AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often challenged to meet the expectations of society in many ways. This includes caring for others while juggling work and home life, and managing relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Gender bias can also cause health care professionals to not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most common symptoms of adhd in women. It can show up in many different ways, from forgetting appointments to not being able to finish tasks at work, or snoring when talking to others and making them feel disregarded. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances, and often result in them not being able to take advantage on financial or job opportunities.
It's possible that some women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, which could make it harder to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they theorize that it may be due to gender stereotypes and the belief that women and girls be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms could lead to being under-performing at school or at work and could prevent them from seeking the help and assistance they need.
The lack of focus can be mistaken for other conditions like anxiety or depression. Depression can affect concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People with generalized anxieties disorder have difficulty concentrating because they are usually overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best method to increase your concentration is to control your ADHD symptoms with treatment. This means locating a doctor or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD for both girls and women. It's also an excellent idea to find out about the kinds of accommodations you can request your employer or educational institution for, such as flexible hours or working at home. A good night's sleep can help you have more restful nights and be more focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping at the same time every night, listening to relaxing music or an audiobook prior to sleeping, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity symptoms. They may be prone to interrupting others or changing topics during conversations, making snap decisions without thinking and taking risks that aren't beneficial to their health. They may also have trouble understanding the body language of others or interpreting social signals. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopause - the period 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. inattentive adhd in women can lead to health professionals not seeing ADHD in women and girls, misdiagnosing them, or dismissing their symptoms as being a mood or anxiety problem. Research on ADHD is focused on boys and men. This can lead to the perception of gender bias.
When children with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers occasionally observe the impulsive behavior of children. It's not uncommon for children to be irritable or impatient at times. These behaviors tend to increase as children grow older and become more adept at managing their symptoms.
Adults can experience impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can impact work, school, and relationships. They can cause procrastination and forgetfulness as well as difficulty keeping commitments. They can also make finding and keeping jobs difficult and hinder healthy eating.
Treatment for adults with ADHD generally involves taking medication. Your doctor will recommend various treatments based on the specific symptoms you have and lifestyle, as well as other health conditions you may have. They may also suggest psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to recognize and change negative thoughts and couples counseling in the event that your relationship is affected by ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can help calm your brain, reduce symptoms and aid in focusing. This is especially true for those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. You can try activities like yoga, dancing, and group exercises like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can cause a variety of physical symptoms. Palpitations, headaches, dizziness and sweating are some of the symptoms. They can also make someone feel like they are having a heart attack or that the world is coming to an end. Because of these physical symptoms, people who experience anxiety often get misdiagnosed with heart disease. This can lead to a lengthy journey of medical treatments that do not tackle the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is effective for the majority of anxiety disorders, whether used on its own or when combined with medications. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person develop 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 a mixed subtype. It is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will conduct an exhaustive physical exam and ask questions about the way that the disorder impacts their life.
Women with ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis, since many diagnostic tools are designed towards male behavior. In addition, women often attempt to hide their symptoms to fit in with the society. They may be misdiagnosed, and their ADHD treatment delayed. A trained professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The professional will conduct a thorough history, physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate the symptoms of an individual and determine if there are any other conditions that may be the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD can experience disordered behavior. This is a persistent issue that can cause disruptions in work and schoolwork and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organizational skills that include not keeping track of expenses or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other problems such as anxiety, a traumatic 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 activities and relationships. This condition is called "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't suffer from the typical symptoms. They may have difficulty paying attention or concentrating on details, feeling restless, and being in a state of forgetfulness.
For some, disorganization is a daily struggle, and it's common for people suffering from ADHD to be prone to 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 number of health problems, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another cause of disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lower when ovulating, during the middle of menstruation and at the conclusion when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms.
While differences in the biological makeup of genders could play a role, it's also possible that some of the disorganization and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is related to social "norms." Young women and girls may be conditioned to be reserved and quiet and can cause to them to conceal or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which could lead them to be incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. They may even think they are better at time management and concentration than they actually are. In reality, they're likely to lose things or forget appointments, pay bills on time, and struggle with a lack of organization at work and home.
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to develop the inattentive version 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 continuously or speak nonsensical phrases or sounds, but they're less likely to have these symptoms than men are.
Medication is the first treatment option for many adults suffering from ADHD. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are often prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also possible. They include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These treatments can help you recognize the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and help you learn healthy ways to self regulate your mood and behavior. Exercise and a healthy diet, in addition to medication can help manage ADHD symptoms such as restlessness, impulsivity, and distractibility. Try activities such as yoga, dancing, group classes like swimming or aerobics, and cycling to boost your energy levels. Try to exercise for at the very least four to five sessions per week, each lasting about 30 minutes. To boost your mood and focus take a varied diet of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.