AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to live up to society's expectations. Women who suffer from ADHD are often struggling to meet the expectations of society that include caring for others as well as balancing work and home life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. The gender bias can make health professionals not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most frequent symptoms of adhd among women. This problem can manifest in a variety of ways, including missing appointments, not being able to finish work or being unable to concentrate when speaking to people. It's also a frequent symptom that can make it hard for women to manage their finances. It's often the reason they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
Women may be more adept at masked ADHD symptoms than other women and this makes it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers don't know why this is, but they believe it could be due to gender roles and the expectation for girls and women to be more "restrained." Masking ADHD can result in poor performance at work or in school, and hinder them from seeking support and help.
Lack of focus can also be mistaken for other conditions like anxiety or depression. For instance, depression can affect your focus by making you forgetful and unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder usually have trouble focusing because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to increase your ability to concentrate is to control your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. This means hiring a professional or therapist who has experience with ADHD both in women and girls. It'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 from home. Good sleep hygiene will also help you to have more restful nights and help you to stay focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping each night at the same time, listening to soothing music or audiobooks, and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently exhibit impulsivity signs. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or switching topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking and taking risks that are not the best for their interests. They might also have trouble reading body language or interpreting social cues. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopausal, the period prior to menopausal symptoms - and also when hormone levels begin to drop.
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have inattentive-type symptoms, which can be harder to notice than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This can lead to health professionals not recognizing ADHD in girls and women and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as being a mood or anxiety issue. Gender bias may be a factor, since research on ADHD is mostly focused on men and boys.
Teachers and parents might notice an impulsive behavior among children who suffer from ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be irritable or even impatient at times. These behaviors can improve as children get older and become more adept at managing their symptoms.
Adults can experience impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can negatively impact work, school, and relationships. They can cause delay and forgetfulness, as well as difficulty staying on track with commitments. They can make locating and keeping a job difficult and interfere with healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is usually treated by medication. Your doctor will suggest an array of treatments based on the specific symptoms you have as well as your lifestyle and other health issues you might have. They may also recommend psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists you to recognize and change negative thought patterns or couples counseling if your relationship is affected by ADHD, or even family therapy. Physical exercise can help to calm your mind and reduce symptoms, especially when it comes to distraction and impulsivity. Try activities such as yoga, dancing and group workouts, like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide array of physical symptoms. These include dizziness, chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations, and sweating. They can also make a person feel like they are having a heart attack or that the world is closing. People who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart condition because of these physical symptoms. inattentive add in women can result in lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root of the issue. Fortunately, most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy on its own or in combination with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically it can help people 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 may also be more likely to suffer from a mixed type. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms and their doctor will ask them questions about the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty obtaining a correct diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are geared towards male behavior. Women often attempt to conceal their symptoms in order to fit into society. In the end, they might be underdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional, like a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses can identify ADHD. The provider will use an extensive background, physical examination, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to analyze the symptoms of a person and determine if they have other conditions that could be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD may experience disorganization. This is a constant problem that can cause disruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organization for example, not paying bills on time or make appointments, and difficulties in making decisions. Often, disorganization is related to other issues, such as anxiety, traumatizing life event, or depression, and is often difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD can perform at a high degree and their symptoms do not significantly affect their daily life or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this does not mean they don't suffer from some of the symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty concentration and paying attention to tiny details.
For some, a lack of organization is a daily struggle and it's normal for people suffering from ADHD to spend time searching for lost objects or putting off important tasks. The disorder also affects the quality of their work, and could lead to strained relationships. It can also trigger a variety of health issues, including sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another factor that can exacerbate disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen is lower during ovulation and in the middle of menstrual cycle while progesterone levels are higher and these fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible that, although biological differences may play a part, some of the impulsivity or disorganization in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls may be conditioned to be quiet and reserved, which can lead them to suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to conceal their attention issues, which could result in them being incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. They may even think they're more adept at managing time and concentration than they actually are. In reality, they're likely to misplace things, forget appointments or pay bills on time, and struggle with disorganization at work and home.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to develop the inattentive subtype 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 quiet and can talk to themselves constantly or use in a nonsensical manner or make sounds, however they're much less likely to exhibit these symptoms than men are.
For many people suffering from ADHD, the first line of treatment is medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are typically prescribed, but nonstimulant medications that target how neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. They include atomoxetine and the guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you recognize automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to regulate your emotions and behavior. Alongside medication exercise and a balanced diet can help manage ADHD symptoms like disorientation, impulsivity and restlessness. Try activities like dancing, yoga or group classes such as swimming or aerobics, as well as biking to increase your energy levels. Make sure to exercise at minimum four to five times per week, each lasting about 30 minutes. To improve your mood and concentration consume a variety of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.