AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to meet society's expectations. Women with ADHD often struggle to meet the 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. A bias based on gender can cause health professionals to misdiagnose or not recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd in women is having trouble in concentrating. This issue can manifest in different ways, including forgetting appointments, not being able finish work or having trouble concentrating when talking to people. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances and often cause them to miss out on job or financial opportunities.
Women may be more adept at masked ADHD symptoms than other women, making it harder for them as adults to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they theorize that it may be due to traditional gender roles and the belief that women and girls should be more "restrained." Masking ADHD symptoms can result in being under-performing at school or at work and may hinder them from seeking the help and assistance they require.
Lack of focus is also an atypical symptom that could be confused with other ailments such as anxiety and depression. For instance, depression may affect your concentration by making you more forgetful and irritable. People with generalized anxiety disorder typically have difficulties focusing because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best method to increase your concentration is to control your ADHD symptoms through treatment. This involves finding a therapist or clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls. It is also important to know about the options for accommodations from your employer or school for example, flexible working hours or working from home. Practicing good sleep hygiene will also help you enjoy more restful nights and become more focused throughout the day, including sleeping at the same time every evening, listening to calming music or an audiobook before going to bed and limiting time spent on screens.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. They may be prone to interrupting others or shifting topics during conversations, making snap decisions without thinking and taking risks that aren't the best for their interests. They may also have trouble reading other people's body language or interpreting social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during perimenopause, the phase that precedes menopausal, and then 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 professionals not recognizing ADHD in girls and women, misdiagnosing them, or dismissing their symptoms as a mood or anxiety problem. Gender bias may be a factor, as research on ADHD is predominantly focused on men and boys.
Teachers and parents may observe an impulsive behavior among children suffering from ADHD. adhd traits in women 's not unusual for children to be irritable or irritable at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve as children grow up and learn how to manage their symptoms.
In adults, the impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can negatively impact school, work and relationships. They can cause delay, forgetfulness, and trouble keeping promises. They can make it difficult to find and keep jobs, and can interfere with healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication. Your doctor will suggest a combination of treatments depending on the specific symptoms you have as well as your lifestyle and other health conditions you might 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 affected by your ADHD or family therapy. Physical exercise can also help to calm your mind and lessen symptoms, particularly in the case of impulsivity and distractibility. Try activities like yoga, dancing or group exercises, such as running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger various physical symptoms. Palpitations, headaches, dizziness and sweating are a few of the signs. These symptoms can make a person think they are having a stroke or the world is close to ending. People who suffer from anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart problem due to these physical signs. This can lead to a lengthy journey of medical treatment that does not treat the root cause. Fortunately, the majority of anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in combination with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically can help someone to develop 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 be an uniform subtype. 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 with ADHD may have trouble getting a correct diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are geared towards male behavior. In addition, women often attempt to conceal their symptoms to fit into the society. In the end, they might be underdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The provider will use thorough medical background, physical examination, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate a person's symptoms and determine if they have other conditions the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience disorganization. This is a persistent problem that can cause disruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization is often characterized by an inability to organize like not keeping track of expenses or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. It can be caused by other issues like anxiety, a traumatizing experience in life, or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD have a high level of functioning, and their symptoms don't significantly affect their day-to-day activities and relationships. This is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this doesn't mean that they don't have the common symptoms. These include difficulty concentrating or paying attention to details, feeling restless and in a state of forgetfulness.
For some, a lack of organization is a constant battle and it's not uncommon for people suffering from ADHD to spend time searching for lost items or putting off important tasks. It can also cause low productivity and stressed relationships. It can also trigger many health issues, such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another cause of disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and in the middle of menstrual cycle while progesterone is more abundant and these fluctuations could make ADHD symptoms worse.
Although biological differences between genders may play a part but it's also possible some of the disorganization and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is related to social "norms." Girls and young women are typically viewed as more reserved and quiet, so they might suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women often find it easier to conceal their attention issues than men, which can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. In reality, they may even think that they have better concentration and time-management skills than they actually do. In reality, they're likely to misplace things or forget appointments, pay bills on time, and struggle with a lack of organization at home and at work.
Women with ADHD are more prone to develop the inattentive subtype 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 issues speaking to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men.
The first treatment is medication. option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that target the way neurotransmitters interact with the brain are also possible. They include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify your automatic or irrational thinking patterns and teach you healthy ways to regulate your emotions and behavior. Alongside medication exercising and healthy eating habits can help you manage ADHD symptoms like disorientation, impulsivity and restlessness. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group classes such as swimming or aerobics, and cycling to boost your energy levels. Try to get at least 4 to 5 hours of exercise every week for approximately 30 minutes per session. To support your mood and focus consume a variety of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.