AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to meet societal expectations. Women with ADHD typically struggle to meet the expectations of society that include 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. The gender bias can also cause health professionals to misdiagnose or not recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Concentration issues are one of the most common adhd symptoms in women. It's a problem that can manifest in a variety of different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments or not being able to finish tasks at work to zoning out during conversations, making people feel disregarded. It can also make it difficult for women to manage their finances, and often result in them not being able to take advantage on job or financial opportunities.
It's possible that women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, which may make it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't certain why this is, but they speculate that it may be due to traditional gender roles and the notion that girls and women should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms could lead to poor performance at school or work, and it might hinder them from seeking the help and assistance they need.
adhd traits in women of focus can also be misinterpreted as other signs like anxiety or depression. For instance, depression could affect your concentration by making you less attentive and unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder have difficulty concentrating because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the most effective way to improve concentration. This means locating a doctor or therapist with experience in ADHD for both girls and women. It's also an excellent idea to find out about any accommodations you could ask your employer or educational institution for, such as flexible hours or working at home. A healthy sleeping routine can aid you in having more restful nights and to be more focused throughout the day. This means getting to bed every night at the same time, and listening to relaxing music or an audiobook, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently exhibit impulsivity signs. They may be prone to interrupting others or changing topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking and taking risks that are not in their best interests. They may also have difficulty reading other people's body language or picking up on social signals. The signs of impulsivity may increase during perimenopausal - the time prior to menopausal symptoms - and also 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 miss ADHD in them, mistakenly diagnose them or ignore their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood problems. Gender bias may be a factor, since research on ADHD is mostly focused on men and boys.
Teachers and parents might notice impulsive behavior in 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 become more adept at managing their symptoms.
Adults with adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting which can affect their relationships, work and school. They can cause delay or forgetfulness and difficulty staying on track with commitments. They can also make finding and maintaining a job difficult and can hinder healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is typically treated by medication. Your doctor will recommend an array of treatments based on your specific symptoms, your lifestyle, and other health conditions you might have. They may also recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you to recognize and change negative thoughts and couples counseling if your relationship is affected by ADHD, or even family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain and help reduce symptoms. It can also help you focus. This is particularly true for those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. You can take on activities such as yoga, dancing, or group exercises like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can cause a variety of physical symptoms. These include dizziness and chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. These symptoms can make a person believe they are suffering from stroke or that the world is about to end. Due to these physical signs, people who experience anxiety often get misdiagnosed with heart disease. This could result in a long medical treatment without addressing the root of the issue. Fortunately, most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in combination with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help people develop new ways of thinking and reacting that can make them 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 are also more likely to be a mixed subtype. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms and their doctor will ask them questions regarding the disorder.
Women with ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are biased towards male behavior. In addition, women often attempt to conceal their symptoms in order 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 psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced registered nurses may be able to diagnose ADHD. The professional will make use of a detailed 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 could be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD might experience disorganization, which is a persistent issue that can disrupt the routine of school and work as well as cause emotional stress. It can strain relationships and contribute to financial issues. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organizational skills like not keeping track of bills or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other problems such as anxiety, a traumatic event in life or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Certain women with ADHD are able to function at a high level, and their symptoms do not significantly impact their daily life or relationships. This condition is called "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't suffer from the typical symptoms. This includes difficulty in concentrating or paying attention to particulars, feeling uneasy, and being unfocused.
People who struggle with disorder on a daily basis. They may be looking for lost items or putting off important tasks. The disorder can affect the quality of their work, and could lead to strained relationships. It can also cause many health issues, such as 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 and at the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone is more abundant and these fluctuations could cause ADHD symptoms worse.
While differences in the biological makeup of sexes can play a role, it's also possible that some of the disorganization and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is linked to social "norms." Young women and girls can be socialized to be quiet and reserved, which can lead them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which can result in them being misdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment. In reality, they might even think that they have better focus and time-management skills than they actually do. In reality, they're more likely to lose things and forget appointments, or not pay bills on time, and struggle with disorganization at work and home.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to develop the inattentive subtype 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 being quiet and can talk to themselves constantly or use nonsensical phrases or sounds, though they're less likely to have these symptoms than men are.
Medication is the first treatment option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also possible. They include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you identify your automatic or irrational thoughts, and also learn healthy ways to regulate your mood and behavior. In addition to medications, exercise and an appropriate diet can help control ADHD symptoms of disorientation, impulsivity and restlessness. Try activities like yoga, dancing or group classes such as aerobics or swimming, and cycling to boost your energy levels. Make sure you get four to five sessions of exercise each week of about 30 minutes per session. To support your mood and concentration take a varied diet of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.