AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to meet societal expectations. This includes taking care of others, balancing work and home life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Gender bias may also lead health professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of concentration. This issue can manifest in different ways, such as missing appointments, not being able to finish tasks at the office or zoning out when talking to people. It's also a common symptom that can make it difficult for women to manage their finances, and it's often the reason why they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that women are better at masking their ADHD symptoms, which may make it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they speculate that it could be due to gender stereotypes and the belief that girls and women should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms could lead to poor performance at school or work and may make it difficult for them to seek the help and support they require.
Lack of focus can also be misinterpreted as other signs such as depression or anxiety. Depression can affect concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder have difficulty concentrating because they are often overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to improve your concentration is to manage your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. This means you should find a therapist or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls. It's also a good idea to learn about accommodations that you can request your employer or educational institution for like flexible hours or working at home. A healthy sleep routine will help you to have more restful nights, and also help you stay focused throughout the day. This means getting to bed every night at the same time, while listening to soothing music or audiobooks, and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD frequently exhibit impulsivity signs. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or changing topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not beneficial to their health. They may also have trouble understanding body language or recognizing social cues. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopausal, the period before menopause - 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 to health professionals not recognizing ADHD in girls and women, misdiagnosing them, or dismissing their symptoms as being a mood or anxiety issue. Gender bias may also play a role, since research on ADHD is predominantly focused on males and females.
Teachers and parents might notice an impulsive behavior among children with ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be irritable or irritable at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve as kids grow older and learn how to manage their issues.
Adults with adhd may experience impulsive behavior and distraction that affect their relationships, work, and school. They can lead to delay, forgetfulness, and trouble keeping promises. They can also make finding and maintaining a job difficult and hinder healthy eating.
Treatment for adult ADHD usually involves medication. Your doctor may recommend an individualized treatment based on your lifestyle, symptoms, and any other health issues. They may also suggest psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change negative thinking patterns, couples counseling when your relationship has been affected by your ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain, reduce symptoms and assist you in staying focused. This is particularly true for impulsivity and distraction. Try activities such as yoga, dancing and group exercises, such as swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger a variety of physical symptoms. They can cause dizziness, chest pain and heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. These symptoms can cause a person to think they are having a stroke or the world is close to ending. Because of these physical symptoms those who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart condition. This can result in an extended medical treatment without addressing the root of the issue. Fortunately, the majority of anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in combination with medications. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help someone discover new ways of thinking and reacting that can 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's important for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out a thorough physical exam and ask detailed questions about the way that the disorder impacts their life.
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis because many of the diagnostic tools used to diagnose the disorder are biased towards male behavior. In addition, women often attempt to hide their ADHD in order to fit into society. As a result, they may not be diagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced registered nurses may be able to diagnose ADHD. The professional will make use of an in-depth 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 any other medical conditions might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience disorganization, which is an ongoing problem that can cause disruption to the way they work and school as well as cause emotional stress. It can stress relationships and cause financial difficulties. Disorganization can be characterized by a poor organizational skill for example, forgetting to pay bills or make appointments, and difficulties in making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other issues like anxiety, traumatizing event in life, or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Some women who suffer from ADHD have a high level of functioning and their symptoms don't have a significant impact on their daily interactions and relationships. This condition is called "high-functioning ADHD." It doesn't mean they do not experience some of the symptoms. This includes difficulty in paying attention or concentrating on things, feeling anxious and in a state of forgetfulness.
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 items or put off important tasks. The disorder also affects the quality of their work and may 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 hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and in the middle of menstrual cycle while progesterone is more abundant and these fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible that, while biological differences can be a factor, a portion of the disorder or impulsivity in women suffering from ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls may be conditioned to be quiet and reserved and can cause them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to mask their problems with attention, which can lead them to be incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. In reality, they may even think they have better focus and time-management skills than they actually do. In reality, they're likely to misplace things, forget appointments or pay bills on time, and struggle with disorganization at work and at home.
Women suffering from 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 may also have trouble speaking to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men.
The first treatment is medication. option for many adults suffering from ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that target the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also possible. They include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). high functioning adhd in women can help you recognize automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to self-regulate your behavior and emotions. Exercise and a healthy diet along with medication can help you manage ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities like yoga, dancing and group classes such as swimming or aerobics, and cycling to boost your energy levels. Try to exercise for at minimum four to five times every week, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. Make sure you consume a variety of fruits and vegetables whole grains, protein and healthy fats to boost your focus and mood.