AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to live up to society's expectations. This 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. Gender bias can also cause health professionals to not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most common symptoms of adhd in women is difficulty concentration. This problem can manifest in different ways, such as missing appointments, not being able to complete tasks at work or zoning out when speaking to people. It's also a common symptom that can make it hard for women to manage their finances, and is often the reason they do not get jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that women are better at masking their ADHD symptoms, which may make it harder to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't certain why this is, but they theorize that it may be due to gender stereotypes and the notion that women and girls should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can lead to underperforming at work or school and could prevent them from seeking the help and support they require.
In addition, lack of focus is a common symptom and can be confused with other conditions such as anxiety and depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder usually have trouble focusing because they are more likely to become overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
Treatment is the most effective way to increase concentration. That means finding a clinician or therapist with experience in ADHD in women and girls. It's also recommended to be aware about accommodations that you can ask your employer or educational institution for, such as flexible hours or working at home. A healthy sleep routine will assist you in having more restful nights and also help you stay focused throughout the day. This includes going to bed each night at the same time, while listening to relaxing music or an audiobook and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. They may interrupt others or change topics during the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences and take risks that aren't beneficial to you. They might also have difficulty reading other people's body language or recognizing social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopausal - the time prior to menopausal onset - and when hormone levels begin to drop.
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 professionals not seeing ADHD in girls and women and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as a mood or anxiety problem. Gender bias may also play a role, as research on ADHD is predominantly focused on boys and men.
When children with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers sometimes notice the impulsive behavior of children. It's not unusual for children to be anxious or even impatient at times. These behaviors are likely to increase as children grow older and become more adept at managing their symptoms.
Adults with adhd can be prone to impulsive behavior and distraction that can impact their work, relationships, and school. They can cause procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as difficulties following through with commitments. They can also make it difficult for people to find and keep jobs, and can interfere with healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adults with ADHD typically involves medication. Your doctor will suggest various treatments based on your particular symptoms as well as your lifestyle and other health conditions you might have. They may also recommend psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists you to recognize and change negative thoughts or couples counseling when your relationship is impacted by ADHD or family therapy. adult add women can calm your mind and help reduce symptoms. It can also assist you in staying focused. This is especially true for impulsivity and distraction. Try activities such as dancing, yoga, and group workouts such as swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a variety of physical symptoms. These include dizziness and chest pain and heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. These symptoms can make someone believe they are suffering from a stroke or the world is about to end. People who suffer from anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart issue because of these physical symptoms. This can lead to an extended journey of medical treatments that do not treat the root cause. Fortunately, the majority of anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy by itself or in combination with medication. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone learn new ways of thinking and reacting 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 suffer from a mixed subtype. It is crucial for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out a thorough physical exam and ask detailed questions about the way that the disorder impacts their life.
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are skewed toward male behavior. Women often attempt to conceal their symptoms in order to fit into society. They could be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment delayed. A trained professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced registered nurses may be able to diagnose ADHD. The provider will use a detailed medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to determine the severity of a patient's symptoms and determine if any other medical conditions might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD may experience disorganization, which is a constant issue that can affect work and schoolwork habits as well as cause emotional stress. It can create tension in relationships, and can lead to financial problems. Disorganization can be caused by a lack of organization like not paying bills on time or make appointments, and difficulties in making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, like anxiety, traumatizing a life event, or depression and can be difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD have a high degree of functioning, and their symptoms don't have a significant impact on their daily activities and relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." It doesn't mean they don't experience certain symptoms. They may experience forgetfulness, trouble concentration or paying attention to the smallest of details.
Many people experience disorganization on a daily basis. They may be looking for lost items or putting off important tasks. The disorder can affect the quality of their work and may cause tension in relationships. It can also cause various health issues like anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another cause of the disorder in women with ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating, during the middle of menstrual cycles, and at the end when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
It's possible, though biological differences can be a factor, some of the impulsivity or disorganization among women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women are often socialized to be quiet and reserved, so they might suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which can result in them being misdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment. In fact, they may even believe they have better focus and time-management abilities than they actually do. In reality, they're likely to lose things, forget appointments or pay bills on time and struggle with disorganization at work and at home.
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to develop the inattentive type 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 being silent, and may even talk to themselves or make nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they are less likely to experience these symptoms than men.
Medication is the first treatment option for many adults suffering from ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with your brain may also be a possibility. They include atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Women with ADHD also may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you healthy ways to manage your mood and behavior. A healthy diet and exercise along with medication can help manage ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity, and distractibility. For energy-boosting, try activities like yoga, dancing, or classes in groups such as aerobics or swimming and biking. Try to get at least 4 to 5 sessions of exercise per week, lasting around 30 minutes each session. To improve your mood and concentration, eat a variety vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.
