AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to meet societal expectations. Women with ADHD typically struggle to live up to expectations of society that include caring for others as well as balancing work and home life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Gender bias can also cause health care professionals to not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is having trouble concentration. The problem can manifest in many ways, such as forgetting appointments, not being able to complete tasks at work or having trouble concentrating when talking to others. It's also a frequent sign that makes it hard for women to keep track of their finances, and it's often the reason why they do not get jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that certain women are better at masking their ADHD symptoms, which may make it difficult to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers don't know why this is, however, they think it could be due to gender roles and the expectation of women and girls to be more "restrained." Masking ADHD can result in poor performance at work or at school, and hinder them from seeking support and assistance.
In addition, a lack of focus could be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses like anxiety or depression. For instance, depression could influence your concentration by making you forgetful and irritable. People with generalized anxiety disorder usually have difficulties focusing because they are more likely to become overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
Treatment is the best way to increase concentration. This involves seeking out a therapist or a clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls. It is also important to know about the kinds of accommodations you can request from your school or employer for example, flexible working hours or at home. A healthy sleep routine will aid you in having more peaceful nights and to be more focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping each night at the same time, listening to soothing music or audiobooks, and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are typically highly impulsive. They can interrupt other people or change topics during discussions, make snap decisions without thinking about the consequences, and make decisions that are not in your best interest. They might also have trouble reading body language or interpreting social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopause - the period 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 could result in health professionals not seeing ADHD in girls and women and misdiagnosing their symptoms, or dismissing their symptoms as a mood or anxiety issue. The gender bias could be a factor, since research on ADHD is mostly focused on boys and men.
Teachers and parents might notice impulsive behavior in children who suffer from ADHD. It's normal for children to be irritable, restless or impulsive at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve as children grow up and learn to manage their issues.
Adults with adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting that affect their relationships, work and school. They can lead to procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as difficulty keeping promises. They can also make it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also can disrupt healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication. Your doctor may recommend an individualized treatment based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and any other health conditions. They might also recommend psychotherapy that includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and alter negative thought patterns and couples counseling if your relationship has been affected by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain and help reduce symptoms. It can also help you focus. This is especially important for people who have a tendency to be distracted and impulsive. Try activities such as dancing, yoga and group exercises, such as running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide range of physical symptoms. These include dizziness, chest pain, headaches, heart palpitations, and sweating. They can make people feel like they are having an attack of the heart or that the world is ending. Because of these physical symptoms those who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart condition. This can result in an extended journey of medical treatment that fails to address the root cause. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in combination with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically can help someone discover new ways of thinking and 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 may also be more likely to be a mixed type. It is crucial for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will perform an exhaustive physical exam and ask questions about the way that the disorder impacts their lives.
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis because many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are skewed toward male behavior. Additionally, women often try to conceal their symptoms to fit into society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment delayed. A trained professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced registered nurses may be able to diagnose ADHD. The professional will conduct thorough medical history, physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate the symptoms of an individual and determine if they have other conditions that may be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD may experience disorganization. adult add in women is a chronic problem that can cause interruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is often characterized by a poor organizational skill like forgetting to pay bills or keeping appointments, or a difficulty in making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, like anxiety, traumatizing a life event, or depression and is often difficult to treat.
Certain women with ADHD are able to perform at a high degree and their symptoms do not affect their daily activities or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this does not mean they don't experience certain symptoms. These include difficulty concentrating or paying attention to particulars, feeling uneasy, and being unfocused.
For some, disorganization is a daily struggle and it's not uncommon for those with ADHD to spend time searching for lost objects or putting off important tasks. It can also cause poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also lead to a variety of health issues, including anxiety and sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can also contribute to the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation, the middle of menstrual cycles, and at the end, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms.
While differences in the biological makeup of genders could play a role but it's also possible some of the disorder and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is linked to social "norms." Girls and young women are typically viewed as quiet and reserved, so they might suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women are more likely than men to hide their attention issues, which could result in them being incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. They may think that they are better at time management and concentration than they actually are. In reality, they're likely to misplace things, forget appointments or pay bills on time and struggle with disorganization at work and at home.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop the inattentive type 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 nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than males.
The first treatment is medication. option for many adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with the brain may also be a possibility. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify automatic or irrational thinking and teach you healthy ways to manage your moods and behaviors. In addition to medications, exercise and healthy eating habits can help control ADHD symptoms like disorientation, impulsivity and restlessness. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group classes such as aerobics or swimming, and biking to increase your energy levels. Try to exercise for at the very least four to five sessions per week, each lasting about 30 minutes. To boost your mood and concentration, eat a variety fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.