AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often challenged to meet the various expectations of society. Women with ADHD often struggle to live up to expectations of society, including caring for others while juggling work and home life, and managing relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. A bias based on gender can cause health professionals to not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of concentrating. It's a problem that can manifest in a variety of different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments to being unable to finish work to zoning out during conversations, making people feel unimportant. It's also a common symptom that can make it difficult for women to manage their finances. It's often the reason they do not get jobs or financial opportunities.
Women are more adept in masked ADHD symptoms than other women which makes it more difficult for them as adults to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers don't know why this is, but they think it may be due to gender roles and the expectation for women and girls to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD can lead to poor performance at work or in school, and hinder people from seeking help and assistance.
In addition, a lack of focus could be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses such as depression or anxiety. For instance, depression can influence your concentration by making you more forgetful and unmotivated. People with generalized anxieties trouble concentrating as they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best method to increase your concentration is to control your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. This involves finding a therapist or clinician who has experience working with ADHD both in women and girls. It's also a good idea to learn about any accommodations you could request your employer or school for such as flexible hours or working from home. A healthy sleep routine will help you to have more restful nights and to be more 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 your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are typically highly impulsive. These can include interrupting others or shifting topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not the best for their interests. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during the perimenopausal phase that precedes menopausal and after which 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 could result in health professionals not recognizing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as being a mood or anxiety issue. Research on ADHD is primarily focused on men and boys. This may lead to a gender bias.
Teachers and parents may observe the impulsive behavior of children suffering from ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be restless or even impatient at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve as children grow up and learn to manage their problems.
In adults, the impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can impact school, work, and relationships. They can lead to procrastination, forgetfulness as well as difficulty following through with commitments. They can also make it difficult for people to find and keep jobs and can affect healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adults with ADHD usually involves medication. Your doctor might recommend a combination of treatments based on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health issues. They may also suggest psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you recognize and alter negative thought patterns, couples counseling, when your relationship is impacted by ADHD or other issues, or even family therapy. Exercise can also help to calm your mind and reduce symptoms, particularly when it comes to impulsivity and distractibility. Try activities such as yoga, dancing and group workouts, like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can lead to a variety of physical symptoms. adult add in women , headaches, dizziness and sweating are a few of the signs. These symptoms can cause a person to think they are having a stroke or the world is close to ending. People who suffer from anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart issue because of these physical symptoms. This can result in a long odyssey of medical treatment that does not tackle the root of the issue. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy on its own or in combination with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically can help someone develop new ways of thinking and reacting to situations that may 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 is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will conduct an exhaustive physical exam and ask specific questions about the way that the disorder impacts their life.
Women with ADHD may have trouble getting the right diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are geared towards male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms to fit in with the rest of 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 an in-depth medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders in order to evaluate a patient's symptoms and determine if other conditions might be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD might experience disorganization, which is an ongoing problem that can cause disruption to the way they work and school as well as cause emotional stress. It can create tension in relationships, and can lead to financial issues. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organization for example, not paying bills or make appointments, and a difficulty in making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, like anxiety, a traumatic life event, or depression, and can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD are able to perform at a high degree, and their symptoms don't affect their daily lives or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." This does not mean that they do not experience certain symptoms. These include difficulty concentrating or paying attention to things, feeling anxious, and being in a state of forgetfulness.
For some, disorganization is a constant battle and it's normal for people with ADHD to spend time searching for lost items or put off important tasks. It can also cause poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also trigger several health issues such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another cause of disorganization in women with ADHD is hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen is lower during ovulation and in the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone levels are higher, and these fluctuations can make ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible that, although biological differences could play a part, some of the disorder or impulsivity in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls may be conditioned to be quiet and reserved, which can lead them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women often find it easier to mask their attention problems than men do, which can lead to being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment. They might even believe they're better at time management and concentration than they actually are. In reality, they're more likely to misplace things and forget appointments, or not pay bills on time and have trouble coordinating their work and at home.
Women with ADHD tend to develop the inattentive version 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 constantly or use in a nonsensical manner or make sounds, but they're less likely to exhibit these symptoms than men are.
The first treatment is medication. option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that focus on the way neurotransmitters interact with the brain are also possible. They include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you recognize automatic or irrational thoughts, and also learn healthy ways to control your mood and behavior. adhd in women adults and a healthy diet, in addition to medication, can help control ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity and disorientation. For energy boosts try activities such as dancing, yoga, group classes like swimming or aerobics, and biking. Try to do at least 4 to 5 sessions of exercise per week, lasting approximately 30 minutes per session. To boost your mood and attention consume a variety of foods, including whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats.