending on your symptoms as well as your age and stage of life. They'll take into account whether you suffer from other health conditions or take certain medication for anxiety or depression that could interact or cause a conflict with ADHD medication.
Girls with ADHD are less likely of being diagnosed, partly because they are more likely to exhibit symptoms that are based on inattention, and are not recognized by teachers or parents. It is also possible that they mask the signs with routinely accepted behaviors such as excessive makeup or daydreaming, making it difficult for doctors to identify the signs. Finding out that you have a diagnosis as an adult can be an "lightbulb moment" for many women, offering them an explanation that is external to the problems they've always blamed on stress or bad habits.
Medications can help improve concentration and organizational skills, but they're not a cure. Your doctor might also suggest therapy and counseling, work or homelife adjustments and lifestyle changes to control your symptoms. It may take some time to find the right combination of treatments for you. Your doctor will assess your progress regularly and modify the treatment plan as needed.
Women tend to respond better to stimulant medications, but this does not mean that non-stimulants cannot be prescribed. Clonidine (Kapvay) or guanfacine (Intuniv and Tenex) are both blood pressure medicines that can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can trigger adverse effects such as heartburn and dry mouth however, they are more likely to fade after a while.
You can regulate your hormones by eating healthy and sleeping enough. It is also possible to discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking part in a clinical trial. These studies are designed to uncover new ways to detect, prevent, or treat illnesses and conditions. But keep in mind that the results of a clinical trial aren't a guarantee that you'll gain from it. The study may be a negative or even dangerous negative side effects, and it's important to weigh the benefits and risks carefully before agreeing to participate.
Self-help
Women suffering from ADHD have unique challenges when compared to men. Recognizing these differences is an important first step toward finding support and locating solutions. Treatment options include medication management, counseling and therapy, lifestyle changes, changes in home and work. Medication can regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. A trained healthcare professional can recommend the dosage of medication best suited to every woman's needs.
Many of the signs of ADHD in women are linked to internal pressures and gender stereotypes. Women can develop strategies for coping to mask their symptoms, and these may be healthy or unhealthy. Women can also be more likely to have coexisting illnesses, such as depression or anxiety and these issues can exacerbate their symptoms. Menstruation or pregnancy can trigger symptoms.
Women with ADHD need to get enough rest and take time to relax. Exercise can boost energy levels and release the positive hormone dopamine that can help improve focus and concentration. Regular social interactions with friends can boost moods and help manage life with ADHD.
Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of significant negative effects on their lives. This includes relationship and financial issues, substance abuse and a higher risk of health. Researchers have found in a study that women with untreated ADHD have a lower life expectancy compared to those who receive treatment and diagnosis.
It is essential for women suffering from undiagnosed ADHD to undergo a thorough evaluation from a healthcare provider or mental health professional. add in women test and evaluation can help identify other mental and physical conditions that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. For example depression, anxiety, and some physical ailments can trigger symptoms of ADHD in some women. Psychological therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can assist a woman in developing better ways of thinking and habits to manage her ADHD. Family and marriage counseling can also aid in a woman's relationships, which are frequently affected by ADHD symptoms. ADHD coaches can help women set goals and develop structures to achieve her desired outcomes.