AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD are often challenged to meet the various expectations of society. This includes taking care of 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. Gender bias may also lead health professionals to misdiagnose or not recognize ADHD symptoms for girls and women.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most prevalent adhd symptoms in women. The problem can manifest in many ways, such as having trouble remembering appointments, not being able finish work or having trouble concentrating when speaking to people. It's also a typical sign that makes it difficult for women to manage their finances. It's often the reason why they do not get jobs or financial opportunities.
Some women may be better in masked ADHD symptoms than other women which makes it more difficult for them as adults to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why, but they believe it could be due to gender roles and the expectation for girls and women to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD can lead to poor performance at work or in school and prevent those with ADHD from seeking out support and assistance.
In addition, a lack of focus could be misinterpreted as other signs like anxiety or depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People with generalized anxiety disorder usually have difficulty focusing due to the fact that they are more likely to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
The best method to increase your ability to concentrate is to manage your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. This involves seeking out a therapist or a clinician who has experience working with ADHD both in women and girls. It's also a good idea to learn about the kinds of accommodations you can ask your employer or educational institution for like flexible hours or working at home. Good sleep hygiene practices can also help you get more restful sleep and be more focused during the day. It can include getting to bed at the same time each night, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior going to bed and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD tend to be highly impulsive. They can interrupt other people or alter the topic of discussions, make snap decisions without considering the consequences, and take risks that are not beneficial to you. They may also have difficulty understanding the body language of others or interpreting social signals. Symptoms of impulsivity often get worse during perimenopause, the phase that precedes menopausal and after which hormone levels start 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 lead to health professionals not recognizing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing their symptoms, or dismissing their symptoms as anxiety or a mood issue. Gender bias may be a factor, since research on ADHD is predominantly focused on boys and men.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers occasionally observe an impulsive behavior. It's not unusual for children to be restless or impatient at times. These behaviors tend to increase as children grow older and become more adept at managing their symptoms.
Adults with adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting which can affect their work, relationships, and school. They can lead to procrastination, inattention, as well as problems adhering to commitments. They can also make it difficult to find and keep jobs. inattentive add in women can disrupt healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adults with ADHD usually involves medication. Your doctor might recommend an individualized treatment based on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health conditions. They may also recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which can help you recognize and alter negative thoughts and couples counseling if your relationship is affected by ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind and help reduce symptoms. It can also aid in focusing. This is especially important for impulsivity and distraction. You can take on activities such as dancing, yoga, and group workouts like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can lead to a variety of physical symptoms. They can cause dizziness, chest pain, headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. They can also make someone feel like they are having an attack of the heart or that the world is closing. Due to these physical signs, people who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart condition. This can result in an extended journey of medical treatment that does not tackle the root of the issue. Fortunately, the majority of anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in combination with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, can help a person to develop new ways of thinking and reacting to situations that could 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 may also be more likely to suffer from a mixed type. It is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will conduct an extensive physical exam and ask detailed questions about how the disorder affects their lives.
Women with ADHD may have trouble getting a correct diagnosis, as the majority of diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Women might also hide their symptoms in order to blend with the rest of society. They could be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment delayed. A qualified professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The professional will conduct a thorough background, physical examination, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to assess the symptoms of a person and determine if they have other conditions the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD are prone to experiencing disordered behavior. This is a constant issue that can cause disruptions in school and work emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organization for example, forgetting to pay bills or keep appointments, and having difficulty making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, such as anxiety, traumatizing a life event, or depression, and can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD are able to perform at a high level, and their symptoms do not significantly affect their daily life or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this doesn't mean that they don't experience some of the common symptoms. They may experience forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, or paying attention to tiny details.
People who struggle with disorder on a daily basis. They may be looking for lost items or delay important tasks. It can also result in poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also lead to a variety of health problems, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another cause of disorganization in women with ADHD is hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, in the middle of menstrual cycle and at the end of the cycle, while progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
Although biological differences between sexes can play a role but it's also possible some of the disorganization and impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in women is related to social "norms." Young women and girls are typically socialized to be quiet and reserved, so they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which could result in them being wrongly diagnosed and receive delayed treatment. They may even think they are better at time management and concentration than they are. In reality, these people tend to lose things, miss appointments, or pay bills on time. They also face problems with organization at work and at home.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely 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 may also have trouble being silent, and may even talk to themselves or make a variety of nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men.
Medication is the primary treatment option for many adults with ADHD. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are frequently prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with the brain are also possible. They include atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also beneficial for women with ADHD. These treatments can help you recognize thoughts that are irrational or automatic and teach you how to manage your moods and behaviors. In addition to medication exercise and a balanced diet can help you manage ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity and distractibility. To boost your energy levels try activities such as yoga, dancing, group classes such as cycling or swimming, and aerobics. Make sure you get 4 to 5 hours of exercise every week for about 30 minutes per session. To boost your mood and attention consume a variety of foods, including whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats.