AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD often struggle to meet many societal expectations. Women with ADHD typically struggle to meet the expectations of society, including 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. Gender bias may also lead health care professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms for girls and women.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most common symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of concentrating. The problem can manifest in different ways, including having trouble remembering appointments, not being able to finish work or zoning out when talking to others. It's also a common problem that makes it difficult for women to manage their finances. It's often the reason why they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that some women are better at masking their ADHD symptoms, which could make it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure what the reason is, but they theorize that it may be due to traditional gender roles and the expectation that girls and women should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms could lead to poor performance at school or work and could prevent them from seeking the help and support they require.
In addition, a lack of focus could be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses like anxiety or depression. For instance, depression could influence your concentration by making you less attentive and irritable. 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 best way to improve concentration. This includes hiring a professional or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. You should also learn about the options for accommodations from your school or employer that allow for flexible working hours or working at home. A good night's sleep will also help you enjoy more restful sleep and be more focused throughout the day. It can include sleeping at the same time every night, listening to relaxing music or an audiobook prior to going to bed, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are often highly impulsive. They can interrupt other people or switch topics during discussions, make snap decisions without thinking about the consequences and take risks that aren't in your best interests. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or recognizing social signals. Symptoms of impulsivity often get worse during perimenopausal, the period that comes before menopause and after which 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 lead to health care professionals missing ADHD in girls and women, misdiagnosing them, or dismissing their symptoms as being a mood or anxiety issue. adhd in young women can also play a role, because research on ADHD is predominantly focused on males and females.
Teachers and parents might notice an impulsive behavior among children suffering from ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be irritable or irritable at times. These behaviors tend to improve as children age and learn to manage their symptoms.
Adults who suffer from adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting which can affect their work, relationships, and school. They can cause procrastination, forgetfulness, and trouble following through on commitments. They can also make it difficult to find and keep jobs, and can disrupt healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated by medication. Your doctor may recommend a combination treatment depending on your symptoms, lifestyle, and any other health issues. They may also suggest psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you recognize and alter negative thoughts or couples counseling in the event that your relationship is affected by ADHD or family therapy. Physical exercise can help to calm your mind and reduce symptoms, especially in the case of distraction and impulsivity. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group workouts like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide range of physical symptoms. Dizziness, headaches, palpitations and sweating are just a few of the symptoms. These symptoms can make a person believe they are suffering from an attack or that the world is close to ending. Due to these physical signs people who suffer from anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having an issue with their heart. This can lead to a lengthy journey of medical treatment that fails to tackle the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is effective for most anxiety disorders, whether it's used alone or in conjunction with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular it can help people develop new ways of thinking or 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 may also be more likely to have a mixed type. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms with their doctor. will ask them specific questions about the disorder.
adhd in young women with ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are biased towards male behavior. Women may also hide their symptoms in order to blend with society. They may be misdiagnosed, and their ADHD treatment delayed. A qualified professional, like a psychiatrist psychologist or advanced practice registered nurse, can diagnose ADHD. The provider will use an in-depth medical history, a physical exam 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 could be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD can experience disorganization. This is a constant problem that can cause interruptions in school and work and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization is defined as an inability to organize like not keeping track of bills or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. Disorganization can be caused by other issues such as anxiety, a traumatizing event in life or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD are able to perform at a high level and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily activities or relationships. This is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't experience some of the usual symptoms. They may have difficulty paying attention or concentrating on particulars, feeling uneasy, and being in a state of forgetfulness.
For some, disorganization is a constant battle and it's not uncommon for people with ADHD to spend a lot of time looking for lost objects or putting off important tasks. The disorder can affect the quality of their work and can lead to strained relationships. It can also cause many health issues, including anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another factor that can exacerbate disorganization in women with ADHD is hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and at the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone levels are higher and these fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible that, while biological differences could be a factor, some of the disorder or impulsivity among women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women may be socialized to be reserved and quiet, which can lead them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women often find it easier to conceal their attention issues than men and can result in 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 tend to lose things, miss appointments, or pay bills on time. They also struggle with problems with organization at work and at home.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to develop the inattentive version 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 silent and speak to themselves or make nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they're less likely to experience these symptoms than men.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the first option for treatment is medication. stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate are typically prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on how neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Women with 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 control your behavior and emotions. Exercise and a healthy diet in addition to medications can help you manage ADHD symptoms such as restlessness, impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities like dancing, yoga or group classes such as swimming or aerobics, and biking to boost energy levels. Make sure you get 4 to 5 hours of exercise per week, lasting about 30 minutes per session. To support your mood and focus, eat a variety vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.