ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that sex and a gender are dependent on biology, which includes the body's chromosomal makeup as well as hormones. Many people don't fall into an unisexual sexuality. However, adhd in adults women and sex can influence the way symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is diagnosed in the early years of childhood, typically before age 12. The symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause problems in more than one setting to be able to receive a diagnosis.
1. Trouble focusing
Inattention is the core of ADHD and it's a problem for all genders. Women may have a difficult focus, particularly since symptoms can manifest differently than in men.
Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and indecisive, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotional and have a difficult time putting things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability of concentration which can lead to an inability to perform at work or home. They are also more likely to not attend doctor appointments or neglect to take their medications.
The hormones of women, in addition to these innate differences can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is bigger which helps with memory and learning. Menstrual hormone fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal cycles can affect brain function.
Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school and at work. They may also have various comorbidities including depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
This is why it is essential for health professionals to be aware of the numerous clues that females with ADHD often show. They need to rethink their methods for diagnosing and treating females suffering from ADHD to take into account hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. That way, these patients will receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Females who suffer from ADHD are often unable to managing their emotions, particularly when interacting with others. This can cause to emotional dysregulation, which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It is also linked to negative life outcomes. This includes low self-esteem anxiety and depression that coexist, problematic romantic relationships that can result in conflict between partners, issues with friendships, a messy home or personal space, an inability manage time or money, and a messy house.
Gender stereotypes can also influence the way women who suffer from ADHD will be treated. Because they are typically considered to be more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they may be misunderstood or dismissed as emotionally unstable. This can cause them to feel more frustrated at living with untreated ADHD.
People with ADHD have a reduced ability to control impulses Also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have a difficult time making decisions and following up with their intentions. This can make it difficult to resist the urge to eat a second piece of cake or make an inappropriate statement in public.
For those who suffer from ADHD medications can help to improve their ability to control their impulses. Stimulants like amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help reduce impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medications such as the guanfacine and clonidine are effective as well. Behavioral therapy is also advised, which will aid people suffering from ADHD modify their thinking patterns and develop healthier coping skills.
Meditation and eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can all help to control the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It's also a good idea to track their symptoms throughout the day and to share this data with their doctor to determine if their treatment plan is effective.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a frequent issue in people with ADHD and can have a negative impact on their work and personal lives. They may have difficulty to complete their tasks, and their productivity may be reduced. They could also miss deadlines and become overwhelmed on a daily basis.
A lack of organization can cause problems to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important dates or lose items like keys or purses. This can cause them to feel lonely and alone. Friends and family may confuse them. Disorders are more common during perimenopause or menopause when hormones are changing and symptoms become more severe.
It is not unusual for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms to fit in with societal norms and avoid being thought of as a problem. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. This could be a reason why women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly during adolescence, when symptoms are more evident.
Women who are not treated for ADHD may not perform as well at school or at work. This can impact their career, grades or overall standing. It can also create problems in their personal life, such as difficulties with romantic partners, or strained relationships with friends and family members.
Women who are constantly disorganized can benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental friend. They can help women learn to stay organized by creating lists and setting reminders. In addition, a qualified mental health professional may recommend medication and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. This could include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain a steady energy and avoiding caffeine, which can cause an increase in the negative effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness can affect decision-making in many aspects of daily life. Indecisiveness can be measured with several instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale of Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness has also been linked to neuroticism, and the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is when people interpret uncertain situations as threatening. It was also discovered to be linked to the fear of making a mistake which could be the reason people with adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women suffering from adhd who were interviewed they said they were not able to make decisions about their personal and professional lives. They struggled to manage their finances and relationships, and had trouble finding a job that they liked. They frequently waited for other people to decide or were unable to finish projects on their own, for example, scheduling childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms such as inattention and impulsivity or difficulty starting projects was preventing them from completing.
They had a difficult time finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive which led to mental health issues. They reported having high levels of stress and anxiety as well as an inability to sleep and a poor diet. They also reported feeling stigmatized by media and adults. They were able to articulate their struggles with ADHD and helped improve their self-esteem because they were not blaming themselves. They also had access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews revealed that women had a lot of positive qualities, but they struggled to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on various aspects of their lives. These included a lack romantic or career opportunities and difficulties in maintaining relationships. a messy home.
5. Insecurity about oneself
Some of the symptoms that make up ADHD are viewed as less socially acceptable for women and girls than they are for males and females Some women choose to conceal their impulsivity, hyperactivity and disorganization. They also may be able to internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms such as self-harm (cutting or burning, or scratching). This can cause feelings of low self-esteem that can cause anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
A sense of inner worth is the precursor to better relationships and an optimistic outlook on life. People who do not have a strong self-worth are more likely to look outside themselves for validation, like jobs, relationships as well as money and power. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed psychotherapist, says this can lead to the lack of communication in relationships.
In addition to a lack of self-worth, those with ADHD often struggle with the feeling that they don't deserve the positive things happening in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a need to please or "keep up" with other people. This can lead to negative work environments, a negative body image and a dependence on food or other substances.
Despite these significant challenges, women who took part in this study discovered a number of positive aspects to living with ADHD. They described ADHD as either an advantage or a disadvantage according to the way they perceive their ability to manage it. Some of them have also identified their own strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD. They have high energy, creativity and determination and the ability to quickly become fascinated by new subjects. They also describe their individual struggles in the context of an overall picture that includes gender and biological differences, as well as cultural and family issues.
