AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to meet society's expectations. Women with ADHD typically struggle to meet the expectations of society such as caring for others as well as balancing work and home life, and navigating 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 misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms for girls and women.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most frequent symptoms of adhd among women. The problem can manifest in many ways, such as having trouble remembering appointments, not being able finish work or being unable to concentrate when speaking to people. It can also make it difficult for women to manage their finances and can cause them to miss out on job or financial opportunities.
It's possible that women are better at masking their ADHD symptoms, which may make it harder to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why, but they believe it could 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.
In addition, lack of focus is a common symptom and can be confused with other conditions such as anxiety and depression. add women can affect concentration by making you forgetful and unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety trouble concentrating as they are often overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best method to increase your ability to concentrate is to manage your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. This means hiring a professional or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. It's also an excellent idea to find out about accommodations that you can ask your employer or educational institution for, such as flexible hours or working at home. A healthy sleep routine will help you to have more peaceful nights and help you to stay focused throughout the day. This means going to bed each night at the same time, and listening to relaxing music or an audiobook, and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or switching topics during conversations, making snap decisions without thinking, and taking risks that aren't the best for their interests. They may also have trouble understanding body language or picking up on social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopause - the period prior to menopausal symptoms - and also 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 could lead health care professionals to miss ADHD in them, misdiagnose them, or ignore their symptoms as mood or anxiety problems. Research on ADHD is focused on males and females. This can cause a gender bias.
When children with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers often notice the impulsive behavior of children. It's not unusual for children to be anxious or irritable at times. These behaviors are likely to increase as children grow older and learn to manage their symptoms.
Adults can experience impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can negatively impact school, work, and relationships. They can lead to delay and forgetfulness, as well as difficulty staying on track with commitments. They can also make it difficult to find and keep jobs, and can disrupt healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adults with ADHD typically involves medication. Your doctor will recommend a combination of treatments depending on the specific symptoms you have and lifestyle, as well as other health conditions you might have. They may also suggest psychotherapy which includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change negative thinking patterns and couples counseling in the event that your relationship has been affected by your ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain and reduce symptoms, as well as help you focus. This is particularly true for those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group exercises, such as running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can cause a variety of physical symptoms. The feeling of dizziness, headaches and palpitations and sweating are a few of the signs. They can also make a person feel like they are having an attack on their heart or that the world is closing. People who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart problem due to these physical signs. This can result in a lengthy journey of medical treatment that fails to treat the root cause. Psychotherapy is effective for most anxiety disorders, whether it's used on its own or in conjunction with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically, can help a person develop new ways of thinking or 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 may also be more likely to be an uniform subtype. It is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out an exhaustive physical exam and ask questions about the way that the disorder impacts their lives.
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis because many of the diagnostic tools used to diagnose the disorder are skewed toward male behavior. Women may also hide their symptoms in order to blend with the rest of society. They may be misdiagnosed, and their ADHD treatment may be delayed. A qualified professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The provider will use a detailed medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to determine the severity of a patient's symptoms and determine if any other medical conditions might be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD can experience disordered behavior. This is a constant problem that can cause disruptions in work and schoolwork and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organization like not paying bills on time or keeping appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. In many cases, it is connected to other issues, such as anxiety, traumatizing a life event, or depression, and is often difficult to treat.
Some women who suffer from ADHD have a high level of functioning, and their symptoms don't have a significant impact on their daily activities and relationships. This is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." This does not mean that they don't experience certain symptoms. They may have difficulty concentrating or paying attention to details, feeling restless, and being unfocused.
For some, disorganization is a constant struggle, and it's common for people suffering from ADHD to be prone to searching for lost objects or putting off important tasks. The disorder can also affect the quality of their work, and could lead to strained relationships. add women can also trigger various health problems, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another factor that can exacerbate disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and in the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone is more abundant and these fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
While biological differences between the genders could play a role but it's also possible some of the disorder and impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in women is related to social "norms." Young women and girls are typically viewed as quiet and reserved, so they may not be able to hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women are more likely than men to conceal their attention issues, which can result in them being incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. In fact, they may even think they have better focus and time-management skills than they do. In reality, these people tend to lose things, forget appointments, or not pay bills on time. They also face disorganization 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 can also experience trouble being quiet and can talk to themselves incessantly or say unintelligible phrases or sounds, however they're much less likely to exhibit these symptoms than men are.
For many adults with ADHD, the first method of treatment is medication. stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate are often prescribed, however nonstimulant drugs that target the way that neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine and Guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These therapies can help you identify thoughts that are irrational or automatic and help you learn healthy ways to self regulate your mood and behavior. In addition to medications exercise and healthy eating habits can help control ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity and distractibility. Try activities such as dancing, yoga and group classes such as swimming or aerobics, and cycling to boost your energy levels. Try to get at least 4 to 5 sessions of exercise each week of approximately 30 minutes per session. To boost your mood and focus consume a variety of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.