AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to meet society's expectations. This includes caring for others, balancing work and home life, and managing relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. The gender bias can also cause health professionals to misdiagnose or not recognize ADHD symptoms for girls and women.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of concentration. It's a problem that can manifest in different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments to not being able to finish work, or snoring during conversations and making people feel ignored. It can also make it difficult for women to manage their finances and can cause them to miss out on financial or job opportunities.
Women are more adept in masked ADHD symptoms than others and this makes it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers don't know why, but they think it may be due to gender roles and the expectation of girls and women to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD could lead to underperformance at work or in school and stop them from seeking support and assistance.
Lack of focus can also be misinterpreted as other signs like anxiety or depression. Depression can affect concentration by making you forgetful and unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder have difficulty concentrating because they are usually overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best method to increase your ability to concentrate is to control your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. This means you should find a therapist or therapist with experience in ADHD in women and girls. It's also an excellent idea to find out about any accommodations you could request your employer or school for, such as flexible hours or working from home. Good sleep hygiene practices will also help you enjoy more restful nights and become more focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping at the same time every evening, listening to calming music or an audiobook before sleeping and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are often driven. These can include interrupting others or switching topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking and taking risks that are not beneficial to their health. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or social cues. Symptoms of impulsivity often get worse during perimenopause, the period before menopausal and when 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 could lead to health professionals not recognizing ADHD in girls and women and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as anxiety or a mood issue. Research on ADHD is primarily focused on males and females. This could lead to an imbalance in gender.
Teachers and parents might notice an impulsive behavior among children who suffer from ADHD. It's normal for kids to be restless, impatient 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 impact school, work and relationships. They can lead to procrastination, 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.
Adult ADHD is usually treated by medication. Your doctor might recommend a combination treatment depending on your lifestyle, symptoms, and any other health issues. They may also recommend psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you recognize and alter negative thinking 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 important for impulsivity and distraction. Try activities such as yoga, dancing and group workouts like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can cause a variety of physical symptoms. Palpitations, headaches, dizziness and sweating are some of the symptoms. These symptoms can make someone think they are having a stroke or the world is going to end. People who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart issue because of these physical symptoms. This can result in an extended journey of medical treatment that does not treat the root cause. Fortunately, the majority of anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy by itself or in combination with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically can help someone to develop new ways of thinking and 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 an uniform subtype. It's important for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will conduct an exhaustive physical exam and ask detailed questions about how the disorder affects their lives.
Women with ADHD may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis, since many diagnostic tools are designed towards male behavior. Additionally, women often try to hide their ADHD in order to fit into society. They could be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment may be delayed. A trained professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced registered nurses may be able to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take an in-depth history, a physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders in order to evaluate a patient's symptoms and determine if any other medical conditions might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD can experience disorganization. This is a chronic issue that can lead to disruptions in work and schoolwork, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial problems. treatment for adhd in women is often characterized by a lack of organizational skills, such as not keeping track of bills or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. Often, disorganization is related to other issues, like anxiety, traumatizing life event, or depression and is often difficult to treat.
Some women who suffer from ADHD have a high degree of functioning and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily interactions and relationships. This condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this does not mean they don't experience certain symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty concentration, or paying attention to tiny details.
For some, disorganization is a constant battle and it's not uncommon for people suffering from ADHD to be prone to searching for lost objects or putting off important tasks. It can also result in low productivity and stressed relationships. It can also trigger several health issues like sleep disorders or anxiety.
Hormone fluctuations can further aggravate the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, the middle of menstrual cycles and at the end of when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, although biological differences could play a part, some of the disorganization or impulsivity in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women are typically viewed as quiet and reserved, so they may not be able to hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which could cause them to be misdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment. They may even think they are better at managing their time and concentration than they actually are. In reality, they're more likely to lose things or forget appointments, pay bills on time, and struggle with disorganization at work and home.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to develop the inattentive version 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 may also have trouble speaking to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they are less likely to experience these symptoms than men.
For many adults with ADHD, the first line of treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with your brain could also be effective. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine and Guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for women with ADHD. These therapies can help you identify automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to control your mood and behavior. In addition to medication exercising and an appropriate diet can help control ADHD symptoms of disorientation, impulsivity and restlessness. Try activities like yoga, dancing and group classes such as swimming or aerobics, and biking to boost energy levels. Try to do at least 4 to 5 hours of exercise every week for around 30 minutes each session. To support your mood and concentration, eat a variety foods, including whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats.