AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to meet the expectations of society in many ways. Women who suffer from ADHD are often struggling to meet societal expectations that include 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. A bias based on gender can make health professionals not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most common symptoms of adhd in women is having trouble concentrating. This problem can manifest in different ways, such as missing appointments, not being able to finish work or having trouble concentrating when talking to others. It can also make it difficult for women to manage their finances and often result in them not being able to take advantage on job or financial opportunities.
It's possible that some women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, which may make it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why, but they believe it could be due to gender roles and the expectation for women and girls to be more "restrained." Masking ADHD can lead to poor performance at work or at school and stop them from seeking support and assistance.
Focus issues are also an atypical symptom that could be confused with other illnesses, including depression and anxiety. For instance, depression can influence your concentration by making you forgetful and irritable. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder are unable to concentrate because they are often overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the most effective way to increase concentration. This includes hiring a professional or therapist who has experience working with ADHD both in women and girls. It's also a good idea to learn about accommodations that you can ask your employer or educational institution for such as flexible hours or working from home. Practicing good sleep hygiene will also help you enjoy more restful nights and become more focused during the day. It can include getting to bed at the same time every night, listening to relaxing music or an audiobook before going to bed and limiting time spent on screens.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently exhibit impulsivity signs. These can include interrupting others or changing topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not beneficial to their health. They might also have trouble understanding body language or social signals. The signs of impulsivity may increase during perimenopausal - the time 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 misdiagnose them or ignore their symptoms as anxiety or mood problems. Research on ADHD is focused on boys and men. This can lead to the perception of gender bias.
Parents and teachers may notice an impulsive behavior among children with ADHD. It's normal for children to be impatient, restless or even impulsive in certain instances. These behaviors tend to increase as children grow older and begin to manage their symptoms.
Adults can experience impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can negatively impact work, school, and relationships. They can lead to procrastination, forgetfulness, and trouble following through on commitments. They can also make locating and keeping jobs difficult and hinder healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adult ADHD typically involves medication. Your doctor may recommend a combination treatment depending on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health issues. They may also recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you to recognize and change negative thoughts or 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 particularly true for those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. You can take on activities such as yoga, dancing, and group workouts such as swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a wide range of physical symptoms. Palpitations, headaches, dizziness and sweating are a few of the symptoms. They can make people feel like they are having a heart attack or that the world is ending. People who suffer from anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart issue due to these physical signs. This can result in a long medical treatment without addressing the root cause. Psychotherapy is effective for most anxiety disorders, whether used alone or when combined with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically can help someone develop 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 a mixed subtype. Women should discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor and will ask them questions regarding the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble getting a correct diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Women may also hide their symptoms to fit with the rest of society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment may be delayed. A trained professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses, can identify ADHD. The provider will use a thorough background, physical examination, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to assess a person's symptoms and determine if there are any other conditions that could be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD may experience disorganization, which is a constant issue that can disrupt the way they work and school which can cause emotional stress and create tension in relationships, and can lead to financial issues. Disorganization can be characterized by a lack of organizational skills for example, not paying bills or keep appointments, and having difficulty making decisions. It can be caused by other factors such as anxiety, a traumatic event in life or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD are able to perform at a high degree, and their symptoms do not significantly affect their daily lives or relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this doesn't mean that they don't experience some of the common symptoms. This includes forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating, or paying attention to the smallest of details.
Many people experience disorganization on a daily basis. add adult women might spend their time looking for lost items or delay important tasks. It can also result in poor work quality and strained relationships. It can also trigger a variety of health problems, such as anxiety and sleep disorders.
Another cause of the disorder in women with ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation and at the middle of menstrual cycle while progesterone is higher, and these fluctuations can make ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible that, while biological differences can play a part, some of the disorganization or impulsivity in women suffering from ADHD is due 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. Attention
Women are more likely than men to conceal their problems with attention, which can cause them to be misdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment. They may think that they are better at managing their time and concentration than they actually are. In reality, they're likely to misplace things and forget appointments, or not pay bills on time and struggle with a lack of organization at work and at home.
Women suffering 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 can also experience trouble staying quiet and may speak to themselves incessantly or say unintelligible phrases or sounds, though they're less likely to have these symptoms than men are.
Medication is the primary treatment option for many adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are often prescribed, however nonstimulant medicines that focus on how neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine and the guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These therapies can help you identify automatic or irrational thoughts, and also learn healthy ways to self-regulate your behavior and emotions. A healthy diet and exercise in addition to medications, can help control ADHD symptoms such as anxiety, impulsivity, and distractibility. To boost your energy levels try activities such as yoga, dancing, classes in groups such as cycling or swimming, and aerobics. Try to do at least 4 to 5 hours of exercise each week of approximately 30 minutes per session. Be sure to take a variety of fresh vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein to boost your focus and mood.