AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to meet societal expectations. This includes taking care of others, balancing 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 care professionals to misdiagnose or not recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Lack of Focus
Concentration issues are one of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd among women. It's a condition that can manifest in a variety of different ways, from forgetting appointments or not being able to finish tasks at work, or snoring when talking to others and making them feel unimportant. It's also a typical symptom that can make it difficult for women to keep track of their finances, and is often the reason why they miss out on jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, which could make it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure what the reason is, but they theorize that it could be related to traditional gender roles and the expectation that women and girls be more "restrained." Masking ADHD symptoms could lead to being under-performing at school or at work and could make it difficult for them to seek 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 unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder typically have difficulty focusing due to the fact that they are more likely to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
Treatment is the best way to increase concentration. This means seeking out a therapist or a clinician who has experience with ADHD both in women and girls. It is also important to know about the kinds of accommodations you can request from your school or employer, such as flexible working hours or working from home. Good sleep hygiene practices can also help you get more restful nights and be more focused during the day, including getting to bed at the same time every evening, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior going to bed and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are typically driven. 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 in your best interest. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or interpreting social cues. Symptoms of impulsivity often get worse during the perimenopausal period before 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 can lead to health care professionals missing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as being a mood or anxiety problem. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on boys and men. This can cause a gender bias.
Teachers and parents might notice an impulsive behavior among children with ADHD. It's normal for children to be restless, impatient or even impulsive in certain instances. However, those behaviors tend to improve as they grow older and learn how to manage their symptoms.
add and adhd in women who suffer from adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting that affect their relationships, work, and school. They can lead to procrastination and inattention, as well as problems adhering to 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 will recommend an array of treatments based on the specific symptoms you have as well as your lifestyle and other health issues you might have. They may also suggest psychotherapy that includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change negative thoughts patterns, couples counseling in the event that your relationship has been affected by your ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain and reduce symptoms, as well as aid in focusing. This is especially important for people who have a tendency to be distracted and impulsive. Try activities such as yoga, dancing and group exercises, such as swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide array of physical symptoms. These include dizziness, chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. These symptoms can make a person think they are having an attack or that the world is close to ending. People who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart problem due to these physical signs. This can result in an extended journey of medical treatments that do not treat the root cause. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, regardless of whether it's used alone or when combined with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically it can help people discover new ways of thinking or 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 a thorough physical exam and ask specific questions about the way that the disorder impacts their life.
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis because many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are geared towards male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms to fit with society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment may be delayed. A trained professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses, can 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 other conditions might be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD are prone to experiencing disordered behavior. This is a constant issue that can cause disruptions in work and schoolwork emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization can be characterized by a lack of organization for example, forgetting to pay bills or keep appointments, and having difficulty making decisions. In many cases, it is connected to other issues, such as anxiety, traumatizing life event, or depression, and can be difficult to treat.
Certain women with ADHD are able to perform at a high degree, and their symptoms do not significantly impact their daily lives or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However it doesn't mean they don't experience some of the common symptoms. This includes forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or paying attention to small details.
Many people experience disorganization every day. They may spend time looking for lost items or putting off important tasks. It can also cause poor work quality and strained relationships. It can also lead to several health issues such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Hormone fluctuations can further aggravate the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation and in the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone levels are higher and these fluctuations could cause ADHD symptoms worse.
While biological differences between the genders may play a part however, it's also possible that some of the disorder and impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in women is related to social "norms." Girls and young women are often socialized to be more reserved and quiet, so they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women tend to find it easier to conceal their attention issues than men do which can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. They may even think they are more adept at managing time and concentration than they actually are. In reality, they are likely to lose things, forget appointments, or not pay their bills on time. They also struggle with problems with organization at work and at home.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely 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 suffer from these symptoms than men.
For many adults with ADHD, the first method of treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with your brain could also be effective. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you identify automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to self-regulate your mood and behavior. Alongside medication exercise and a balanced diet can help you manage ADHD symptoms of disorientation, impulsivity and restlessness. For energy boosts, try activities like dancing, yoga, group classes like aerobics or swimming and biking. Try to do at least 4 to 5 sessions of exercise each week of about 30 minutes per session. Make sure you eat a variety of vegetables whole grains, healthy fats, and protein to boost your focus and mood.