AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD often struggle to meet the expectations of society in many ways. Women with ADHD typically struggle to meet the expectations of society, including caring for others as well as balancing work and home life, and managing relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. The gender bias can also cause health professionals to misdiagnose or not recognize ADHD symptoms in girls and women.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of concentration. It's a condition that can show up in many different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments to not being able to finish tasks at work, or snoring when talking to others and making them feel ignored. It's also a frequent sign that makes it difficult for women to keep track of their finances. It's often the reason why they miss out on jobs or financial opportunities.
Women may be more adept in masked ADHD symptoms than others, making it harder for them as adults to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why, but they think it may be due to gender roles and the expectation for girls and women to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD can result in poor performance at work or at school, and hinder people from seeking help and assistance.
Lack of focus is also a common symptom that can be confused with other ailments such as anxiety and depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People with generalized anxieties trouble concentrating as they are often overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to improve your concentration is to control your ADHD symptoms with treatment. That means finding a clinician or therapist with experience in ADHD in women and girls. It's also a good idea to learn about accommodations that you can request your employer or school for like flexible hours or working from home. Good sleep hygiene will also assist you in having more restful nights and help you to stay focused throughout the day. This means sleeping each night at the same time, listening to soothing music or an audiobook and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are often driven. They can interrupt other people or switch topics during discussions, make snap decisions without thinking about the consequences, and make decisions that are not in your best interest. They may also have trouble understanding body language or picking up on social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during perimenopausal, the phase that precedes menopausal and after which hormone levels begin to decrease.
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 miss ADHD in these individuals, or not diagnosing them correctly, or dismiss their symptoms as mood or anxiety problems. Gender bias can be a factor, because research on ADHD is predominantly focused on boys and men.
Teachers and parents might notice impulsive behavior in children with ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be restless or irritable at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve as children grow up and learn to manage their problems.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can negatively impact work, school, and relationships. They can lead to delay and forgetfulness, as well as difficulty following through on commitments. They can make locating and keeping jobs difficult and can hinder healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adults with ADHD usually involves medication. Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments based on your lifestyle, symptoms, and any other health issues. They may also recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which can help you recognize and alter negative thought patterns, couples counseling, when your relationship is impacted by ADHD, or even family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind and reduce symptoms, as well as aid in focusing. This is particularly true for people who have a tendency to be distracted and impulsive. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group workouts, like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger a variety of physical symptoms. Palpitations, headaches, dizziness and sweating are some of the symptoms. They can make people feel like they are having an attack of the heart or that the world is ending. People who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart problem because of these physical symptoms. This can result in lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root cause. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, whether it's used on its own or when combined with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular it can help people 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 a mixed type. Women should discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor. will ask them detailed questions regarding the disorder.
Women with ADHD may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are geared towards male behavior. In adhd in older women , women often attempt to hide their symptoms to fit into the society. As a result, they might be underdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The professional will conduct a thorough history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate the symptoms of an individual and determine if there are any other conditions that may be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD may experience disorganization, which is an ongoing problem that can cause disruption to the way they work and school as well as cause emotional stress. It can create tension in relationships, and can lead to financial problems. Disorganization is characterized by an inability to organize, such as not keeping track of bills or appointments, and having trouble making decisions. In many cases, it is connected to other issues, such as anxiety, traumatizing life event, or depression and can be difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD can perform at a high level, and their symptoms do not significantly impact their daily lives or relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't experience some of the common symptoms. high functioning adhd in women may have difficulty paying attention or concentrating on particulars, feeling uneasy, and being unfocused.
Many people experience disorganization on a daily basis. They may be searching for lost items or delay important tasks. The disorder also affects the quality of their work and can cause tension in relationships. It can also cause a number of health problems, such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can further aggravate the disorder of women suffering from ADHD. Estrogen is lower during ovulation and at the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone is higher and these fluctuations could cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Although biological differences between genders may play a part, it's also possible that some of the disorganization and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is linked to social "norms." Girls and young women are typically socialized to be quiet and reserved, so they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are more likely than men to mask their problems with attention, which can lead them to be misdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment. In fact, they may even think they have better focus and time-management skills than they actually do. In reality, they tend to lose things, forget appointments, or not pay their bills on time. They also struggle with problems with organization at work and at home.
Women with 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 may also have trouble speaking to themselves or make nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they are less likely to experience these symptoms than men.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the first option for treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are usually prescribed, but nonstimulant medications that target how neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify thoughts that are irrational or automatic and teach you how to control your moods and behaviors. A healthy diet and exercise along with medication, can help control ADHD symptoms such as anxiety, impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities like yoga, dancing, group classes like swimming or aerobics, as well as cycling to boost your energy levels. Try to get at least 4 to 5 hours of exercise every week for about 30 minutes per session. Make sure to take a variety of fresh vegetables, whole grains, protein and healthy fats to boost your focus and mood.