AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to meet the various expectations of society. adhd symptoms in women adults with ADHD often struggle to live up to expectations of society that include caring for others while juggling 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 care professionals to not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Concentration issues are one of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women. It's a condition that can manifest in different ways, from forgetting appointments to not being able to finish work, or snoring during conversations and making people feel unimportant. It's also a typical sign that makes it difficult for women to keep up with their finances, and is often the reason why they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
Some women may be better at masked ADHD symptoms than other women and this makes it harder for them as adults to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure what the reason is, but they speculate 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 being under-performing at school or at work and could make it difficult for them to seek the help and assistance they need.
Focus issues are also a common symptom and can be confused with other ailments like anxiety and depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder usually have difficulty focusing due to the fact that they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best method to increase concentration. This means finding a therapist or clinician who has experience with ADHD in girls and women. It is also important to know about the options for accommodations from your employer or school that allow for flexible working hours or working at home. A healthy sleep routine will aid you in having more restful nights and also help you stay focused throughout the day. This means going to bed each night at the same time, listening to soothing music or an audiobook and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD tend to be impulsive. They may interrupt others or alter the topic of discussions, make snap decisions without considering the consequences and take risks that aren't in your best interests. They may also have trouble reading other people's body language or picking up on social signals. The signs of impulsivity may increase during perimenopausal, the period before menopause - 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 care professionals to miss ADHD in these individuals, or mistakenly diagnose them, or dismiss their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood issues. Research on ADHD is primarily focused on men and boys. This may result in a gender bias.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers occasionally observe impulsive behavior. It's normal for kids to be restless, impatient or impulsive at times. These behaviors can improve as children age and begin to manage their symptoms.
Adults who suffer from adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting that affect their relationships, work and school. They can lead to procrastination and inattention, as well as problems following through with commitments. They can make locating and keeping a job difficult and can hinder healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated by medication. Your doctor will suggest various treatments based on your specific symptoms and lifestyle, as well as other health conditions you might have. They may also recommend psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to recognize and change negative thoughts and couples counseling when your relationship is impacted by ADHD, or even family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain and reduce symptoms, as well as aid in focusing. This is especially important for those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group exercises, such as running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a variety of physical symptoms. Dizziness, headaches, palpitations and sweating are some of the signs. These symptoms can make a person think they are having an attack or that the world is going to end. Due to these physical signs people who suffer from anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed with a heart condition. This can lead to an extended journey of medical treatments that do not treat the root cause. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, whether used on its own or when combined with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, can help a person discover 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 are also more likely to suffer from mixed subtypes. Women should discuss their ADHD symptoms and their doctor will ask them specific questions regarding the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are geared towards male behavior. In addition, women often attempt to hide their ADHD in order to fit into society. They may be misdiagnosed, and their ADHD treatment may be delayed. A qualified professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take an extensive history, physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate the symptoms of an individual and determine if there are other conditions contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience disordered behavior. This is a persistent issue that can cause disruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization can be characterized by a poor organizational skill like not paying bills on time or keeping appointments, or difficulties in making decisions. Often, disorganization is related to other issues, like anxiety, traumatizing life event, or depression and is often difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD can perform at a high degree and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily life or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this doesn't mean that they don't suffer from the typical symptoms. This includes difficulty in concentrating or paying attention to particulars, feeling uneasy and in a state of forgetfulness.
For some, disorganization is a daily struggle and it's not uncommon for those with ADHD to spend a lot of time looking for lost objects or putting off important tasks. It can also result in poor work quality and strained relationships. It can also trigger various health problems, such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another factor that can exacerbate disorder in women suffering from ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen levels are lower when ovulating, during the middle of menstruation and at the end of the cycle, while progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
It's possible, though biological differences may be a factor, a portion of the disorganization or impulsivity in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women may be conditioned to be reserved and quiet and can cause them to suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women often find it easier to conceal their attention issues than men, which can lead to undiagnosed problems and delayed treatment. In reality, they may even believe they have better focus and time-management abilities than they actually do. In reality, they are likely to lose things, miss appointments, or pay their bills on time. They also face issues with organization both at work and at home.
Women suffering from ADHD are more prone to develop the inattentive subtype 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 might also have difficulty staying quiet and may speak to themselves incessantly or say in a nonsensical manner or make sounds, but they're less likely to have these symptoms than men are.
For many people suffering from ADHD the first method of treatment is medication. stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate are often prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that target the way that neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine and Guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD also may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you recognize automatic or irrational thinking patterns and teach you healthy ways to self-regulate your mood and behavior. A healthy diet and exercise along with medication can help you manage ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity, and distractibility. To boost your energy levels, try activities like dancing, yoga, classes in groups such as aerobics or swimming and biking. Try to do at least four to five sessions of exercise each week of about 30 minutes per session. Make sure you take a variety of fresh vegetables, whole grains, protein and healthy fats to support your attention and mood.