AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often challenged to meet the expectations of society in many ways. This includes caring for others, balancing work and home life, and managing relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Gender bias may also lead health professionals to misdiagnose or not recognize ADHD symptoms in girls and women.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd in women is difficulty concentrating. The problem can manifest in many ways, including having trouble remembering appointments, not being able finish tasks at the office or having trouble concentrating when talking to people. It's also a typical problem that makes it hard for women to keep track of their finances, and it's often the reason why they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
Women are more adept at masked ADHD symptoms than others, making it harder for them as adults to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers don't know why, but they think it may be due to gender roles and the expectation for women and girls to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD can result in poor performance at work or in school and stop them from seeking support and help.
In addition, a lack of focus could be mistaken for other conditions like anxiety or depression. For instance, depression may affect your focus by making you more forgetful and irritable. People with generalized anxieties disorder have difficulty concentrating because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the most effective way to increase concentration. This means you should find a therapist or therapist experienced with ADHD in women and girls. It is also important to know about the options for accommodations from your school or employer, such as flexible working hours or working at home. Practicing good sleep hygiene will also help you enjoy more restful nights and be more focused during the day, including getting to bed at the same time every night, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior going to bed and limiting time spent on screens.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are typically driven. They might interrupt others or alter the topic of the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without considering the consequences, and take risks that are not in your best interest. They may also have trouble understanding the body language of others or interpreting social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during the perimenopausal period that comes before menopause and after which 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 care professionals missing ADHD in girls and women, misdiagnosing them, or dismissing their symptoms as being a mood or anxiety problem. The gender bias could also play a role, since research on ADHD is mostly focused on boys and men.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers often observe the impulsive behavior of children. It's normal for children to be impatient, restless or impulsive at times. These behaviors are likely to increase as children grow older and become more adept at managing their symptoms.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can negatively impact school, work, and relationships. They can cause procrastination and inattention, as well as problems following through with commitments. They can also make finding and keeping a job difficult and can hinder healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated by medication. Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments depending on your particular symptoms as well as your lifestyle and other health conditions you might have. They may also suggest psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change negative thoughts patterns, couples counseling when your relationship has been affected by your ADHD or family therapy. Physical exercise can help calm your brain and reduce symptoms, especially in the case of disorientation and impulsivity. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group exercises, such as running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a variety of physical symptoms. The feeling of dizziness, headaches and palpitations and sweating are just a few of the symptoms. They can also make someone feel like they are having an attack on their heart or that the world is coming to an end. Because of these physical symptoms, people who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed with a heart condition. This can result in a long odyssey of medical treatment that does not address the root cause. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in conjunction with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular it can help people develop new ways of thinking or reacting to situations that could 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 detailed questions regarding the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty getting a correct diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are designed toward male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms to fit with society. As a result, they could be overlooked and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The professional will make use of an extensive medical history, a physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders in order to determine the severity of a patient's symptoms and determine if any other medical conditions might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience disorganization, which is a constant issue that can disrupt the routine of school and work as well as cause emotional stress. It can create tension in relationships, and can lead to financial difficulties. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organizational skills, such as not keeping track of bills or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. Often, disorganization is related to other issues, such as anxiety, a traumatic life event, or depression, and can be difficult to treat.
undiagnosed adhd in women with ADHD have a high degree of functioning and their symptoms don't have a significant impact on their daily interactions and relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However it doesn't mean they don't have the usual symptoms. They may have difficulty concentrating or paying attention to particulars, feeling uneasy and forgetful.
For some, disorder is a constant struggle and it's normal for people suffering from ADHD to be prone to searching for lost items or put off important tasks. It can also lead to poor work quality and strained relationships. It can also trigger various health issues such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another issue that can cause the disorder in women with ADHD is hormonal fluctuations. 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.
While biological differences between the sexes can play a role, it's also possible that some of the disorder and impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in women is linked to social "norms." Girls and young women are typically socialized to be quiet and reserved, which is why they might suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women often find it easier to hide their attention issues than men and can result in undiagnosed problems and delayed treatment. In reality, they might even think that they have better concentration and time-management skills than they do. However, these people are likely to lose things, forget appointments, or not pay bills on time. They also struggle with issues with organization both at work and at home.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to develop the inattentive type 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 issues speaking to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they are less likely to experience these symptoms than men.
Medication is the primary treatment option for many adults suffering from ADHD. stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate are typically prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on the way that neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. They include atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These therapies can help you identify your automatic or irrational thinking patterns and teach you healthy ways to regulate your behavior and emotions. Exercise and a healthy diet in addition to medications can help manage ADHD symptoms such as restlessness, impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities such as yoga, dancing, group classes like aerobics or swimming, and biking to boost energy levels. Try to do at least four to five sessions of exercise every week for around 30 minutes each session. To support your mood and attention take a varied diet of foods, including whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats.