AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to meet society's expectations. Women with ADHD often struggle to meet societal expectations such as caring for others as well as balancing work and home life, and managing relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. A bias based on gender can make health professionals not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most frequent symptoms of adhd among women. This problem can manifest in a variety of ways, such as missing appointments, not being able complete tasks at work or being unable to concentrate when talking to others. It's also a common symptom that can make it hard for women to manage their finances. It's often the reason why they do not get jobs or financial opportunities.
Some women may be better at masking ADHD symptoms than other women which makes it more difficult for them as adults to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers don't know why, but they believe it could be due to gender roles and the expectation of girls and women to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD can result in poor performance at work or at school and stop people from seeking help and assistance.
In addition, a lack of focus could be misinterpreted as other signs such as depression or anxiety. For instance, depression can influence your concentration by making you forgetful and irritable. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder often experience difficulties focusing because they are more likely to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best way to increase concentration. This means locating a doctor or therapist experienced with ADHD in women and girls. It's also a good idea to learn about the kinds of accommodations you can request your employer or school for such as flexible hours or working from home. Good sleep hygiene will also assist you in having more restful nights, and help you to stay focused throughout the day. This means going to bed each night at the same time, listening to relaxing music or an audiobook, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. These can include interrupting others or switching topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not in their best interests. They may also have difficulty reading body language or interpreting social signals. The signs of impulsivity tend to get worse during perimenopausal, the period before menopausal, and then when hormone levels begin to decrease.
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have inattentive-type symptoms, which can be harder to notice than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This could lead to health professionals not recognizing ADHD in girls and women and misdiagnosing their symptoms, or dismissing their symptoms as being a mood or anxiety issue. Gender bias can be a factor, because research on ADHD is mostly focused on boys and men.
Teachers and parents may observe an impulsive behavior among children with ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be anxious or impatient at times. These behaviors can improve as children age and learn to manage their symptoms.
In adults, the impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can negatively impact work, school, and relationships. They can cause delays or forgetfulness and difficulty following through on commitments. They can also make it difficult for people to find and keep jobs. They also can affect healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adult ADHD generally involves taking medication. Your doctor will suggest a combination of treatments depending on your specific symptoms as well as your lifestyle and other health conditions you may have. Psychotherapy may also be recommended, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change negative thinking patterns, couples counseling when your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can also help to calm your mind and reduce symptoms, particularly when it comes to distraction and impulsivity. Try activities such as yoga, dancing, or group exercises like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can lead to a variety of physical symptoms. They can cause dizziness, chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations, and sweating. These symptoms can make a person think they are having a stroke or the world is going to end. People who suffer from anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart problem due to these physical signs. This can result in a long medical treatment without addressing the root cause. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, whether employed on its own or when combined with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically it can help people discover new ways of thinking or reacting to situations that could 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 are also more likely to be diagnosed with mixed subtypes. Women should discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor and will ask them specific questions about the disorder.
Women with ADHD may have trouble getting the right diagnosis, as the majority of diagnostic tools are geared towards male behavior. Women might also hide their symptoms in order to blend with the rest of society. This means that they could be overlooked and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The provider will use a thorough history, physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate the symptoms of an individual and determine if there are any other conditions the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are prone to experiencing disorganization. This is a chronic issue that can cause interruptions in school and work emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organizational skills that include not keeping track of expenses or appointments, and having trouble making decisions. It can be caused by other problems like anxiety, traumatizing experience in life or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD can perform at a high degree, and their symptoms don't affect their daily lives or relationships. This is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However, adhd in adult women treatment does not mean they don't suffer from some of the symptoms. They may experience forgetfulness, trouble in concentrating or paying attention to tiny details.
Some people struggle with disorganization every day. They may be looking for lost items or delay important tasks. The disorder can also affect the quality of their work and can cause tension in relationships. It can also trigger a number of health problems, such as insomnia or anxiety.
Another factor that can exacerbate disorganization in women with ADHD is hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and at the middle of menstrual cycle while progesterone levels are higher and these fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible, though biological differences can be a factor, a portion of the disorganization or impulsivity in women suffering from ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women may be conditioned to be quiet and reserved and this can cause them to suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which can cause them to be misdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment. In reality, they may even believe they have better concentration and time-management skills than they actually do. In reality, they're more likely to lose things, forget appointments or pay bills on time and have trouble coordinating their work and at home.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to develop the inattentive subtype 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 may also have trouble staying silent and speak to themselves or make a variety of nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than males.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the first option for treatment is medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with your brain could also be effective. These include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you recognize automatic or irrational thoughts, and also learn healthy ways to control your mood and behavior. Exercise and a healthy diet along with medication, can help control ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity and disorientation. For energy-boosting try activities such as yoga, dancing, group classes such as cycling or swimming, and aerobics. Try to exercise for at the very least four to five sessions per week, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. To support your mood and attention, eat a variety vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.