AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to meet the expectations of society in many ways. This includes taking care of others, balancing 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 cause health care professionals to not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most common symptoms of adhd in women is difficulty in concentrating. The problem can manifest in a variety of ways, such as forgetting appointments, not being able finish tasks at the office or having trouble concentrating when speaking to people. It's also a typical sign that makes it difficult for women to keep track of their finances, and is often the reason why they miss out on jobs or financial opportunities.
Some women may be better in masked ADHD symptoms than other women, making it harder for them as adults to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers don't know why this is, but they think it may be due to gender roles and the expectation of women and girls to be more "restrained." Masking ADHD could lead to underperformance at work or in school, and hinder those with ADHD from seeking out support and help.
In addition, a lack of focus could be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses such as depression or anxiety. For instance, depression can affect your concentration by making you more forgetful and irritable. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder have difficulty concentrating because they are usually overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best method to increase your concentration. This involves hiring a professional or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. It's also a good idea to learn about the kinds of accommodations you can ask your employer or school for like flexible hours or working from home. A healthy sleeping routine can assist you in having more restful nights and help you to 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 your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. They may be prone to interrupting others or shifting topics during conversations, making snap decisions without thinking, and taking risks that aren't in their best interests. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or social cues. The signs of impulsivity tend to get worse during the perimenopausal period that comes 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 their patients, misdiagnose them, or dismiss their symptoms as mood or anxiety issues. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on boys and men. This may cause an imbalance in gender.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers often notice the impulsive behavior of children. It's normal for children to be restless, impatient or impulsive at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve as children grow up and learn to manage their problems.
In adults, the impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can affect work, school, and relationships. They can cause procrastination and inattention, as well as problems keeping commitments. They can also make locating and keeping a job difficult and hinder healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adult ADHD generally involves taking medication. Your doctor may suggest an individualized treatment based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and any other health conditions. Psychotherapy may also be recommended, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and alter negative thought patterns or couples counseling when your relationship has been affected by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can also help calm your brain and lessen symptoms, particularly when it comes to disorientation and impulsivity. Try activities like yoga, dancing and group workouts like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can lead to various physical symptoms. These include dizziness and chest pain, heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. These symptoms can make a person believe they are suffering from a stroke or the world is close to ending. People who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart problem due to these physical signs. This can lead to a lengthy journey of medical treatment that fails to address the root cause. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in combination with medications. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help people learn new ways of thinking and reacting that can 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 may also be more likely to be an uniform subtype. It is crucial for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out an extensive physical exam and ask questions about the way that the disorder impacts their life.
attention deficit disorder in women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis, since many diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. In addition, women often attempt to hide their ADHD to fit in with 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 professional will conduct an extensive history, physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to assess the symptoms of a person and determine if there are 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 disruptions in work and schoolwork and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is characterized by a lack of organizational skills that include not keeping track of expenses or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. It can be caused by other problems like anxiety, traumatic event in life or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Certain women with ADHD are able to perform at a high degree and their symptoms do not significantly impact their daily lives or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." It doesn't mean they do not experience some of the symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating, or paying attention to the smallest of details.
Many people experience disorganization on a regular basis. They may spend time looking for lost objects or putting off important tasks. The disorder also affects the quality of their work and may lead to strained relationships. It can also trigger various health problems, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Hormone fluctuations can further aggravate the disorder of women suffering from ADHD. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating and in the middle of menstrual cycle while progesterone is more abundant and these fluctuations can make ADHD symptoms worse.
While differences in the biological makeup of genders could play a role however, it's also possible that some of the disorder and impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in women is due to social "norms." Girls and young women are often socialized to be quiet and reserved, which is why they might suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are more likely than men to hide their attention issues, which can cause them to be incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. They may even think they're better at managing their time and concentration than they actually are. In reality, they're likely to misplace things, forget appointments or pay bills on time and struggle with a lack of organization at work and home.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to develop the inattentive form 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 can also experience trouble staying quiet and may speak to themselves constantly or use in a nonsensical manner or make sounds, though they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than males are.
For many adults with ADHD, the first line of treatment is medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also possible. They include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you identify your automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to control your behavior and emotions. In addition to medications exercise and a balanced diet can help you manage ADHD symptoms of disorientation, impulsivity and restlessness. Try activities such as dancing, yoga, group classes like swimming or aerobics, and biking to boost energy levels. Make sure you get 4 to 5 sessions of exercise per week, lasting approximately 30 minutes per session. Make sure you consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein and healthy fats to help boost your concentration and mood.