AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD are often challenged to meet the expectations of society in many ways. This includes taking care of others, 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 professionals to misdiagnose or not recognize ADHD symptoms for girls and women.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most common symptoms of adhd in women is having trouble in concentrating. It's a problem that can manifest in different ways, from not remembering appointments or not being able to finish tasks at work to zoning out during conversations, making people feel unimportant. It can also make it difficult for women to manage their finances and often cause them to miss out on financial or job opportunities.
It's possible that women are better at masking their ADHD symptoms, which could make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure what the reason is, but they theorize that it may be due to traditional gender roles and the belief that women and girls should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can result in being under-performing at school or at work and could hinder them from seeking the help and assistance they require.
Lack of focus is also an atypical symptom that could be confused with other illnesses such as anxiety and depression. For instance, depression can influence your concentration by making you less attentive and unmotivated. People with generalized anxiety disorder typically have trouble focusing because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to increase your concentration is to manage your ADHD symptoms with treatment. This includes finding a therapist or clinician who has experience working with ADHD in girls and women. It's also a good idea to learn about any accommodations you could ask your employer or school for, such as flexible hours or working from home. Good sleep hygiene will also aid you in having more restful nights and also help you stay focused throughout the day. This includes going to bed each night at the same time, and listening to relaxing music or audiobooks, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. They can interrupt other people or alter the topic of a discussion, make quick decisions without considering the consequences and make decisions that are not in your best interests. They may also have difficulty understanding the body language of others or recognizing social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopausal - the time prior to menopausal symptoms - and also 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 cause health professionals to overlook ADHD in these individuals, or mistakenly diagnose them or dismiss their symptoms as mood or anxiety problems. The gender bias could also play a role because research on ADHD is predominantly focused on boys and men.
Parents and teachers may notice the impulsive behavior of children suffering from ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be anxious or impatient at times. These behaviors can improve as children age and begin to manage their symptoms.
Adults with adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting that affect their relationships, work, and school. They can cause procrastination and forgetfulness as well as difficulty adhering to commitments. They can make it difficult to find and keep jobs and can disrupt healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated by medication. Your doctor may suggest a combination treatment depending on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health issues. They may also recommend psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to identify and change negative thinking patterns and couples counseling in the event that your relationship is affected by ADHD, or even family therapy. Exercise can also help calm your brain and lessen symptoms, particularly when it comes to distraction and impulsivity. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group workouts like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a wide range of physical symptoms. Palpitations, headaches, dizziness and sweating are just a few of the symptoms. These symptoms can make a person believe they are suffering from a stroke or the world is close to ending. People who experience 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 tackle the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, regardless of whether it's used on its own or in conjunction with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically can help someone develop new ways of thinking and responding to situations 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 may also be more likely to suffer from an uniform subtype. It is crucial for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will conduct an extensive physical exam and ask detailed questions about the way that the disorder impacts their lives.
Women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty obtaining a correct diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms in order to blend with society. They could be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment may be delayed. A trained professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The professional will conduct a thorough background, physical examination, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to assess the symptoms of a person and determine if they have other conditions the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are prone to experiencing disorganization. This is a persistent issue that can lead to interruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization is often characterized by the lack of organization skills, such as not keeping track of expenses or appointments, and having trouble making decisions. Often, disorganization is related to other issues, like anxiety, a traumatic life event, or depression, and is often difficult to treat.
adhd in women treatment with ADHD can function at a high level, and their symptoms do not significantly affect their daily activities or relationships. This condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However it doesn't mean they don't suffer from the usual symptoms. high functioning adhd in women may experience forgetfulness, trouble concentrating or paying attention to small details.
People who struggle with disorder every day. They may be searching for lost items or delay important tasks. The disorder can also affect the quality of their work, and could result in strained relationships. It can also cause various health issues, including anxiety and sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can also contribute to the disorder of women suffering from ADHD. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating, during the middle of menstruation, and at the end, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, while biological differences may be a factor, a portion of the disorganization or impulsivity in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women are typically viewed as more reserved and quiet, so they may not be able to hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are often able to conceal their attention issues than men do which can lead to being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment. In reality, they may even believe they have better concentration and time-management skills than they do. In reality, they're more likely to lose things or forget appointments, pay bills on time, and have trouble coordinating their work and at home.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to develop the inattentive subtype 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 continuously or speak in a nonsensical manner or make sounds, but they're less likely to exhibit these symptoms than males are.
For many adults with ADHD the first line of treatment is medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that target the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also possible. They include atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These therapies can help you recognize automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to self-regulate your behavior and emotions. Exercise and a healthy diet, in addition to medication can help manage ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity, and distractibility. Try activities such as dancing, yoga, group classes like aerobics or swimming, and biking to increase your energy levels. Try to do at least 4 to 5 hours of exercise per week, lasting about 30 minutes per session. Be sure to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables whole grains, protein and healthy fats to support your attention and mood.