AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to meet society's expectations. Women who suffer from ADHD are often struggling to meet the expectations of society, including caring for others while juggling 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 in girls and women.
1. Lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women. It's a problem that can manifest in different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments or not being able to finish work, or snoring during conversations, making people feel unimportant. It's also a typical symptom that can make it hard for women to keep up with their finances, and is often the reason why they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
Women may be more adept in masked ADHD symptoms than others which makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. adhd in adult women aren't sure what the reason is, but they speculate that it could be due to traditional gender roles and the belief that women and girls should be more "restrained." Masking add women could lead to being under-performing at school or at work and could hinder them from seeking the help and assistance they need.
The lack of focus can be misinterpreted as other signs like anxiety or depression. Depression can affect concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People with generalized anxieties trouble concentrating as they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best method to increase your ability to concentrate is to manage your ADHD symptoms with treatment. This involves hiring a professional or therapist who has experience with ADHD in women and girls. It's also recommended to be aware about accommodations that you can request your employer or educational institution for such as flexible hours or working at home. Practicing good sleep hygiene can help you have more restful sleep and be more focused throughout the day. This includes getting to bed at the same time every evening, listening to calming music or an audiobook before sleeping and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are often driven. They may interrupt others or switch topics during a discussion, make quick decisions without considering the consequences and make decisions that are not in your best interest. They may also have difficulty reading body language or interpreting social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopausal, the period 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 care professionals missing ADHD in girls and women, misdiagnosing them, or dismissing their symptoms as a mood or anxiety issue. The gender bias could be a factor, since research on ADHD is mostly focused on males and females.
Parents and teachers may notice an impulsive behavior among children with ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be anxious or even impatient at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve as they grow older and learn how to manage their symptoms.
Adults with adhd can be prone to impulsive behavior and distraction that can impact their relationships, work and school. They can lead to procrastination, forgetfulness, as well as difficulties following through with commitments. They can also make it difficult for people to find and keep jobs. They also can affect healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adult ADHD typically involves medication. Your doctor may recommend an array of treatments based on your particular symptoms as well as your lifestyle and other health conditions you might have. They might also recommend psychotherapy which includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change negative thoughts patterns and couples counseling when your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain and reduce symptoms, as well as assist you in staying focused. This is especially important for those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities such as yoga, dancing, or group workouts such as running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a variety of physical symptoms. These include dizziness and chest pain, headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. These symptoms can make someone think they are having stroke or that the world is going to end. People who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart issue because of these physical symptoms. This can result in a lengthy journey of medical treatments that do not treat the root cause. Fortunately, the majority of anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in combination with medication. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person learn new ways of thinking and reacting that may help them feel 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 suffer from a mixed subtype. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms with their doctor. will ask them detailed questions about the disorder.
Women with ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that many of the diagnostic tools utilized for the disorder are skewed toward male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms in order to blend with the rest of society. They may be misdiagnosed, and their ADHD treatment may be delayed. A trained professional, like a psychiatrist psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurse, can diagnose ADHD. The professional will make use of an extensive medical history, a physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders in order to assess the symptoms of a patient and determine if any other medical conditions might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD might experience disorganization, which is an ongoing problem that can cause disruption to the way they work and school, cause emotional stress and strain relationships and contribute to financial problems. Disorganization is often characterized by an inability to organize, such as not keeping track of expenses or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. Disorganization can be caused by other issues like anxiety, traumatic event in life, or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD can perform at a high level and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily lives or relationships. This condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." This does not mean that they do not experience some of the symptoms. They may have difficulty concentrating or paying attention to details, feeling restless and forgetful.
For some, disorder is a daily struggle, and it's common for people with ADHD to spend a lot of time looking for lost items or put off important tasks. It can also result in poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also cause a variety of health issues, such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can further aggravate the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower when ovulating, during the middle of menstrual cycle, and at the end when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, while biological differences could be a factor, some of the disorganization or impulsivity in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women are typically viewed as quiet and reserved, so they might suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women are often able to hide their attention issues than men, which can lead to undiagnosed problems and delayed treatment. They might even believe they're better at managing their time and concentration than they are. In reality, they tend to lose things, forget appointments, or not pay their bills on time. They also face problems with organization at work and at home.
Women with ADHD tend to develop the inattentive form 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 in calming down and may talk to themselves constantly or use unintelligible phrases or sounds, however they're much less likely to exhibit these symptoms than men are.
Medication is the primary treatment option for many adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are typically prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for women with ADHD. These therapies can help you identify your automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to self-regulate your behavior and emotions. In addition to medication exercise and a balanced diet can help you manage ADHD symptoms of anxiety, impulsivity, and restlessness. Try activities like yoga, dancing and group classes such as aerobics or swimming, and biking to increase your energy levels. Make sure to exercise at the very least four to five sessions per week, each lasting around 30 minutes. To improve your mood and focus consume a variety of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.