AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to meet the various expectations of society. Women with ADHD often struggle to meet societal expectations, including 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. Gender bias can also make health professionals not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is having trouble concentration. It can manifest in different ways, from forgetting appointments or not being able to finish work, or snoring during conversations, making people feel unimportant. It can also make it difficult for women to manage their finances and often result in them missing out on job or financial opportunities.
Some women may be better in masked ADHD symptoms than others, making it harder for them as adults to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't certain why this is, but they theorize that it could be due to traditional gender roles and the notion that girls and women should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can lead to underperforming at work or school, and it might hinder them from seeking the help and assistance they need.
Lack of focus can also be misinterpreted as other signs such as anxiety or depression. Depression can affect concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People with generalized anxiety disorder often experience difficulty focusing due to the fact that they are more likely to become overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best way to improve concentration. This involves seeking out a therapist or a clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. Also, you should be aware of the options for accommodations from your employer or school that allow for flexible working hours or at home. Good sleep hygiene practices can also help you get more restful nights and be more focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping at the same time every night, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior to going to bed, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be impulsive. They may interrupt others or change topics during a discussion, make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences, and take risks that aren't in your best interests. They may also have trouble understanding the body language of others or recognizing social cues. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopausal - the time prior to menopausal symptoms - and also 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 care professionals to miss ADHD in them, mistakenly diagnose them, or dismiss their symptoms as mood or anxiety issues. add women on ADHD is primarily focused on males and females. This could lead to an imbalance in gender.
When children with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers occasionally notice impulsive behavior. It's not unusual for children to be anxious or even impatient at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve as children grow up and learn how to manage their issues.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can affect work, school, and relationships. They can cause procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as difficulties keeping commitments. They can make locating and keeping a job difficult and can hinder healthy eating.
Treatment for adults with ADHD typically involves medication. Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments based on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health conditions. They may also recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which can help you recognize and alter negative thought patterns, couples counseling, when your relationship is impacted by ADHD, or even family therapy. Physical exercise can also help calm your brain and lessen symptoms, particularly in the case of impulsivity and distractibility. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group workouts like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide range of physical symptoms. These include dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. These symptoms can make a person believe they are suffering from an attack or that the world is close to ending. People who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart problem due to these physical signs. This can lead to a long medical treatment without addressing the root cause. Fortunately, the majority of anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in conjunction with medication. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy can help people discover new ways of thinking and reacting that may 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 are also more likely to be diagnosed with mixed subtypes. It is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out an exhaustive physical exam and ask questions about the way that the disorder impacts their life.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis, since many diagnostic tools are geared towards male behavior. Women might also hide their symptoms to fit with the rest of society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment is delayed. A trained professional like a psychiatrist psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take a thorough history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to analyze the symptoms of a person and determine if there are any other conditions the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD might experience disorganization, which is a constant issue that can affect the way they work and school which can cause emotional stress and stress relationships and cause financial difficulties. Disorganization can be caused by a lack of organization for example, forgetting to pay bills or keep appointments, and a difficulty in making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, like anxiety, a traumatic life event, or depression, and is often difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD can perform at a high level, and their symptoms don't significantly affect their daily activities or relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this doesn't mean that they don't experience some of the common symptoms. This includes difficulty in paying attention or concentrating on details, feeling restless and in a state of forgetfulness.
For some, a lack of organization is a constant struggle and it's normal for people suffering from ADHD to spend a lot of time looking for lost items or put off important tasks. The disorder can affect the quality of their work, and could lead to strained relationships. It can also trigger many health problems, such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can also contribute to the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and in the middle of menstrual cycle while progesterone is more abundant and these fluctuations could cause ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible, though biological differences can be a factor, a portion of the impulsivity or disorganization among women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls are often socialized to be more reserved and quiet, so they may not be able to hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which can cause them to be wrongly diagnosed and receive delayed treatment. They may even think they're more adept at managing time and concentration than they are. In reality, these people tend to lose things and forget appointments, or fail to pay bills on time. They also face issues with organization both at work and at home.
Women suffering 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 being quiet and can talk to themselves constantly or use nonsensical phrases or sounds, though they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men are.
Medication is the first treatment option for many adults suffering from ADHD. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are frequently prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that focus on the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain may also be a possibility. These include atomoxetine and the guanfacine.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies can help identify the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you how to control your emotions and behaviors. Alongside medication exercising and healthy eating habits can help you manage ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity and distractibility. Try activities such as dancing, yoga and group classes such as aerobics or swimming, and biking to increase your energy levels. Make sure to exercise at least four to five sessions per week, each lasting about 30 minutes. To support your mood and concentration take a varied diet of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.