AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to live up to society's expectations. Women who suffer from ADHD are often struggling to meet the expectations of society such as caring for others while juggling 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 cause health care professionals to misdiagnose or not recognize ADHD symptoms for girls and women.
1. Lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most prevalent adhd symptoms in women . This problem can manifest in different ways, such as forgetting appointments, not being able to finish tasks at the office or having trouble concentrating when speaking to people. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances and can result in them not being able to take advantage on job or financial opportunities.
Women are more adept in masked ADHD symptoms than other women and this makes it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers don't know why, but they believe it could be due to gender roles and the expectation for women and girls to be more "restrained." Masking ADHD can lead to poor performance at work or in school, and hinder them from seeking support and assistance.
In addition, lack of focus is an atypical symptom that could be confused with other conditions such as anxiety and depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you forgetful and unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder have difficulty concentrating because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to improve your ability to concentrate is to manage your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. This means finding a therapist or clinician who has experience working with ADHD both in women and girls. It's also recommended to be aware about the kinds of accommodations you can request your employer or school for like flexible hours or working from home. Good sleep hygiene will also aid you in having more peaceful nights and to be more focused throughout the day. This means going to bed each night at the same time, listening to soothing music or an audiobook and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity symptoms. They may be prone to interrupting others or switching topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not the best for their interests. They might also have trouble understanding body language or social signals. The signs of impulsivity may increase during perimenopausal, the period prior to menopausal onset - and 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 result in health professionals not seeing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing their symptoms, or dismissing their symptoms as anxiety or a mood problem. Research on ADHD is focused on boys and men. This can cause an imbalance in gender.
Parents and teachers may notice the impulsive behavior of children who suffer from ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be irritable or impatient at times. These behaviors can improve as children get older and learn to manage their symptoms.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can affect work, school and relationships. They can cause delay, forgetfulness, and trouble following through on commitments. They can make locating and keeping jobs difficult and interfere with healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adult ADHD generally involves taking medication. Your doctor may recommend an individualized treatment based on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health conditions. They may also suggest psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you recognize and alter negative thinking patterns, couples counseling, when your relationship is impacted by ADHD or other issues, or even family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain, reduce symptoms and help you focus. This is particularly true for impulsivity and distraction. Try activities such as yoga, dancing and group workouts like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide range of physical symptoms. They can cause dizziness, chest pain and heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. They can also make a person feel like they are having a heart attack or that the world is closing. Due to these physical signs, people who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed with heart disease. This could result in an extended medical treatment without addressing the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, whether used alone or in conjunction with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person develop new ways of thinking and reacting that could help them feel less anxious.
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. 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 life.
Women with ADHD may have difficulty obtaining a correct diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are designed toward male behavior. Additionally, women often try to hide their ADHD in order to fit into the society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment may be delayed. A trained professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurse, can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take an extensive background, physical examination, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to analyze a person's symptoms and determine if there are any other conditions that could be the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD can experience disordered behavior. This is a chronic problem that can cause interruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization is defined as a lack of organizational skills that include not keeping track of bills or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. It can be caused by other issues like anxiety, a traumatic event in life or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD have a high level of functioning and their symptoms do not have a significant impact on their daily activities and relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this does not mean they don't experience some of the symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating or paying attention to small details.
For some, disorganization is a constant struggle and it's not uncommon for people suffering from ADHD to spend a lot of time looking for lost items or put off important tasks. It can also lead to poor work quality and strained relationships. It can also cause a number of health problems like anxiety or sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can further aggravate the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, the middle of menstrual cycle, and at the end when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms.
It's possible, though biological differences may play a part, some of the disorder or impulsivity in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls may be conditioned to be quiet and reserved and this can cause them to suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are often able to mask their attention problems than men, which can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. In reality, they may even think they have better concentration and time-management abilities than they do. In reality, they're more likely to misplace things and forget appointments, or not pay bills on time, and struggle with a lack of organization at home and at work.
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 can also experience trouble in calming down and may talk to themselves continuously or speak nonsensical phrases or sounds, however they're much less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men are.
Medication is the primary treatment option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are usually prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that target the way that neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. They include atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial for women with ADHD. These treatments can help you recognize thoughts that are irrational or automatic and teach you how to self regulate your emotions and behaviors. In addition to medications exercise and an appropriate diet can help you manage ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity, and restlessness. For energy boosts try activities such as yoga, dancing, group classes like aerobics or swimming and biking. Make sure to exercise at minimum four to five times per week, each lasting about 30 minutes. To support your mood and attention take a varied diet of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.