Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have different social expectations about how they should handle their work, family and home lives. This can lead you to be irritated and embarrassed if your symptoms get in the way.
Research has shown that girls and women are often under-diagnosed for ADHD as compared to boys and men. This could be due to the fact that they hide their symptoms or develop coping mechanisms to cover them.
1. Inattentiveness
Being unable to pay attention at work or school is among the primary indicators of adhd. People with this condition frequently forget important meetings, fall behind on assignments or are confused when trying to follow directions. They may also have difficulty staying focused in noisy or crowded environments. Some people who suffer from ADHD might experience "thousand-yard gazes" or a tendency to lose focus during conversation. These symptoms can lead to issues at work or in relationships.
Women and girls are especially susceptible to being diagnosed with ADHD, especially as they grow older. They often develop coping mechanisms that hide their symptoms and then continue to employ these strategies until they reach adulthood. They might even begin to see their symptoms as personal attributes, which can make it harder for them to seek help.
Additionally, many teachers don't suggest ADHD assessments for girls as often as they do for males. If a girl's inattentive ADHD is affecting her school performance or social interactions it is recommended that she consult a medical professional.
Inattention ADHD is a typical cause of emotional stress. It can be a frustrating experience to feel like you're not capable of meeting the expectations of your coworkers, friends and family members. It can be difficult to feel that you're not able to get along well with your kids or siblings. Certain people suffering from ADHD have anxiety and depression that can be exacerbated by their impulsivity and inattention. You can lessen the severity of these symptoms by seeking help and doing other activities. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that improve concentration and attention. It can also help reduce mood swings, anxiety and other symptoms that are common to people suffering from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage. You might rant about things you shouldn't, buy something on impulse or even get in trouble with the law because of your behavior. The urge to be impulsive can make it difficult to control your emotions and emotions. This can lead to self-injury, like cutting, burning or scratching yourself. This can result in alcohol or drug use.
People who are impulsive can face difficulties with their relationships, school or work performance. adhd symptoms in adult women can help you manage your impulsivity by prescribing medications. You can boost your impulse control with medications like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine and the methylphenidate. Non-stimulant medications like clonidine or guanfacine can also improve your ability to manage yourself.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. But this type of ADHD is harder to notice and could result in underdiagnosis. Women might hide their symptoms in order to conform to social expectations and standards. This masking can be especially difficult in adolescence and adulthood. Some women even use unhealthy strategies for coping that include drinking excessively and substance use, to conceal their ADHD issues.
Women who have high-functioning ADHD can conceal their symptoms by excelling in specific areas of their lives, like school or at work. This can give you a false sense of security and cause you to feel overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. Ask your doctor about accommodations that you can make at work or in school to help manage your ADHD symptoms. This can be an excellent opportunity to create awareness with your coworkers or professors about the challenges you might face.
3. Disorganization
If you have ADHD then missing appointments, arriving late for work, forgetting dates and not paying attention to conversations can cause frustration and make others feel unimportant or offended. The condition can make it difficult to keep track of your tasks and manage your finances and schedules. For instance, if you have trouble remembering what you'll need for groceries, you could miss out on meals or spend too much on unnecessary items.
Women who suffer from ADHD often have a hard to keep track of their everyday chores, homework and expenses. The disorder can also lead to messy workspaces, unorganized homes and a tendency to accumulate. The "time blindness" that ADHD sufferers have makes it difficult for them to know how long has been spent or how long they've worked on a specific task. Problems with time management can lead to feelings of guilt or shame when combined with difficulty staying organized.
While research suggests that women and girls are more likely to have ADHD than men and boys The symptoms can be concealed and not recognized. Many women don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. Social stigma and stereotypes may make it difficult for women to receive the treatment and assistance they require.
Your doctor may recommend medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. The stimulants methylphenidate or amphetamine can increase and regulate levels of neurotransmitters. These are the brain chemicals that communicate with each other. Antidepressants and atomoxetine, which are non-stimulant drugs can also be used to treat ADHD. However they perform more slowly than stimulants. Your doctor could refer you to a specialist in mental health who can assist in creating a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
4. Impulsiveness
Women with ADHD might have a difficult time controlling their emotions, and are often more sensitive to rejection. The chemical imbalance that is associated with ADHD interferes with communication between brain regions that regulate emotions, and also interpret how to deal with these emotions.
Moodiness and depression are common for those with ADHD, and the combination of these issues with difficulty keeping track of responsibilities can lead to trouble with romantic and family relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD also have a lower self-esteem and may have trouble forming friendships and managing social situations. They may wander off on tangents or have difficulty understanding what others are saying. This could make it difficult for them to find a spot in the group.
When it comes to managing their day-to-day responsibilities women with ADHD may struggle with finding motivation to complete mundane or monotonous tasks, like washing dishes, laundry, or cleaning. This can cause unhealthy coping habits like binge watching TV shows or taking drugs. These behaviors are especially dangerous for girls and adolescents with ADHD who are more likely than their peers to engage in risky activities such as early sexual activity and fewer partners who are protected and casual sex.
As adults, women with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed than men because they tend to have inattentive symptoms instead of hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms. Many women hide their ADHD due to the many expectations set by society (managing home and family for example). It isn't easy for doctors to identify that there is a problem since the symptoms are easier to detect in men and boys.
5. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD can struggle to handle their daily tasks. They may have trouble managing their lives, making payments on time and keeping track of appointments or school/work obligations. Additionally, emotional issues such as mood swings and difficulty regulating their emotions, can make it difficult to be a good friend and contribute to difficulties in personal relationships.
People with ADHD are often unable to pick the social cues and understanding body language. They may struggle to follow a conversation or go off on a tangent, causing problems at work or school and causing stress in relationships. They may also have trouble making new friends or balancing work, home, and social activities.
Symptoms of ADHD can be different throughout the day and be affected by hormone levels, such as those during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or as they move through perimenopause (the menopausal phase). This can lead either to an incorrect diagnosis or the wrong type of medication being prescribed.
There are a few signs and symptoms that are typical of ADHD that can help you or a loved-one identify the disorder. It is essential to identify these signs to receive the treatment and support you require to manage your symptoms effectively.
Having ADHD doesn't mean you don't have other mental health or physical conditions, so it's important that your doctor or therapist conducts a thorough examination. They'll need to ask questions about your current and past behaviors and experiences, look at any medical history, and discuss with you about how your symptoms impact your life in a variety of situations.