AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often challenged to meet the expectations of society in many ways. Women who suffer from ADHD are often struggling to meet the expectations of society that include 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 make health professionals not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of concentration. The problem can manifest in a variety of ways, such as having trouble remembering appointments, being unable to finish work or having trouble concentrating when speaking to people. It's also a frequent symptom that can make it hard for women to keep track of their finances, and it's often the reason why they miss out on jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, which could make it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure what the reason is, but they theorize that it could be due to traditional gender roles and the expectation that women and girls should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can result in being under-performing at school or at work, and it might make it difficult for them to seek the help and support they require.
Lack of focus can also be misinterpreted as other signs such as depression or anxiety. Depression can affect concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People with generalized anxieties trouble concentrating as they are often overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the most effective way to improve concentration. That means finding a clinician or therapist with experience in ADHD for girls and women. Also, you should be aware of the accommodations you can request from your school or employer that allow for flexible working hours or at home. Good sleep hygiene will also help you to have more restful nights and to be more focused throughout the day. This includes going to bed each night at the same time, and listening to relaxing music or audiobooks, and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently exhibit impulsivity signs. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or switching topics during conversations, making snap decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not in their best interests. They might also have trouble reading body language or interpreting social signals. The signs of impulsivity tend to get worse during the perimenopausal period that comes before menopause and when 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 lead to health professionals not recognizing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing their symptoms, or dismissing their symptoms as anxiety or a mood issue. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on boys and men. This can cause the perception of gender bias.
When children with ADHD are young, teachers and parents occasionally observe an impulsive behavior. It's normal for kids to be irritable, restless or impulsive at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve over time as kids grow older and learn how to manage their issues.
Adults with adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting which can affect their relationships, work and school. They can cause delays or forgetfulness and difficulty staying on track with commitments. They can also make it difficult to find and keep jobs and can affect healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adults with ADHD generally involves taking medication. Your doctor may recommend an individualized treatment based on your lifestyle, symptoms, and any other health issues. They might also recommend psychotherapy which includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and change negative thinking patterns, couples counseling in the event that your relationship has been affected by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain, reduce symptoms and aid in focusing. This is especially important for impulsivity and distraction. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group workouts like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a variety of physical symptoms. They can cause dizziness, chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. These symptoms can make a person think they are having an attack or that the world is close to ending. Because of these physical symptoms people who suffer from anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed with a heart condition. This could result in an extended medical treatment without addressing the root of the issue. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy on its own or in combination with medications. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person discover new ways of thinking and reacting 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 mixed subtypes. It's important for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out a thorough physical exam and ask questions about the way that the disorder impacts their lives.
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty obtaining the right diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are designed toward male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms to fit in with the rest of society. As a result, they might be underdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take an extensive history, physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate a person's symptoms and determine if there are other conditions that may be the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD might experience disorganization, which is a persistent issue that can affect the way they work and school 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 like not keeping track of bills or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other issues such as anxiety, a traumatizing event in life or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Some women who suffer from ADHD have a high level of functioning, and their symptoms don't significantly affect their day-to-day activities and relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However it doesn't mean they don't suffer from the common symptoms. These include difficulty staying focused or paying attention to details, feeling restless, and being in a state of forgetfulness.
For some, disorganization is a daily struggle, and it's common for people with ADHD to spend time searching for lost objects or putting off important tasks. It can also result in poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also cause many health issues, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Hormone fluctuations can further aggravate the disorder of women suffering from ADHD. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating, during the middle of menstrual cycle, and at the end, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
Although biological differences between genders may play a part however, it's also possible that some of the disorganization and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is related to social "norms." Girls and young women are typically viewed as quiet and reserved, so they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women often find it easier to hide their attention issues than men and can result in underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. In fact, they may even believe they have better focus and time-management skills than they actually do. In reality, they're more likely to lose things or forget appointments, pay bills on time and struggle with disorganization at home and at work.
Women who suffer from ADHD tend 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 trouble speaking to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they're 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 how neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. They include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you recognize automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to regulate your behavior and emotions. In inattentive add in women to medications exercising and an appropriate diet can help manage ADHD symptoms like disorientation, impulsivity and restlessness. For energy-boosting try activities such as dancing, yoga, group classes like aerobics or swimming and biking. Make sure to exercise at minimum four to five times every week, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. Make sure you consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and protein to boost your focus and mood.