AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD are often challenged to meet the expectations of society in many ways. Women with ADHD typically struggle to meet societal expectations that include caring for others, balancing home and work 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 professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms for girls and women.
1. Lack of Focus
Concentration issues are one of the most frequent adhd symptoms in women. The problem can manifest in different ways, including missing appointments, not being able complete tasks at work or being unable to concentrate when speaking to people. It's also a typical symptom that can make it hard for women to keep track of their finances, and is often the reason they do not get jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that women are more adept at masked their ADHD symptoms, which may make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't certain why this is, but they theorize that it could be related to gender stereotypes and the notion that women and girls be more "restrained." Masking ADHD symptoms can lead to underperforming at work or school and could make it difficult for them to seek the help and assistance they need.
In addition, lack of focus is a common symptom and can be confused with other illnesses, including depression and anxiety. Depression can affect concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder typically have difficulties focusing because they are more likely to become overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
Treatment is the most effective way to increase your concentration. That means finding a clinician or therapist experienced with ADHD for girls and women. You should also learn about the options for accommodations from your employer or school for example, flexible working hours or working from home. A healthy sleep routine will aid you in having more peaceful nights and to be more focused throughout the day. This includes going to bed each night at the same time, and listening to relaxing music or audiobooks, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD frequently exhibit impulsivity signs. These can include interrupting others or changing topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking and taking risks that aren't in their best interests. They might also have trouble reading body language or interpreting social signals. Symptoms of impulsivity often get worse during the perimenopausal period before menopausal 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 cause health professionals to miss ADHD in them, misdiagnose them, or ignore their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood issues. Gender bias can also play a role, because research on ADHD is predominantly focused on boys and men.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers sometimes notice impulsive behavior. It's normal for kids to be irritable, restless or impulsive at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve as children grow up and learn how to manage their problems.
Adults who suffer from adhd may be prone to impulsive behavior and distraction which can affect their work, relationships, and school. They can cause procrastination 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.
Adult ADHD is usually treated by medication. Your doctor might recommend a combination treatment depending on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health conditions. They may also suggest psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to identify and change negative thoughts or couples counseling when your relationship is impacted by ADHD or other issues, or even family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind and help reduce symptoms. It can also assist you in staying focused. This is especially true for impulsivity and distraction. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group workouts, like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger various physical symptoms. These include dizziness and chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. These symptoms can make a person think they are having stroke or that the world is going to end. People who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart issue due to these physical signs. This can result in an extended journey of medical treatment that fails to treat the root cause. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, regardless of whether it's used on its own or in conjunction with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically, can help a person discover new ways of thinking and responding to situations that can 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 have mixed subtypes. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms and their doctor will ask them detailed questions regarding the disorder.
Women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty obtaining a correct diagnosis, as the majority of diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Additionally, women often try to hide their ADHD to fit in with society. In the end, they may not be diagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The professional will make use of an extensive medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to assess the symptoms of a patient and determine if other conditions might be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD can experience disorganization. This is a constant issue that can lead to interruptions in school and work emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organizational skills, such as not keeping track of bills or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. It can be caused by other factors like anxiety, a traumatizing event in life, or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD are able to perform at a high degree and their symptoms don't affect their daily lives or relationships. This condition is called "high-functioning ADHD." However it doesn't mean they don't experience some of the typical symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating, or paying attention to small details.
People who struggle with disorder on a regular basis. They may be looking for lost objects or putting off important tasks. It can also lead to poor work quality and strained relationships. It can also cause many health problems, such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another factor that can exacerbate disorganization in women with ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, in the middle of menstrual cycles and at the end of, whereas progesterone levels are higher. adult adhd in women can cause ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, although biological differences may be a factor, a portion of the impulsivity or disorganization among women with ADHD is due 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 can result in them being incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. They may think that they are better at managing their time and concentration than they actually are. In reality, they're more likely to misplace things and forget appointments, or not pay bills on time, and have trouble coordinating their work and 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 issues speaking to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they are less likely to experience these symptoms than men.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the first method of treatment is medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that focus on the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain may also be a possibility. They include atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify your automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to regulate your mood and behavior. Exercise and a healthy diet in addition to medications can help you manage ADHD symptoms such as inattention, restlessness and disorientation. Try activities such as yoga, dancing and group classes such as aerobics or swimming, and cycling to boost your energy levels. Make sure you get 4 to 5 sessions of exercise every week for around 30 minutes each session. Make sure to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein to boost your focus and mood.