AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to meet society's expectations. This includes taking care of others, balancing work and home life, and managing relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Gender bias can also make health professionals not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most common symptoms of adhd in women is difficulty in concentrating. It can show up in many different ways, from forgetting appointments or not being able to finish tasks at work, to losing focus during conversations, making people feel disregarded. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances, and often cause them to miss out on financial or job opportunities.
Some women may be better at masked ADHD symptoms than other women and this makes it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure what the reason is, but they believe that it may be due to traditional gender roles and the notion that girls and women should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can result in poor performance at school or work, and it might make it difficult for them to seek the help and support they require.
Lack of focus can also be mistaken for other conditions like anxiety or depression. Depression can affect concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People with generalized anxiety disorder usually have difficulty focusing due to the fact that they are more likely to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best method to improve concentration. This involves seeking out a therapist or a clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD both in women and girls. click here for more 's also a good idea to learn about the kinds of accommodations you can ask your employer or school for such as flexible hours or working at home. A healthy sleeping routine can assist you in having more restful nights, and help you to stay focused throughout the day. This means going to bed each night at the same time, and listening to relaxing music or an audiobook, and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are often impulsive. They can interrupt other people or alter the topic of the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences and make decisions that are not in your best interests. They might also have trouble understanding body language or social signals. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopause - the period before menopause - 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 cause health professionals to miss ADHD in their patients, mistakenly diagnose them or ignore their symptoms as anxiety or mood problems. Research on ADHD is primarily focused on boys and men. This could lead to a gender bias.
Teachers and parents might notice an impulsive behavior among children with ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be irritable or even impatient at times. These behaviors are likely to improve as children get older and learn to manage their symptoms.
In adults, the impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can negatively impact work, school, and relationships. They can lead to delays or forgetfulness and difficulty staying on track with commitments. They can make locating and maintaining a job difficult and interfere with healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adults with ADHD generally involves taking medication. Your doctor may suggest an individualized treatment based on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health conditions. They may also suggest psychotherapy that includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and change negative thinking patterns or couples counseling when your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind, reduce symptoms and assist you in staying focused. This is especially true for those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. You can try activities like yoga, dancing, and group workouts such as running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can cause various physical symptoms. These include dizziness and chest pain and heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. These symptoms can make someone believe they are suffering from a stroke or the world is close to ending. People who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart issue because of these physical symptoms. This could result in lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is effective for most anxiety disorders, whether used alone or in conjunction with medications. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone learn new ways of thinking and reacting 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 be a mixed type. It is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will perform an exhaustive physical exam and ask questions about the way that the disorder impacts their life.
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that many of the diagnostic tools utilized for the disorder are skewed toward male behavior. Women often attempt to hide their symptoms to fit into the society. They may be misdiagnosed, and their ADHD treatment delayed. A trained professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The provider will use an in-depth medical history, a physical exam 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 might experience disorganization, which is an ongoing problem that can disrupt the routine of school and work as well as cause emotional stress. It can strain relationships and contribute to financial issues. Disorganization is characterized by a lack of organizational skills that include not keeping track of expenses or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other problems such as anxiety, a traumatizing experience in life, or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Certain women with ADHD are able to perform at a high level and their symptoms do not significantly impact their daily activities or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." It doesn't mean they do not experience certain symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating and paying attention to tiny details.
For some, a lack of organization is a constant battle and it's normal for people with ADHD to be prone to searching for lost items or putting off important tasks. The disorder can affect the quality of their work and may result in strained relationships. It can also lead to many health issues, including sleep disorders or anxiety.
Hormone fluctuations can also exacerbate the disorder of women suffering from ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation, in the middle of menstrual cycle and at the end of, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms.
While biological differences between the genders could play a role however, it's also possible that some of the disorder and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is due to social "norms." Girls and young women may be conditioned to be quiet and reserved and can cause them to suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are more likely than men to hide their attention issues, which could result in them being incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. They may even think they're better at managing their time and concentration than they actually are. However, these people are likely to lose things, forget appointments, or fail to pay bills on time. They also have trouble with problems with organization at work and at home.
Women who suffer from ADHD tend 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 being silent, and may even talk to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they're less likely to experience these symptoms than males.
Medication is the primary treatment option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are frequently prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that target the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also possible. These include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial for women with ADHD. These treatments can help you recognize thoughts that are irrational or automatic and help you learn healthy ways to manage your emotions and behaviors. Exercise and a healthy diet, in addition to medication can help you manage ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity and disorientation. For energy-boosting try activities such as dancing, yoga, group classes such as aerobics or swimming and biking. Try to get at least four to five sessions of exercise per week, lasting approximately 30 minutes per session. Make sure to take a variety of fresh vegetables whole grains, healthy fats, and protein to support your attention and mood.