AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to live up to society's expectations. This includes 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. A bias based on gender can make health professionals not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of concentrating. This issue can manifest in a variety of ways, including having trouble remembering appointments, being unable to finish tasks at the office or zoning out when speaking to people. It can also make it difficult for women to manage their finances and often cause them to miss out on financial or job opportunities.
Women are more adept at masking ADHD symptoms than others which makes it more difficult for them as adults to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't certain why this is, but they theorize that it could be due to gender stereotypes and the belief that women and girls should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can lead to poor performance at school or work, and it might make it difficult for them to seek the help and assistance they need.
In addition, a lack of focus could be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses like anxiety or depression. For instance, depression may affect your concentration by making you less attentive and unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder usually have trouble focusing because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
Treatment is the best method to improve concentration. This includes finding a therapist or clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls. It's also recommended to be aware about the kinds of accommodations you can request your employer or educational institution for like flexible hours or working from home. Good sleep hygiene practices will also help you enjoy more restful sleep and be more focused during the day. It can include sleeping at the same time every night, listening to relaxing music or an audiobook before sleeping and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity symptoms. These can include interrupting others or switching topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not in their best interests. They may also have trouble reading other people's body language or interpreting social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopausal - the time before menopause - and when hormone levels begin to drop.
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 overlook ADHD in them, mistakenly diagnose them or dismiss their symptoms as mood or anxiety issues. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on boys and men. This could result in an imbalance in gender.
Teachers and parents may observe an impulsive behavior among children who suffer from ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be anxious or impatient at times. These behaviors tend to increase as children grow older and begin to manage their symptoms.
In adults, the impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can affect work, school, and relationships. They can lead to procrastination, forgetfulness, as well as difficulties adhering to commitments. They can also make finding and keeping jobs difficult and hinder healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication. Your doctor will recommend various treatments based on the specific symptoms you have and lifestyle, as well as other health issues you might have. Psychotherapy may also be recommended that includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and alter negative thought patterns or couples counseling when your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind, reduce symptoms and help you focus. This is especially important for people who have a tendency to be distracted and impulsive. You can try activities like yoga, dancing, and group exercises like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a wide range of physical symptoms. These include dizziness and chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations, and sweating. They can make people feel as if they are suffering from a heart attack or that the world is ending. People who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart problem due to these physical signs. This can lead to a lengthy journey of medical treatment that does not address the root cause. Psychotherapy is effective for most anxiety disorders, whether used alone or in conjunction with medication. adhd in adult women treatment , in particular, can help a person 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 be diagnosed with mixed subtypes. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms and their doctor will ask them questions regarding the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty getting the right diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are geared towards male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms to fit in with the rest of society. In the end, they may not be diagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurses, can identify ADHD. The provider will use thorough medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to analyze a person's symptoms and determine if there are any other conditions that may be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are prone to experiencing disorganization. This is a chronic issue that can lead to interruptions in school and work emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is characterized by the lack of organization skills like not keeping track of expenses or appointments, and having trouble making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other issues like anxiety, traumatic event in life or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD have a high level of functioning and their symptoms do not have a significant impact on their daily activities and relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." adhd in young women does not mean that they don't experience certain symptoms. This includes forgetfulness, difficulty concentration or paying attention to small details.
Many people experience disorganization on a daily basis. They might spend their time looking for lost items or delaying important tasks. The disorder can also affect the quality of their work and can cause tension in relationships. It can also cause various health issues, including 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, the middle of menstruation and at the end of when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, although biological differences can be a factor, some of the disorganization or impulsivity among women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women may be conditioned to be quiet and reserved and this can cause them to suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are often able to mask their attention problems than men, which can lead to being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment. In reality, they may even think they have better concentration and time-management abilities than they actually do. In reality, these people tend to lose things and forget appointments, or fail to pay their bills on time. They also have trouble with issues with organization both at work and at home.
Women who suffer 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 may also have trouble being quiet and can talk to themselves incessantly or say unintelligible phrases or sounds, however they're much less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men are.
For many adults with ADHD the first method of treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are typically prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that target how neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine and guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you how to control your mood and behavior. In addition to medications exercise and an appropriate diet can help manage ADHD symptoms of restlessness, impulsivity and distractibility. For energy boosts try activities such as dancing, yoga, group classes such as cycling or swimming, and aerobics. Try to get at least 4 to 5 sessions of exercise per week, lasting approximately 30 minutes per session. Be sure to take a variety of fresh vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein to help boost your concentration and mood.