AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to meet society's expectations. This includes 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. The gender bias can also cause health professionals to misdiagnose or not recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most common symptoms of adhd among women. It's a problem that can show up in many different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments to being unable to finish tasks at work to zoning out when talking to others and making them feel ignored. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances, and often result in them missing out on job or financial opportunities.
It's possible that certain women are more adept at masked their ADHD symptoms, which may make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why, but they think it may be due to gender roles and the expectation of girls and women to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD can lead to poor performance at work or at school, and hinder those with ADHD from seeking out support and help.
Lack of focus can also be mistaken for other conditions such as depression or anxiety. For instance, depression could affect your focus by making you forgetful and irritable. inattentive adhd in women with generalized anxiety disorder often experience difficulty focusing due to the fact that they are more likely to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
The best way to increase your concentration is to manage your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. This includes hiring a professional or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. It's also a good idea to learn about accommodations that you can ask your employer or school for, such as flexible hours or working at home. A healthy sleeping routine can aid you in having more peaceful nights and to be more focused throughout the day. This means sleeping each night at the same time, listening to relaxing music or audiobooks, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are typically impulsive. They might interrupt others or alter the topic of the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences and make decisions that are not beneficial to you. They might also have trouble reading body language or interpreting social cues. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopausal, the period prior to menopausal onset - and when 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 lead health professionals to miss ADHD in these individuals, or not diagnosing them correctly, or dismiss their symptoms as mood or anxiety issues. Gender bias may also play a role, because research on ADHD is mostly focused on boys and men.
Parents and teachers may notice impulsive behavior in children with ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be restless or irritable at times. These behaviors can improve as children age and learn to manage their symptoms.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can impact work, school and relationships. They can lead to procrastination, inattention, as well as problems adhering to commitments. They can also make it difficult for people to find and keep jobs, and can interfere with healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated by medication. Your doctor might recommend a combination of treatments based on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health issues. They may also suggest psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which assists you recognize and alter negative thought patterns or couples counseling if your relationship is affected by ADHD, or even family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind and reduce symptoms, as well as aid in focusing. This is especially important for impulsivity and distraction. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group workouts, like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger various physical symptoms. Dizziness, headaches, palpitations and sweating are a few of the signs. They can make people feel like they are having an attack on their heart or that the world is ending. People who suffer from anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart problem due to these physical signs. This can result in lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root cause. Fortunately, most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy on its own or in conjunction with medication. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone develop new ways of thinking and reacting that may help them feel less anxious.
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 be an uniform subtype. It is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out a thorough physical exam and ask detailed questions about how the disorder affects their lives.
Women with ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are geared towards male behavior. Women might also hide their symptoms in order to blend with society. They may be misdiagnosed, and their ADHD treatment may be delayed. A qualified professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurses, can 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 determine the severity of a patient's symptoms and determine if other conditions might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience disorganization. This is a constant problem that can cause disruptions in school and work and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization is defined as an inability to organize that include not keeping track of expenses or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. Disorganization can be caused by other issues such as anxiety, a traumatic event in life, or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD are able to function at a high level and their symptoms don't affect their daily lives or relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." It doesn't mean they don't suffer from certain symptoms. They may experience forgetfulness, trouble concentrating or paying attention to the smallest of details.
Some people struggle with disorganization every day. They may spend time searching for lost items or delaying important tasks. It can also result in low productivity and stressed relationships. It can also cause many health issues, such as anxiety and sleep disorders.
Another issue that can cause disorder in women suffering from ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating, during the middle of menstrual cycle and at the end of when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, although biological differences can be a factor, some of the disorder or impulsivity among women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls may be socialized to be quiet and reserved and can cause them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women are often able to hide their attention issues than men, which can lead to being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment. In reality, they might even believe they have better focus and time-management skills than they do. In reality, these people tend to lose things, miss appointments, or pay bills on time. They also struggle with problems with organization at work and at home.
Women with 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 may also have trouble being silent, and may even talk to themselves or make nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than males.
For many people suffering from ADHD, the first method of treatment is medication. stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate are usually prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that target how neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. They include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These therapies can help you identify automatic or irrational thinking patterns and teach you healthy ways to control your emotions and behavior. Exercise and a healthy diet in addition to medications, can help control ADHD symptoms such as anxiety, impulsivity, and distractibility. For energy boosts try activities such as dancing, yoga, classes in groups such as swimming or aerobics, and biking. Try to get at least 4 to 5 hours of exercise every week for approximately 30 minutes per session. To boost your mood and focus take a varied diet of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.