AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to meet the expectations of society in many ways. Women with ADHD typically struggle to live up to expectations of society such as caring for others, balancing home and work life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. The gender bias can cause health professionals to not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most frequent adhd symptoms in women. The problem can manifest in a variety of ways, including forgetting appointments, not being able to finish tasks at the office or zoning out when speaking to people. It's also a common sign that makes it difficult for women to manage their finances. It's often the reason they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, which may make it difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure what the reason is, but they theorize that it could be related to traditional gender roles and the notion that girls and women should be more "restrained." Masking ADHD symptoms can result in underperforming at work or school and could make it difficult for them to seek the help and assistance they need.
The lack of focus can be misinterpreted as other signs like anxiety or depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder often experience difficulty focusing due to the fact that they are more likely to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
The best way to increase your concentration is to control your ADHD symptoms through treatment. This includes finding a therapist or clinician who has experience with ADHD in women and girls. It's also an excellent idea to find out about any accommodations you could request your employer or educational institution for like flexible hours or working at home. Good sleep hygiene will also assist you in having more peaceful nights and help you to stay focused throughout the day. This includes getting to bed every night at the same time, while listening to relaxing music or an audiobook, and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are often highly impulsive. They might interrupt others or change topics during the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences and take risks that are not in your best interest. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or social cues. Symptoms of impulsivity often get worse during perimenopausal, the phase that precedes menopausal, and then when hormone levels start 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 lead to health professionals not seeing ADHD in girls and women and misdiagnosing their symptoms, or dismissing their symptoms as a mood or anxiety problem. Research on ADHD is focused on boys and men. This may lead to the perception of gender bias.
Teachers and parents might notice the impulsive behavior of children with ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be irritable or irritable at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve over time as children grow up and learn how to manage their issues.
Adults with adhd can experience impulsive behavior and distraction that affect their relationships, work and school. They can lead to procrastination, forgetfulness as well as difficulty keeping commitments. They can make locating and keeping a job difficult and can hinder healthy eating.
Treatment for adult ADHD usually involves medication. Your doctor might recommend a combination of treatments based on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health issues. They may also suggest psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists you to recognize and change negative thought 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 assist you in staying focused. This is especially important for impulsivity and distraction. Try activities such as dancing, yoga and group exercises, such as running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a wide array of physical symptoms. They can cause dizziness, chest pain, headaches, heart palpitations, and sweating. They can also make a person feel like they are having a heart attack or that the world is coming to an end. Because of these physical symptoms, people who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having heart disease. This can lead to lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root of the issue. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in conjunction with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular can help someone develop 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 suffer from mixed subtypes. It's important for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will perform an extensive physical exam and ask detailed questions about how the disorder affects their lives.
Women with ADHD may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools utilized for the disorder are skewed toward male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms in order to blend with society. As a result, they may not be diagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced registered nurses may be able to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take a detailed history, a physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders in order to assess the symptoms of a patient and determine if there are other conditions that might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD might experience disorganization, which is an ongoing problem that can affect the routine of school and work, cause emotional stress and stress relationships and cause financial issues. Disorganization is often characterized by a poor organizational skill like not paying bills on time or make appointments, and difficulties in making decisions. In many cases, it is connected to other issues, such as anxiety, traumatizing life incident, or depression and can be difficult to treat.
Certain women with ADHD are able to function at a high level, and their symptoms do not affect their daily activities or relationships. This is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this doesn't mean that they don't suffer from the common symptoms. They may experience forgetfulness, trouble concentration and paying attention to small details.
For adhd symptoms in women adults , disorder is a daily struggle and it's not uncommon for people with ADHD to spend time searching for lost items or put off important tasks. It can also lead to poor work quality and strained relationships. It can also lead to a variety of health problems, such as anxiety and sleep disorders.
Another factor that can exacerbate disorganization in women with ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen levels are lower when ovulating, during the middle of menstrual cycle, and at the end the cycle, while progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, while biological differences could play a part, some of the impulsivity or disorganization in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls can be conditioned to be reserved and quiet, which can lead them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to hide their attention issues, which can lead them to be misdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment. They may think that they are more adept at managing time and concentration than they are. In reality, they're likely to misplace things, forget appointments or pay bills on time and have trouble coordinating their 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 might also have difficulty staying silent and speak to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they are less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men.
For many adults with ADHD the first option for treatment is medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain could also be effective. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to regulate your mood and behavior. In addition to medication, exercise and an appropriate diet can help you manage ADHD symptoms of anxiety, impulsivity, and restlessness. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group classes such as swimming or aerobics, as well as biking to boost energy levels. Try to exercise for at least four to five sessions every week, each lasting about 30 minutes. To support your mood and concentration consume a variety of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.