AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to meet societal expectations. previous includes taking care of others as well as balancing work and family 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. Lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of concentration. The problem can manifest in different ways, including forgetting appointments, being unable to finish tasks at the office or zoning out when talking to others. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances and can result in them not being able to take advantage on job or financial opportunities.
Some women may be better at masking ADHD symptoms than others which makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they theorize that it may be due to gender stereotypes and the notion that women and girls be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms could lead to 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 such as anxiety and depression. For instance, depression may influence your concentration by making you more forgetful and irritable. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder typically have difficulties focusing because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to improve your concentration is to control your ADHD symptoms with treatment. This means locating a doctor or therapist experienced with ADHD in women and girls. It is also important to know about the accommodations you can request from your school or employer, such as flexible working hours or working from home. A healthy sleep routine will assist you in having more restful nights, and also help you stay focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping each night at the same time, while listening to soothing music or an audiobook, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity symptoms. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or shifting topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking and taking risks that are not the best for their interests. They may also have trouble reading other people's body language or interpreting social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopausal - the time 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 care professionals to miss ADHD in these individuals, or misdiagnose them, or dismiss their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood problems. Gender bias may also play a role, since research on ADHD is mostly focused on men and boys.
When children with ADHD are young, teachers and parents sometimes observe an impulsive behavior. It's normal for children to be impatient, restless or even impulsive in certain instances. However, those behaviors tend to improve as they grow older and learn how to manage their symptoms.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can impact work, school and relationships. They can cause procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as difficulties adhering to commitments. They can also make finding and maintaining a job difficult and hinder healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adult ADHD generally involves taking medication. Your doctor might recommend a combination of treatments based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and any other health issues. They may also recommend psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to identify and change negative thoughts and couples counseling if your relationship is affected by ADHD, or even family therapy. Physical exercise can aid in calming your brain and reduce symptoms, particularly when it comes to disorientation and impulsivity. You can try activities like yoga, dancing, and group exercises like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger a variety of physical symptoms. Palpitations, headaches, dizziness and sweating are a few of the symptoms. These symptoms can make someone think they are having a stroke or the world is close to ending. People who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart condition due to these physical signs. This can lead to an extended medical treatment without addressing the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, whether used alone or in conjunction with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically it can help people to develop 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 be diagnosed with mixed subtypes. It is crucial for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out an exhaustive physical exam and ask specific questions about how the disorder affects their lives.
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty obtaining a correct diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Women might also hide their symptoms in order to blend with society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment is delayed. A trained professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The provider will use an extensive medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to evaluate a patient's symptoms and determine if there are other conditions that could be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD are prone to experiencing disorganization. This is a chronic problem that can cause disruptions in school and work emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organizational skills, such as not keeping track of bills or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, such as anxiety, a traumatic life event, or depression and can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a high degree of functioning, and their symptoms don't have a significant impact on their daily interactions and relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this does not mean they don't suffer from some of the symptoms. This includes difficulty in staying focused or paying attention to details, feeling restless and in a state of forgetfulness.
Many people experience disorganization on a regular basis. They may spend time searching for lost items or putting off important tasks. The disorder can also affect the quality of their work, and could result in strained relationships. It can also trigger many health issues, including anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another factor that can exacerbate the disorder in women with ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating, during the middle of menstrual cycles and at the conclusion, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, while biological differences may be a factor, some of the disorder or impulsivity in women suffering from ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls may be conditioned to be reserved and quiet, which can lead them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to hide their problems with attention, which can cause them to be incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. In reality, they might even think they have better concentration and time-management abilities than they actually do. However, these people tend to lose things and forget appointments, or not pay their bills on time. They also struggle with issues with organization both at work and at home.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more prone to develop the inattentive subtype 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 staying quiet and may speak to themselves incessantly or say unintelligible phrases or sounds, however they're much less likely to have these symptoms than males are.
For many people suffering from ADHD, the first line of treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with the brain could also be effective. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine and Guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These therapies can help identify automatic or irrational thinking and teach you healthy ways to manage your mood and behavior. Alongside medication exercise and healthy eating habits can help manage ADHD symptoms of restlessness, impulsivity and distractibility. Try activities such as dancing, yoga, group classes like aerobics or swimming, and cycling to boost your energy levels. Make sure to exercise at least four to five sessions every week, each lasting around 30 minutes. To support your mood and attention consume a variety of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.