ADHD in Adult Women
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause women to develop coping strategies that cover up their symptoms, making it more difficult to be noticed by others. It can be more difficult for them to get diagnosed, particularly when they're going through menopausal.
Adult women suffering from ADHD are usually treated with 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 are more difficult in being able to recognize the symptoms than boys or men. This can make it harder to get an assessment and treatment. Additionally, they could utilize different strategies to deal with their symptoms, such as hiding or imitating others. This can affect their self-esteem and confidence, and contribute to the feeling of not being aware that they're struggling.
Adult adhd symptoms in women may include disorganization, difficulty focusing as well as impulsivity, forgetfulness and disorganization. Women and girls suffering from the condition may have a hard time managing their emotions. This can lead to emotional outbursts that can affect relationships and lead to low self-esteem. These symptoms can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.
If you've been diagnosed as having adult adhd, your doctor will likely suggest therapy to aid in managing your symptoms. It could be cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which can help you identify and swap negative thinking patterns to more positive ones, or family counseling. Your doctor may suggest that you join a women's support group suffering from this condition. These groups are an ideal place to talk about your experiences and receive advice.
In addition to medications for ADHD, many people with ADHD benefit from other treatments that can improve their quality of life through lifestyle changes, for example, making a schedule and using sleep aids. You can improve your sleeping habits by creating a peaceful bedtime routine, listening to soothing audiobooks or music prior to going to bed, and limiting the time you spend on screens before going to bed. You can also try techniques to relax, like deep breathing and picturing a calm and peaceful space.
In some cases your doctor may request a referral to a specialist. This will allow you to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your overall health. It can also assist your doctor determine the best medication for you. A psychiatrist is able to prescribe stimulant medication, whereas general practitioners prescribe non-stimulants. Both types of medication are effective in treating adults with ADHD. They should be taken according to the prescriptions of your doctor, as the side effects differ based on the type of medication and your sensitivities.
Treatment
Women with ADHD may benefit from a variety of treatments, such as medication management. Start by speaking with your primary care physician. If necessary their doctor can refer them to a mental health professional. The initial evaluation will usually include a thorough medical history, questions about their symptoms and their effects on their school, work and relationships.
Women with ADHD often develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms and to help them meet social expectations and norms. inattentive add in women makes it difficult to identify 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 popular treatment for ADHD is stimulant medications such as methylphenidate. NIMH describes the drug as "a quick-acting and effective treatment for ADHD in adults." It has many side consequences however, and may result in addiction when not utilized properly.
Some people find that the most effective way to treat their symptoms is by using an array of drugs. The exact dose and combination will depend on the individual's requirements, medical history and symptoms.
Certain people with ADHD benefit from therapy or other psychological interventions. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people transform negative thoughts into positive ones. It can also be helpful for people who suffer from anxiety disorders or depression with co-occurring symptoms.
In addition to treatment, lifestyle changes and self-help can improve the quality of life for those who suffer from ADHD. This means implementing strategies for managing time in addition to getting enough rest and exercise as well as reducing sugar and caffeine consumption, and ensuring the same routine. It's also important to set limits with friends and family members. Not to mention women suffering from ADHD should seek out support from organizations and groups in case they haven't previously.
Some people suffering from ADHD participate in clinical trials that test new methods to prevent and diagnosing conditions. Consult your doctor about possible clinical trial opportunities. The NIMH's Clinical Trials page provides information about how to find the study that is the right fit for you.
Medication
The medication used to treat ADHD is usually stimulants, however, for some adults, non-stimulant medications may be more effective. Your doctor will recommend the best medication depending on your symptoms and the age. They'll take into account whether you have any other health conditions or take certain medication for anxiety or depression that may interact or interfere with ADHD medications.
Girls who suffer from ADHD have a lower chance of being diagnosed, partly because they tend to show symptoms that are based on inattention, and are not recognized by their teachers or parents. They also tend to conceal their symptoms with socially acceptable behaviors, like daydreaming and excessive makeup use which makes it hard for doctors to recognize the symptoms. Getting a diagnosis as an adult could be a "lightbulb moment" for many women, providing them with an external explanation for problems they've always blamed on stress or bad habits.
The medication can help increase concentration and efficiency, but they aren't cure. Your doctor might also suggest counseling and therapy, job and homelife arrangements and lifestyle changes to control your symptoms. Finding the right treatment mix will take some time. Your doctor will evaluate your progress regularly and modify the treatment plan as needed.
In general, women respond more well to stimulant medication than men however, it doesn't mean that non-stimulants shouldn't be an alternative. Your doctor may prescribe Clonidine (Kapvay) or guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex), both of which are blood pressure medications that can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can trigger side effects like heartburn and dry mouth, but they tend to wear off after a few weeks.
While you're being treated to treat ADHD Make sure you focus on healthy eating and getting enough rest, which will help you to regulate your hormone levels. You can also discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking part in a clinical trial. These studies seek to discover new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. However, the results of a clinical trial aren't a guarantee that you'll gain from it. The study may have negative or serious adverse effects. It's important to carefully weigh the risks and benefits prior to agreeing to take part.
Self-help
Women with ADHD have unique challenges when compared to men. Recognizing the differences is an important first step toward getting support and finding treatment options. Treatment options include counseling, medication management, therapy, lifestyle changes, changes to your home and work life. Medication can regulate brain activity and help control symptoms. A trained healthcare professional can suggest a mix of medications that will best suit each woman's specific situation.
Many of the signs associated with ADHD for women can be traced back to internal pressures or gender stereotypes. Women may develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, and these may be healthy or unhealthy. Women are more likely to be suffering from co-existing disorders such as depression or anxiety and can make symptoms worse. The menstrual cycle or pregnancy can trigger symptoms.
Women with ADHD need to get enough rest and unwind. Physical exercise can increase energy levels and release the feel-good hormone dopamine that can help with focus and concentration. Regular social interactions with friends can boost moods and help deal with the challenges of ADHD.
Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are at risk of enduring negative consequences on their lives. This includes relationship and financial issues, substance abuse and a higher risk of health. Researchers found in one study that women with untreated ADHD have a lower life expectancy than women who receive a diagnosis and treatment.
It is vital for women suffering from undiagnosed ADHD to receive a comprehensive evaluation from a healthcare provider or mental health expert. A thorough examination and evaluation can help rule out other mental and physical health conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. Some women may experience ADHD-like symptoms due to anxiety, depression or certain physical illnesses. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help a woman learn healthier patterns of thinking and behavior to manage her ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can aid a woman in her relationships, which are commonly affected by ADHD symptoms. ADHD coaches can assist women develop plans and strategies to achieve her desired results.