AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to meet societal expectations. Women who suffer from ADHD are often struggling to meet societal expectations that include caring for others while juggling work and home life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. The gender bias can also cause health professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms in girls and women.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most common symptoms of adhd in women is difficulty in concentrating. The problem can manifest in different ways, including forgetting appointments, being unable to complete tasks at work or being unable to concentrate when talking to people. It's also a frequent sign that makes it hard for women to keep up with their finances, and is often the reason why they miss out on jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that women are more adept at masked their ADHD symptoms, which may make it difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they speculate that it could be related to traditional gender roles and the notion that women and girls should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms could lead to being under-performing at school or at work and may prevent them from seeking the help and support they require.
The lack of focus can be misinterpreted as other signs such as anxiety or depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you forgetful and unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder usually have difficulties focusing because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best method to improve concentration. This means finding a therapist or clinician who has experience with ADHD in women and girls. It is also important to know about the options for accommodations from your school or employer for example, flexible working hours or working at home. Good sleep hygiene will also assist you in having more peaceful nights and help you to stay focused throughout the day. This means going to bed each night at the same time, while listening to soothing music or an audiobook and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. They may be prone to interrupting others or switching topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not beneficial to their health. They might also have trouble reading body language or interpreting social signals. The signs of impulsivity may increase during perimenopausal - the time before menopause - and when hormone levels begin to decline.
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have inattentive-type symptoms, which can be harder to notice than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This can lead to health care professionals missing ADHD in women and girls, misdiagnosing them, or dismissing their symptoms as anxiety or a mood problem. Research on ADHD is primarily focused on men and boys. This could cause an imbalance in gender.
Teachers and parents may observe the impulsive behavior of children suffering from ADHD. It's normal for kids to be impatient, restless, or impulsive at times. However, those behaviors tend to improve over time as children grow up and learn how to manage their problems.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can negatively impact work, school, and relationships. They can lead to delays, forgetfulness, and trouble keeping promises. They can make it difficult to find and keep jobs and can disrupt healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is usually treated by medication. Your doctor will recommend a combination of treatments depending on your specific symptoms, your lifestyle, and other health conditions you may have. They may also suggest psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you recognize and alter negative thinking patterns, couples counseling, when your relationship is impacted by ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can help calm your brain and help reduce symptoms. It can also help you focus. This is especially important for impulsivity and distraction. You can try activities like yoga, dancing, and group workouts such as swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a variety of physical symptoms. These include dizziness, chest pain, headaches, heart palpitations, and sweating. They can also make someone feel as if they are suffering from an attack on their heart or that the world is coming to an end. People who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart problem due to these physical signs. This can lead to an extended medical treatment without addressing the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is effective for the majority of anxiety disorders, regardless of whether it's used alone or when combined with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically can help someone discover new ways of thinking or reacting to situations that may reduce anxiety.
Unlike men and boys, who are more likely to have hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, women are more likely to have the inattentive subtype of the disorder. Women may also be more likely to suffer from an uniform subtype. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms with their doctor and will ask them specific questions about the disorder.
Women with ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that many of the diagnostic tools used to diagnose the disorder are geared towards male behavior. Women may also hide their symptoms to fit with the rest of society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment is delayed. A trained professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurses, can identify ADHD. The professional will make use of a detailed history, a physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to evaluate a patient's symptoms and determine if other conditions might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience disordered behavior. This is a chronic issue that can cause interruptions in school and work and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization can be characterized by a poor organizational skill for example, not paying bills on time or keep appointments, and difficulties in making decisions. Disorganization can be caused by other problems such as anxiety, a traumatizing event in life, or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD are able to perform at a high level, and their symptoms do not significantly affect their daily activities or relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this doesn't mean that they don't suffer from the usual symptoms. They may have difficulty paying attention or concentrating on things, feeling anxious and in a state of forgetfulness.
Some people struggle with disorganization on a regular basis. They may spend time searching for lost items or delay important tasks. It can also result in low productivity and stressed relationships. It can also trigger a number of health problems, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another factor that can exacerbate disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and in the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone levels are higher, and these fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible, though biological differences may play a part, some of the disorganization or impulsivity in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women are typically socialized to be quiet and reserved, which is why they might suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women often find it easier to hide their attention issues than men do which can lead to undiagnosed problems and delayed treatment. In reality, they may even think that they have better focus and time-management skills than they actually do. However, these people tend to lose things, forget appointments, or not pay their bills on time. adhd traits in women face disorganization both at work and at home.
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to develop the inattentive form of the disorder. They're less likely to have the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed symptoms, which must be present in at least two settings for six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. They might also have difficulty being quiet and can talk to themselves constantly or use nonsensical phrases or sounds, but they're less likely to exhibit these symptoms than males are.
Medication is the primary treatment option for many adults with ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that focus on the way neurotransmitters interact with the brain are also possible. These include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for women with ADHD. These therapies can help you identify the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and help you learn healthy ways to control your emotions and behaviors. In addition to medications exercising and an appropriate diet can help you manage ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity, and restlessness. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group classes such as aerobics or swimming, and biking to increase your energy levels. Make sure to exercise at minimum four to five times every week, each lasting around 30 minutes. Make sure to eat a variety of vegetables whole grains, protein and healthy fats to support your attention and mood.