AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to meet societal expectations. This includes caring for others as well as balancing work and family 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 misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most prevalent adhd symptoms in women. The problem can manifest in a variety of ways, such as missing appointments, not being able to finish work or being unable to concentrate when speaking to people. It's also a typical symptom that can make it hard for women to keep up with 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 more adept at masked their ADHD symptoms, which could make it difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they speculate that it may be due to traditional gender roles 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 assistance they need.
Lack of focus is also a common symptom and can be confused with other illnesses such as anxiety and depression. For instance, depression can affect your concentration by making you more forgetful and unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety trouble concentrating as they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best method to increase your ability to concentrate is to manage your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. This involves finding a therapist or clinician who has experience working 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 educational institution for such as flexible hours or working at home. A good night's sleep can also help you get more restful nights and be more focused during the day. It can include sleeping at the same time every night, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior to sleeping and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. They can interrupt other people or switch topics during the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences, and make decisions that are not in your best interest. They might also have trouble understanding body language or social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopausal, the period before menopause - 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 care professionals missing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as anxiety or a mood problem. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on men and boys. This can lead to an imbalance in gender.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers occasionally notice impulsive behavior. It's normal for children to be impatient, restless or even impulsive in certain instances. These behaviors are likely to increase as children grow older and begin to manage their symptoms.
Adults with adhd may experience impulsive behavior and distraction which can affect their work, relationships, and school. adhd in older women can lead to delays or forgetfulness and difficulty keeping promises. They can make locating and maintaining a job difficult and interfere with healthy eating.
Treatment for adult ADHD generally involves taking medication. Your doctor will recommend an array of treatments based on the specific symptoms you have and lifestyle, as well as other health conditions you may have. They may also suggest psychotherapy that includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and alter negative thought patterns or couples counseling if your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD, or family therapy. Physical exercise can also help to calm your mind and reduce symptoms, especially when it comes to distraction and impulsivity. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group exercises, such as swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide array of physical symptoms. Dizziness, headaches, palpitations and sweating are a few of the symptoms. They can also make a person feel like they are having a heart attack or that the world is closing. People who suffer from anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart condition because of these physical symptoms. This can lead to an extended journey of medical treatments that do not address the root cause. Fortunately, most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy by itself or in combination with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help people develop new ways of thinking and reacting that could help them feel 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 have mixed subtypes. It is crucial for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will perform an exhaustive physical exam and ask specific questions about how the disorder affects their life.
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis because many of the diagnostic tools utilized for the disorder are geared towards male behavior. Additionally, women often try to hide their symptoms to fit into the society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment is delayed. A qualified professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurses can identify ADHD. The doctor will take thorough medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate a person's symptoms and determine if there are other conditions that may be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD might experience disorganization, which is a persistent issue that can affect the way they work and school which can cause emotional stress and stress relationships and cause financial problems. Disorganization can be characterized by a poor organizational skill for example, forgetting to pay bills or keep appointments, and having difficulty making decisions. It can be caused by other issues such as anxiety, a traumatizing event in life, or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Certain women with ADHD can perform at a high degree, and their symptoms don't significantly affect their daily activities or relationships. This condition is called "high-functioning ADHD." This does not mean that they don't suffer from some of the symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating or paying attention to small details.
For some, a lack of organization is a constant battle and it's normal for people suffering from ADHD to spend time searching for lost items or put off important tasks. It can also lead to poor work quality and strained relationships. It can also lead to various health issues, such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another issue that can cause disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating, during the middle of menstrual cycle and at the end of when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
Although biological differences between genders may play a part however, it's also possible that some of the disorder and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is due to social "norms." Young women and girls are typically socialized to be quiet and reserved, so they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are often able to conceal their attention issues than men which can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. They may even think they are more adept at managing time and concentration than they actually are. In reality, they're likely to misplace things or forget appointments, pay bills on time, and have trouble coordinating their work and home.
adhd in women treatment with ADHD tend 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 might also have difficulty staying quiet and may speak to themselves constantly or use in a nonsensical manner or make sounds, though they're less likely to have these symptoms than men are.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the first option for treatment is medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are often prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that target the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also possible. These include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These treatments can help you recognize automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to control your emotions and behavior. In addition to medication, exercise and healthy eating habits can help you manage ADHD symptoms of restlessness, impulsivity and distractibility. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group classes such as swimming or aerobics, as well as biking to boost energy levels. Make sure you get 4 to 5 hours of exercise each week of about 30 minutes per session. To improve your mood and attention consume a variety of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.