AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to meet society's expectations. Women with ADHD often struggle to meet societal expectations such as caring for others as well as balancing 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 not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most frequent symptoms of adhd among women. This problem can manifest in many ways, including missing appointments, being unable to finish tasks at the office or having trouble concentrating when talking to others. It's also a common problem that makes it hard for women to keep up with their finances, and is often the reason why they do not get jobs or financial opportunities.
adhd symptoms in adult women are more adept at masking ADHD symptoms than other women, making it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they believe that it could be due to traditional gender roles and the expectation that girls and women should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can result in being under-performing at school or at work and could hinder them from seeking the help and assistance they require.
Lack of focus is also an atypical symptom that could be confused with other ailments like anxiety and depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder often experience trouble focusing because they are more likely to become overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
Treatment is the best method to improve concentration. This includes seeking out a therapist or a clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. You should also learn about the accommodations you can request from your employer or school that allow for flexible working hours or working at home. Good sleep hygiene practices will also help you enjoy more restful nights and become more focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping at the same time each night, listening to relaxing music or an audiobook before sleeping and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity symptoms. They may interrupt others or change topics during a discussion, make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences and take risks that are not beneficial to you. They may also have difficulty reading body language or interpreting social signals. Highly recommended Resource site of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopause - the period prior to menopausal onset - and 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 anxiety or mood problems. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on men and boys. This could lead to an imbalance in gender.
When children with ADHD are young, teachers and parents occasionally observe an impulsive behavior. It's normal for children to be irritable, restless or even impulsive in certain instances. However, those 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 that affect their relationships, work and school. They can cause delays, forgetfulness, and trouble staying on track with commitments. They can also make finding and keeping jobs difficult and hinder healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication. Your doctor will recommend an array of treatments based on your specific symptoms, your lifestyle, and other health issues you might have. 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 those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. You can try activities like yoga, dancing, or group workouts such as running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can lead to various physical symptoms. The feeling of dizziness, headaches and palpitations and sweating are a few of the signs. These symptoms can make a person think they are having a stroke or the world is close to ending. Due to these physical signs those who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having heart disease. This can lead to an extended journey of medical treatments that do not address the root cause. Fortunately, the majority of anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy on its own or in conjunction with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, can help a person discover new ways of thinking and responding to situations that can 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. It's important for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out an exhaustive physical exam and ask detailed questions about the way that the disorder impacts their lives.
Women with ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are skewed toward male behavior. Additionally, women often try to conceal their symptoms to fit into the society. This means that they could be overlooked and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses, can diagnose ADHD. The provider will use a thorough history, physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to assess the symptoms of a person and determine if there are other conditions that could be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD might experience disorganization, which is a constant issue that can affect the way they work and school, cause emotional stress and stress relationships and cause financial difficulties. Disorganization is characterized by a lack of organizational skills that include not keeping track of expenses or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. Disorganization can be caused by other problems like anxiety, traumatizing experience in life, or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Certain women with ADHD are able to perform at a high level, and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily activities or relationships. This is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't experience some of the typical symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating and paying attention to the smallest of details.
For some, a lack of organization is a constant battle, and it's common for those with ADHD to spend time searching for lost items or put off important tasks. It can also result in low productivity and stressed relationships. It can also lead to various health issues, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another issue that can cause disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating, during the middle of menstruation, and at the end when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, while biological differences may be a factor, a portion of the disorder or impulsivity in women suffering from ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women are often socialized to be quiet and reserved, which is why they might suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are more likely than men to hide their attention issues, which could lead them to be wrongly diagnosed and receive delayed treatment. In fact, they may even believe they have better concentration and time-management abilities than they do. In reality, they tend to lose things and forget appointments, or not pay bills on time. They also face problems with organization at work and at home.
Women who suffer from 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 might also have difficulty staying silent and speak to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they are less likely to experience these symptoms than men.
Medication is the first treatment option for many adults with ADHD. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with the brain are also possible. They include atomoxetine and the guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These therapies can help you identify thoughts that are irrational or automatic and teach you healthy ways to manage your emotions and behaviors. In addition to medication exercising and a balanced diet can help manage ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity, and restlessness. For energy-boosting, try activities like yoga, dancing, group classes like swimming or aerobics, and biking. Try to do at least four to five sessions of exercise per week, lasting approximately 30 minutes per session. Make sure to eat a variety of vegetables and whole grains, as well as healthy fats, and protein to help boost your concentration and mood.