AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty meeting many societal expectations. Women who suffer from ADHD are often struggling to live up to 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 girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd in women is having trouble concentration. It's a condition that can manifest in different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments to not being able to finish work, to losing focus during conversations, making people feel disregarded. It's also a common problem that makes it hard for women to manage their finances, and it's often the reason they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that women are more adept at masked their ADHD symptoms, which could make it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why, however, they think it could 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 at school and prevent them from seeking support and help.
In addition, lack of focus is an atypical symptom that could be confused with other ailments, including depression and anxiety. Depression can affect your concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People with generalized anxiety disorder often experience trouble focusing because they are more likely to become overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
The best method to increase your ability to concentrate is to manage your ADHD symptoms through treatment. This means finding a therapist or clinician who has experience with ADHD both in women and girls. You should also learn about the accommodations you can request from your school or employer for example, flexible working hours or at home. Good sleep hygiene will also assist you in having more restful nights, and help you to stay focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping each night at the same time, while listening to relaxing music or an audiobook, and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be driven. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or changing topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking and taking risks that aren't beneficial to their health. They may also have difficulty reading body language or interpreting social signals. The signs of impulsivity may increase during perimenopausal - the time 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 cause health professionals to overlook ADHD in these individuals, or mistakenly diagnose them or ignore their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood issues. Gender bias can be a factor, as research on ADHD is mostly focused on males and females.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers often notice an impulsive behavior. It's normal for kids to be impatient, restless or impulsive at times. These behaviors are likely to improve as children age and become more adept at managing their symptoms.
Adults with adhd may be prone to impulsive behavior and distraction that affect their relationships, work, and school. They can lead to procrastination, forgetfulness, and trouble keeping promises. They can make locating and keeping a job difficult and hinder healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adult ADHD typically involves medication. Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments depending on your specific symptoms as well as your lifestyle and other health issues you might have. Psychotherapy may also be recommended, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and change negative thinking patterns, couples counseling if your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD or family therapy. Physical exercise can aid in calming your brain and lessen symptoms, particularly when it comes to disorientation and impulsivity. Try activities such as yoga, dancing and group exercises, such as swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a wide array of physical symptoms. The feeling of dizziness, headaches and palpitations and sweating are a few of the symptoms. They can also make a person feel as if they are suffering from an attack of the heart or that the world is ending. People who suffer from anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart issue because of these physical symptoms. This can result in a long medical treatment without addressing the root cause. Fortunately, the majority of anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy by itself or in combination with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help people develop new ways of thinking and reacting 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 have mixed subtypes. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms with their doctor. will ask them specific questions regarding the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble getting an accurate diagnosis, since many diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Women may also hide their symptoms to fit with society. This means that they might be underdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional, like a psychiatrist psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses, can identify ADHD. The professional will make use of an in-depth history, a physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to assess the symptoms of a patient and determine if any other medical conditions might be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are prone to experiencing disorganization. This is a constant issue that can lead to disruptions in school and work and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is defined as the lack of organization skills like not keeping track of expenses or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. It can be caused by other factors like anxiety, traumatic event in life or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Certain women with ADHD are able to perform 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 that they don't suffer from the common symptoms. They may have difficulty paying attention or concentrating on details, feeling restless and forgetful.
For some, a lack of organization is a constant struggle, and it's common for those with ADHD to spend time searching for lost items or put off important tasks. The disorder also affects the quality of their work, and could result in strained relationships. It can also trigger a number of health problems, such as insomnia or anxiety.
Hormone fluctuations can also exacerbate the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation, the middle of menstruation, and at the end the cycle, while progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
While adhd symptoms in women adults in the biological makeup of sexes can 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 can be conditioned to be reserved and quiet and can cause them to suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are more likely than men to conceal their problems with attention, which can cause them to be wrongly diagnosed and receive delayed treatment. They may even think they are better at managing their time and concentration than they actually are. In reality, they're more likely to lose things, forget appointments or pay bills on time, and struggle with disorganization at home and at work.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to develop the inattentive version 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 being silent, and may even talk to themselves or make a variety of nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they are less likely to experience these symptoms than men.
For many adults with ADHD the first option for treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with the brain are also possible. These include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you recognize automatic or irrational thinking patterns and teach you healthy ways to control your mood and behavior. In addition to medication exercising and a balanced diet can help manage ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity, and restlessness. Try activities like dancing, yoga, group classes like aerobics or swimming, and biking to boost energy levels. Try to get at least 4 to 5 hours of exercise every week for approximately 30 minutes per session. To improve your mood and attention take a varied diet of foods, including whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats.