AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty meeting the various expectations of society. This includes caring for 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. A bias based on gender can cause health care professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd in women is difficulty concentrating. The problem can manifest in a variety of ways, such as missing appointments, not being able to finish tasks at the office or being unable to concentrate when talking to people. It's also a frequent problem that makes it hard for women to keep track of their finances. It's often the reason they do not get jobs or financial opportunities.
Recommended Resource site may be better in masked ADHD symptoms than others and this makes it harder for them as adults to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why, however, they think it could be due to gender roles and the expectation of girls and women to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD can lead to 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 such as depression or anxiety. Depression can affect your concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People suffering from generalized anxiety trouble concentrating as they are usually overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best method to increase concentration. This involves hiring a professional or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD both in women and girls. It's also a good idea to learn about accommodations that you can ask your employer or school for like flexible hours or working at home. A healthy sleep routine will assist you in having more restful nights, and to be more focused throughout the day. This includes going to bed each night at the same time, listening to relaxing music or an audiobook and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are typically impulsive. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or shifting topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that aren't beneficial to their health. They might also have trouble understanding body language or social signals. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopausal - the time prior to menopausal onset - and 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 could lead health care professionals to miss ADHD in their patients, mistakenly diagnose them or dismiss their symptoms as mood or anxiety problems. Gender bias can also play a role, as research on ADHD is mostly focused on males and females.
Teachers and parents might notice the impulsive behavior of children suffering from ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be anxious or even impatient at times. However, those behaviors tend to improve over time as children grow up and learn to manage their issues.
Adults with adhd can be prone to impulsive behavior and distraction which can affect their relationships, work, and school. They can cause delays and forgetfulness, as well as difficulty staying on track with commitments. They can make locating and maintaining a job difficult and can hinder healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adult ADHD generally involves taking medication. Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments depending on your specific symptoms and lifestyle, as well as other health conditions you may have. They may also recommend psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists you to recognize and change negative thought patterns and couples counseling if your relationship is affected by ADHD or other issues, or even family therapy. Exercise can also help calm your brain and lessen symptoms, particularly in the case of disorientation and impulsivity. You can take on activities such as yoga, dancing, and group workouts like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can lead to a variety of physical symptoms. They can cause dizziness, chest pain and heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. These symptoms can cause a person to believe they are suffering from a stroke or the world is about to end. Due to these physical signs those who experience anxiety often get misdiagnosed with heart disease. This can result in lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root of the issue. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy on its own or in combination with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help someone discover new ways of thinking and reacting that could make them less anxious.
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 mixed subtypes. It is crucial for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out an exhaustive physical exam and ask detailed questions about how the disorder affects their life.
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis, since the majority of diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Additionally, women often try to hide their symptoms to fit into society. As a result, they may not be diagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional, like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurses, can identify ADHD. The doctor will take an extensive history, physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to analyze the symptoms of an individual and determine if there are any other conditions the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience disorganization, which is an ongoing problem that can disrupt work and schoolwork habits as well as cause emotional stress. It can create tension in relationships, and can lead to financial issues. Disorganization can be characterized by a lack of organization, such as not paying bills on time or make appointments, and difficulties in making decisions. In many cases, it is connected to other issues, like anxiety, a traumatic life incident, or depression and is often difficult to treat.
Certain women with ADHD are able to 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." It doesn't mean they do not experience certain symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating or paying attention to tiny details.
Some people struggle with disorganization on a regular basis. They might spend their time looking for lost objects or delay important tasks. The disorder can affect the quality of their work and can result in strained relationships. It can also cause a variety of health problems, such as anxiety and sleep disorders.
Another cause of disorganization in women with ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen is lower during ovulation and in the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone is higher and these fluctuations can make ADHD symptoms worse.
While biological differences between the genders could play a role, 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 socialized to be quiet and reserved and this can cause them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are more likely than men to conceal their problems with attention, which can cause them to be wrongly diagnosed and receive delayed treatment. In fact, they may even think that they have better focus and time-management skills than they do. However, these people are likely to lose things, forget appointments, or not pay bills on time. They also struggle with problems with 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 being quiet and can talk to themselves incessantly or say unintelligible phrases or sounds, but they're less likely to exhibit these symptoms than men are.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the first option for treatment is medication. stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate are usually prescribed, but nonstimulant medications that target the way that neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. They include atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial for women with ADHD. These treatments can help you recognize automatic or irrational thinking patterns and teach you healthy ways to self-regulate your behavior and emotions. Exercise and a healthy diet in addition to medications can help you manage ADHD symptoms such as restlessness, impulsivity, and distractibility. For energy-boosting, try activities like dancing, yoga, group classes such as cycling or swimming, and aerobics. Try to get at least 4 to 5 hours of exercise every week for around 30 minutes each session. To improve your mood and concentration, eat a variety vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.