AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to meet the various expectations of society. 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. A bias based on gender can cause health professionals to not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most frequent adhd symptoms in women. This problem can manifest in different ways, such as forgetting appointments, being unable to finish work or zoning out when talking to people. It's also a common problem that makes it difficult for women to manage their finances, and is often the reason they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
Women are more adept at masking ADHD symptoms than other women which makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers don't know why, but they think it may be due to gender roles and the expectation for girls and women to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD can result in poor performance at work or in school and stop those with ADHD from seeking out support and help.
treatment for adhd in women of focus is also a common symptom that can be confused with other ailments like anxiety and depression. For instance, depression may affect your concentration by making you forgetful and unmotivated. People with generalized anxiety disorder often experience difficulty focusing due to the fact that they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
The best way to improve your ability to concentrate is to control your ADHD symptoms through treatment. This means finding a therapist or clinician who has experience working with ADHD both in women and girls. It's also recommended to be aware about accommodations that you can ask your employer or educational institution for such as flexible hours or working from home. A healthy sleep routine will aid you in having more peaceful nights and help you to stay focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping each night at the same time, while listening to soothing music or an audiobook, and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD frequently exhibit impulsivity signs. They may interrupt others or alter the topic of a discussion, make quick decisions without considering the consequences and take risks that aren't in your best interests. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or interpreting social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopause - the period prior to menopausal symptoms - and also when hormone levels begin 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 could lead health care professionals to miss ADHD in them, mistakenly diagnose them, or ignore their symptoms as mood or anxiety problems. Research on ADHD is primarily focused on males and females. This may lead to an imbalance in gender.
When children with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers sometimes observe impulsive behavior. It's normal for children to be impatient, restless, or impulsive at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve as children grow up and learn to manage their symptoms.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can negatively impact work, school and relationships. They can lead to procrastination, forgetfulness, as well as difficulties keeping commitments. They can also make it difficult for people to find and keep jobs and can disrupt healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication. Your doctor will recommend a combination of treatments depending on your specific symptoms as well as your lifestyle and other health conditions you might have. They may also suggest psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which assists you to recognize and change negative thought patterns and couples counseling if your relationship is affected by ADHD, or even family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain, reduce symptoms and aid in focusing. This is especially important for impulsivity and distraction. You can take on activities such as dancing, yoga, and group exercises like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a variety of physical symptoms. These include dizziness and chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. They can also make a person feel like they are having an attack of the heart or that the world is closing. Because of these physical symptoms those who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed with a heart condition. This can lead to an extended journey of medical treatment that fails to address the root cause. Psychotherapy is effective for most anxiety disorders, whether it's used on its own or when combined with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically it can help people to 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 suffer from a mixed subtype. It's important for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will perform an exhaustive physical exam and ask specific questions about how the disorder affects their lives.
Women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty obtaining a correct diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are geared towards male behavior. In addition, women often attempt to hide their symptoms to fit in with society. They can 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 to be able to evaluate a patient's symptoms and determine if other conditions might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD can experience disordered behavior. This is a persistent issue that can lead to disruptions in school and work emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization is defined as a lack of organizational skills that include not keeping track of bills or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. In many cases, it is connected to other issues, like anxiety, traumatizing life incident, or depression and is often difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD have a high level of functioning, and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily activities and relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't have the usual symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating or paying attention to small details.
People who struggle with disorder on a daily basis. They may spend time looking for lost objects or putting off important tasks. It can also result in poor work quality and strained relationships. It can also lead to various health issues such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another factor that can exacerbate the disorder in women with ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, in the middle of menstrual cycle, and at the end, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, although biological differences can be a factor, a portion of the disorganization or impulsivity in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women may be socialized to be quiet and reserved and can cause to them to conceal or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women are more likely than men to conceal their attention issues, which can lead them to be misdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment. They may think that they're better at time management and concentration than they are. In reality, they're likely to lose 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 subtype 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 in calming down and may talk to themselves constantly or use in a nonsensical manner or make sounds, though they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men are.
Medication is the first treatment option for many adults with ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that focus on the way neurotransmitters interact with the brain could also be effective. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These therapies can help identify the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you how to control your mood and behavior. Exercise and a healthy diet, in addition to medication, can help control ADHD symptoms such as inattention, restlessness, and distractibility. To boost your energy levels try activities such as dancing, yoga, group classes such as aerobics or swimming and biking. Try to get at least 4 to 5 sessions of exercise each week of about 30 minutes per session. To improve your mood and concentration take a varied diet of foods, including whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats.