AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD often struggle to meet many societal expectations. This includes taking care of others as well as balancing work and family life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. The gender bias can cause health care professionals to not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most prevalent adhd symptoms in women. This issue can manifest in many ways, including having trouble remembering appointments, not being able finish tasks at the office or having trouble concentrating when speaking to people. It's also a typical problem that makes it hard for women to manage their finances, and is often the reason they miss out on jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that women are better at masking their ADHD symptoms, which could make it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they speculate that it could be related to gender stereotypes and the expectation that women and girls should be more "restrained." Masking ADHD symptoms can lead to poor performance at school or work and could hinder them from seeking the help and support they require.
Lack of focus is also a common symptom and can be confused with other conditions, including depression and anxiety. Depression can affect your concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder often experience difficulty focusing due to the fact that they are more likely to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the most effective way to increase concentration. This means locating a doctor or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls. It's also recommended to be aware about any accommodations you could ask your employer or school for like flexible hours or working from home. Practicing good sleep hygiene can help you have more restful nights and become more focused during the day. This includes getting to bed at the same time every night, listening to relaxing music or an audiobook prior to going to bed and limiting time spent on screens.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be driven. They may be prone to interrupting others or switching topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that aren't in their best interests. They may also have trouble understanding the body language of others or interpreting social signals. Symptoms of impulsivity often get worse during the perimenopausal period that comes before menopause, and then 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 can cause health care professionals to miss ADHD in them, mistakenly diagnose them or ignore their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood issues. Research on ADHD is focused on males and females. This may lead to the perception of gender bias.
When children with ADHD are young, teachers and parents often observe an impulsive behavior. It's not uncommon for children to be irritable or impatient at times. These behaviors are likely to increase as children grow older and begin to manage their symptoms.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can impact work, school and relationships. They can lead to procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as difficulties adhering to commitments. They can make locating and maintaining a job difficult and hinder healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication. Your doctor will recommend a combination of treatments depending on the specific symptoms you have and lifestyle, as well as other health issues you might have. Psychotherapy may also be recommended which includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change negative thoughts patterns, couples counseling if your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can help calm your brain, reduce symptoms and aid in focusing. This is especially important for people who have a tendency to be distracted and impulsive. Try activities such as dancing, yoga and group workouts like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can lead to a variety of physical symptoms. Palpitations, headaches, dizziness and sweating are just a few of the symptoms. 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 misdiagnosed as having a heart condition because of these physical symptoms. This can result in lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, regardless of whether it's used alone or in conjunction with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, can help a person discover new ways of thinking or responding to situations that can 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. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms with their doctor and will ask them specific questions regarding the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble getting an accurate diagnosis, since many diagnostic tools are designed towards male behavior. Additionally, women often try to hide their symptoms to fit into society. As a result, they might be underdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The professional will make use of a detailed 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 there are other conditions that could be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD can experience disorganization which is a persistent issue that can cause disruption to the way they work and school which can cause emotional stress and create tension in relationships, and can lead to financial problems. Disorganization is often characterized by the lack of organization skills that include not keeping track of bills or appointments, and having trouble making decisions. In many cases, it is connected to other issues, such as anxiety, a traumatic life incident, or depression and can be difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD can function at a high level and their symptoms do not affect their daily activities or relationships. This is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't experience some of the common symptoms. This includes difficulty in concentrating or paying attention to things, feeling anxious and in a state of forgetfulness.
For some, disorder is a constant struggle and it's not uncommon for people suffering from ADHD to spend time searching for lost objects or putting off important tasks. The disorder can also affect the quality of their work, and could cause tension in relationships. It can also lead to a variety of health issues, including anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another issue that can cause disorganization in women with ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation and at the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone is more abundant and these fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Although biological differences between genders may play a part but it's also possible some of the disorder and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is related to social "norms." Girls and young women are typically socialized to be quiet and reserved, which is why they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women often find it easier to hide their attention issues than men, which can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. In reality, they may even think they have better concentration and time-management abilities than they do. In reality, these people tend to lose things, miss appointments, or pay bills on time. adhd in women adult face disorganization both at work and at home.
Women with ADHD are more prone 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 being quiet and can talk to themselves constantly or use nonsensical phrases or sounds, however they're much less likely to exhibit these symptoms than males are.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the first line of treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are typically prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on how neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help identify automatic or irrational thinking and teach you healthy ways to manage your mood and behavior. A healthy diet and exercise, in addition to medication can help manage ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities such as dancing, yoga and group classes such as swimming or aerobics, and biking to boost energy levels. Try to get at least 4 to 5 hours of exercise every week for around 30 minutes each session. To improve your mood and attention consume a variety of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.