AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to meet societal expectations. This includes taking care of others while juggling work and home life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Gender bias can also cause health care professionals to not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most common symptoms of adhd in women is having trouble concentrating. It's a condition that can show up in many different ways, from not remembering appointments to being unable to finish work, to losing focus during conversations and making people feel disregarded. It's also a frequent sign that makes it difficult for women to manage their finances, and it's often the reason why they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that some women are more adept at masked their ADHD symptoms, which could make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers don't know why, however, they think it could be due to gender roles and the expectation for women and girls to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD can result in poor performance at work or in school and stop them from seeking support and help.
In addition, lack of focus is a common symptom and can be confused with other ailments such as anxiety and depression. For instance, depression can affect your focus by making you forgetful and irritable. People suffering from generalized anxiety trouble concentrating as they are often overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best method to increase your ability to concentrate is to manage your ADHD symptoms with treatment. This means you should find a therapist or therapist with experience in ADHD for both girls and women. It is also important to know about the accommodations you can request from your school or employer for example, flexible working hours or working at home. Practicing good sleep hygiene will also help you enjoy more restful nights and become more focused throughout the day. It can include sleeping at the same time every evening, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior to sleeping, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are typically driven. They can interrupt other people or alter the topic of the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without considering the consequences and take risks that are not in your best interest. They might also have trouble understanding body language or social cues. The signs of impulsivity may increase during perimenopause - 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 to health professionals not recognizing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing their symptoms, or dismissing their symptoms as anxiety or a mood problem. Gender bias can also play a role, as research on ADHD is predominantly focused on men and boys.
When children with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers sometimes observe an impulsive behavior. It's normal for kids to be restless, impatient or impulsive at times. These behaviors tend to improve as children age and become more adept at managing their symptoms.
In adults, the impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can affect work, school and relationships. They can cause procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as difficulty keeping promises. They can also make finding and keeping a job difficult and can hinder healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication. Your doctor will suggest an array of treatments based on your particular symptoms as well as your lifestyle and other health conditions you may have. They may also recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you to recognize and change negative thought patterns or couples counseling if your relationship is affected by ADHD or other issues, or even family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind and reduce symptoms, as well as help you focus. This is especially true for people who have a tendency to be distracted and impulsive. Try activities such as dancing, yoga and group workouts like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a wide array of physical symptoms. These include dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. These symptoms can make a person think they are having a stroke or the world is about to end. Due to these physical signs people who suffer from anxiety often get misdiagnosed with a heart condition. This can result in an extended journey of medical treatment that does not treat the root cause. Fortunately, most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in combination with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help people learn new ways of thinking and reacting 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 are also more likely to have an uniform subtype. Women should discuss their ADHD symptoms and their doctor will ask them questions regarding the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are geared towards male behavior. Women may also hide their symptoms to fit with society. They may be misdiagnosed, and their ADHD treatment delayed. A qualified professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The professional will make use of an in-depth history, a physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to assess the symptoms of a patient and determine if there are other conditions that might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD can experience disordered behavior. undiagnosed adhd in women is a persistent issue that can lead to interruptions in school and work emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization is characterized by the lack of organization skills, such as not keeping track of expenses or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, such as anxiety, a traumatic life event, or depression and is often difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD are able to function at a high level and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily lives or relationships. This condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this does not mean they don't experience certain symptoms. This includes forgetfulness, difficulty concentration, or paying attention to small details.
For some, a lack of organization is a constant struggle, and it's common for people with ADHD to be prone to searching for lost objects or putting off important tasks. The disorder can also affect the quality of their work and may result in strained relationships. It can also cause many health issues, such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can also exacerbate the disorder of women suffering from ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation, the middle of menstrual cycles, and at the end the cycle, while progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms.
While biological differences between the genders could play a role but it's also possible some of the disorder and impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in women is linked to social "norms." Young women and girls can be conditioned to be quiet and reserved and this can cause them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are more likely than men to hide their attention issues, which can cause them to be wrongly diagnosed and receive delayed treatment. They may even think they are better at managing their time and concentration than they actually are. However, these people tend to lose things, forget appointments, or not pay bills on time. They also have trouble with problems with organization at work and at home.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more prone 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 speaking to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they are less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men.
Medication is the first treatment option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that target the way neurotransmitters interact with the brain are also possible. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine and guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify automatic or irrational thinking patterns and teach you healthy ways to regulate your emotions and behavior. A healthy diet and exercise along with medication, can help control ADHD symptoms such as anxiety, impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities like dancing, yoga or group classes such as swimming or aerobics, as well as biking to increase your energy levels. Make sure you get 4 to 5 hours of exercise every week for about 30 minutes per session. To boost your mood and attention, eat a variety foods, including whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats.