ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender refer to biology--the hormones and chromosomal makeup of the body, and that many people don't fit into a sex binary. However, sex and gender can influence how symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is typically diagnosed in the early years of childhood, before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present before 12 years of age and cause difficulties in more than one environment to be eligible for an assessment.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is the root of ADHD and affects both women and men. Women may have a tougher focus, particularly since symptoms may manifest differently than they do in males.
Women are more likely to experience disorganization and indecisiveness for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotional and have a difficult time putting things in perspective. These problems can create an inability to concentrate on work, which can lead to a decrease in productivity at work or at home. They're also more likely skip doctor appointments and forget to take their medications.
The hormones that women experience along with these innate differences can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. The female hippocampus is larger, which aids in memory and learning. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopausal cycles can affect brain function.
Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD might struggle with their relationships, at school and at work. They may also have a variety of comorbid disorders including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
In these circumstances, it is crucial for health care professionals to be aware of the various indicators that females suffering from ADHD often show. They should rethink their approaches to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to take into account hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation and other variables that influence the severity of symptoms. These patients can then finally receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Females suffering from ADHD are more likely to have trouble controlling their emotions, particularly when interacting with others. This can lead emotional dysregulation which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It is also associated with negative outcomes in life. This includes low self-esteem anxiety and depression, problematic romantic relationships that can result in violence between partners, problems with friendships, a messy house or personal space, an inability manage time or money, and a messy house.
Gender stereotypes can also affect the way women with ADHD are treated. Because they are often perceived as being more sensitive or prone to mood swings, they could be misunderstood or dismissed as being emotionally prone. adhd symptoms in women adults can lead to their frustration in being a victim of untreated ADHD.
The portion of the brain that controls impulses the brain, referred to as the prefrontal cortex, is affected in people with ADHD. This means they have a harder time making decisions and following up with their intentions. This can make it hard to resist the temptation to eat a second piece of cake or to make an inappropriate statement in public.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medication that helps them control their tendency to be impulsive. stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can aid in reduce the impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medications such as clonidine and guanfacine can be effective as well. Patients with ADHD may also benefit from behavioral therapy, which can help to change their thinking patterns and develop healthier strategies for coping.
Meditation and eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can all help to control restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and to share this information with their physician to assess whether the treatment regimen is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a common problem in people with ADHD, and can affect their personal and professional life. They may have trouble to complete their tasks and their efficiency may be diminished. They may also miss deadlines or feel overwhelmed each day.
Lack of organization can also make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. They might forget important dates or lose things like keys or purses. They may feel lonely and isolated due to this. They may also feel unloved by their family and friends. It is more difficult to organize during perimenopause and menopause as hormones alter and symptoms increase.
It is not uncommon for women to mask their ADHD symptoms to conform with societal norms and avoid being thought of as a problem. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. It could also be the reason women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially true in adolescence, when symptoms become more obvious.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may not perform as well at work or in school. This could have a negative impact on their work, grades, or even their reputation. It can also create problems in their personal life including issues with romantic partners or strained relationships with family members and friends members.
Women who are chronically disorganized could benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental friend. They can help women learn to stay organized by creating lists and establishing reminders. Additionally, a certified mental health professional may recommend medication and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. This may include eating small, frequent meals to keep energy levels up and avoiding caffeine, which can increase side effects from stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a trait that can affect decision-making in a variety of areas of our lives. Indecisiveness can be measured using various instruments, such as the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale for Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness is also linked to neuroticism, and the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret uncertain situations as threat. It has also been proven to be correlated with the fear of being wrong, which may help explain why it's common for people suffering from adhd to have difficulty making decisions.
In the study that was qualitative of adult women with adhd the participants said they were not able to make decisions regarding their work and personal lives. They struggled to find an occupation they enjoyed or stayed in, and were difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships, and health. They often had to wait for others to make decisions, or were unable to finish projects like arranging childcare. They often felt like they were hindered by their ADHD symptoms, for example, difficulty with starting or staying focused and impulsivity.
They had a difficult time relaxing and maintaining friendships, which led to mental health issues. They reported stress and anxiety, a sleep deprivation and poor nutrition. They also expressed feeling slighted by media and adults. They were able to explain their struggles with ADHD, which helped them boost their self-esteem as they weren't blaming others. They also had access to the appropriate treatment strategies.
The interviews revealed that the women had a number of positive characteristics, but they were struggling to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on different aspects of their life. The women complained of an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships, and a messy house.
5. Lack of Self-Esteem
Women might hide their hyperactivity and impulsivity because they believe that these symptoms are less acceptable for men and boys. Women who suffer from ADHD might take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop coping strategies like self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can lead to low self-esteem, which could cause anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
Being able to identify your inner worth is a key factor in better relationships and a more positive outlook on life. When people lack a strong sense of self-worth and feel they are not worthy, they will seek outside things - including careers, relationships wealth, power, and relationships to feel worthy. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, says that this can lead to the lack of communication in a relationship.
Women with ADHD may also feel they are not worthy of good things in life. These feelings can manifest as a need to please or to "keep up" with others. This can lead to negative work environments and a negative image of the body and a dependence on food or other substances.
Although these are significant challenges, the women who participated in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as a blessing or a curse according to how they feel about their ability to control it. Many of them also recognize personal strengths they believe are due to their ADHD which include high energy, creativity determination, and the ability to become easily interested in new subjects. They also talk about their unique struggles in the context of a larger picture that includes biological and gender distinctions, as well as cultural and family issues.