AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty meeting many societal expectations. Women with ADHD typically struggle to meet societal expectations that include caring for others as well as balancing work and home life, and managing 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 not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd in women is difficulty in concentrating. It's a condition that can manifest in different ways, from forgetting appointments to being unable to complete tasks at work, to losing focus during conversations and making people feel unimportant. It's also a typical symptom that can make it difficult for women to manage their finances, and is often the reason why they do not get jobs or financial opportunities.
Some women may be better in masked ADHD symptoms than other women which makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers don't know why this is, 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 at school and prevent them from seeking support and help.
Lack of focus is also a common symptom that can be confused with other conditions like anxiety and depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you forgetful and unmotivated. People with generalized anxieties trouble concentrating as they are usually overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to increase your concentration is to manage your ADHD symptoms through treatment. This means locating a doctor or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD for girls and women. It's also recommended to be aware about any accommodations you could ask your employer or educational institution for such as flexible hours or working from home. Practicing good sleep hygiene will also help you enjoy more restful nights and be more focused during the day. It can include going to bed at the same time every night, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior going to bed and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity symptoms. They can interrupt other people or change topics during discussions, make snap decisions without thinking about the consequences, and make decisions that are not in your best interest. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or recognizing social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopausal - the time prior to menopausal onset - 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 lead to health professionals not recognizing ADHD in girls and women, misdiagnosing them, or dismissing their symptoms as a mood or anxiety issue. Research on ADHD is focused on men and boys. This may cause an imbalance in gender.
Teachers and parents might notice impulsive behavior in children who suffer from ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be restless or irritable at times. These behaviors are likely to improve as children get older and become more adept at managing their symptoms.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can negatively impact work, school, and relationships. They can lead to procrastination, forgetfulness, as well as difficulties following through with commitments. They can also make locating and keeping a job difficult and interfere with healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adults with ADHD generally involves taking medication. Your doctor will recommend a combination of treatments depending on the specific symptoms you have, your lifestyle, and other health conditions you might have. They may also suggest psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to identify and change negative thoughts or couples counseling if your relationship is affected by ADHD, or even family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind and help reduce symptoms. It can also help you focus. This is especially true for those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. You can try activities like dancing, yoga, and group exercises like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger a variety of physical symptoms. They can cause dizziness, chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. They can also make someone feel as if they are suffering from an attack on their heart or that the world is coming to an end. People who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart issue because of these physical symptoms. This can lead to lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root cause. Psychotherapy is effective for the majority of anxiety disorders, whether it's used alone or in conjunction with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help people learn new ways of thinking and reacting 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 have mixed subtypes. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms with their doctor. will ask them questions regarding the disorder.
Women with ADHD may have trouble getting the right diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Women may also hide their symptoms to fit in with the rest of society. This means that they may not be diagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional, like a psychiatrist psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurse, can identify ADHD. The professional will conduct thorough medical background, physical examination, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate a person's symptoms and determine if they have other conditions the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD are prone to experiencing disordered behavior. This is a chronic issue that can lead to disruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization can be caused by a lack of organization like not paying bills or keep appointments, and a difficulty in making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other issues like anxiety, traumatizing experience in life, or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD have a high level of functioning and their symptoms do not significantly affect their day-to-day interactions and relationships. attention deficit in women is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this does not mean they do not experience certain symptoms. This includes forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating or paying attention to small details.
For some, disorder is a constant battle and it's not uncommon for people suffering from ADHD to spend time searching for lost items or putting off important tasks. The disorder also affects the quality of their work and can lead to strained relationships. It can also trigger various health problems, such as anxiety and sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can further aggravate the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower when ovulating and in the middle of menstrual cycle while progesterone levels are higher and these fluctuations could cause ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible that, while biological differences can play a part, some of the disorganization or impulsivity in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls may be socialized to be reserved and quiet and can cause them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to hide their attention issues, which could result in them being misdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment. In fact, they may even believe they have better focus and time-management abilities than they actually do. However, these people are likely to lose things and miss appointments, or pay their bills on time. They also face problems with organization at work and at home.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more prone 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 may also have trouble in calming down and may talk to themselves constantly or use unintelligible phrases or sounds, though they're less likely to exhibit these symptoms than men are.
For many adults suffering from ADHD, the first line of treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with the brain could also be effective. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help identify the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you how to self regulate your mood and behavior. In addition to medication, exercise and a balanced diet can help manage ADHD symptoms of anxiety, impulsivity, and restlessness. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group classes such as swimming or aerobics, as well as cycling to boost your energy levels. Try to get at least four to five sessions of exercise each week of about 30 minutes per session. To boost your mood and concentration take a varied diet of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.