Attention Deficit Disorder in Women
While the majority of research on attention deficit disorder focuses on boys and men but many people with ADHD are women. In fact, adult cisgender women have the highest rates of undiagnosed ADHD.
These women often mask their symptoms and can have a hard time getting help for their issues. Symptoms vary during hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Impatient
If you are finding yourself becoming annoyed with daily chores like homework or studying it could be due to your ADHD makes it difficult for you to focus. Inattention ADHD symptoms include procrastination, forgetfulness and frequent changes to topics.
You might also lose or misplace things or have trouble keeping track of your schedules, appointments and other belongings. Women who are this type tend to be unable to concentrate on conversations, and they often talk without thinking, or go off on wanderings. Impulsiveness can also cause people to interrupt others or make statements they regret.
These issues with concentration and attention may also cause issues at work or at home. Some women who suffer from ADD struggle to get jobs due to their inadequate performance, whereas others struggle to maintain friendships or even finding time to leave the house. Women who suffer from ADD tend to have lower self-esteem and are more likely than women with no disorder to be depressed, which can be a result of or is a result of their ADHD.
In relationships, women with ADD often struggle with frustration and misunderstandings due to their ADHD symptoms. Friends and family members may misinterpret their inattention for a lack motivation or commitment, whereas their employers and colleagues can constantly criticize or micromanage them.
Due to their impulsivity, women and girls with ADHD are more likely of becoming sexually active early in life. This is due to their inability to control their emotions as well as their impulses. This can lead to sexually unprotected and more sexually transmitted infections and more pregnancies that are not planned. Additionally they are more prone to be victimized by their intimate partners because of their inability to control their behavior and manage their relationships.
If you are having trouble managing your workload, think about seeking help to manage your ADHD. Begin by breaking down large projects into smaller ones. Also, set up a system to track important information, such as appointments and deadlines such as a planner or calendar and taking notes at meetings. Organize the house to ensure you stay on the top of your chores and errands. Make labels to label your cabinets and closets and post lists of tasks and events.
Impulsive
The term "impulsive refers to actions that are carried out without thought or consideration of the possible consequences. People who are impulsive often make decisions without consulting their family or friends. They may also engage in risky behaviours like alcohol and drug addiction or reckless driving. These behaviors could also be caused by mental illness, such as borderline personality disorders or history trauma and abuse. They could also be a complication of certain prescription medications.
It's important to recognize that although girls and women who have ADHD exhibit different symptoms than boys and men however, the condition is underdiagnosed in many cases. This is due to gender bias, and the fact that research is mostly done on children, teenagers or cisgender males.
Although there isn' adhd in older women on the effects of ADHD in women of adulthood Psychologists are working to improve this. They're working on expanding the knowledge base that's already there and are examining how women with ADHD can most effectively manage their symptoms.
In addition to impulsive behavior and impulsive behavior, people who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from sensitivity to rejection. They have a strong emotional reaction to rejection, whether real or perceived. This makes it difficult to navigate social situations. They might also struggle with self-control which could cause them to engage in risky sexual behaviors or use addictive substances as a way to manage their emotions.
Compulsive behavior is also common among women with ADHD and can be described as repetitive actions motivated by a desire to relieve anxiety or discomfort. These behaviors are very different from impulsive behaviors, however they are a common occurrence in certain people and are linked to conditions such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
There are several options to break free from impulsive behavior, even in the absence of an illness that is diagnosed as mental health-related. Begin by evaluating your surroundings and identifying triggers. Try to minimize your exposure to as much as you can to these types of situations. You can also practice talking through your options with family and friends before deciding to act, and seek out a professional therapist or psychiatrist to help you when needed.
Difficulty Focusing
Women suffering from ADHD are prone to having difficulty to remain focused and on task. They might be more easily distracted than others and regularly wander off or have a ten-mile stare, especially during mundane or non-stimulating activities. They may also veer away from the conversation, go off in tangents or forget social signals. Their forgetfulness or inability to concentrate can affect their work and personal relationships. For example, they might be prone to losing possessions or not paying bills on time.
Some people with ADHD struggle with controlling their emotions. They can become frustrated more frequently, or lose their temper, when overwhelmed. They might have a lower tolerance to frustration and be more agitated or anxious than other people when they are stressed or criticized. Be aware that these symptoms are not character flaws but rather the result of a medical problem.
Many adults suffering from ADHD were taught that only boys with hyperactivity could have ADHD. However, recent scientific studies have proven that ADHD can affect girls and women equally as it affects men and boys. It's also possible to have a combination of the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive subtypes of the disorder.
The signs of inattention ADHD in girls and women typically change in response to the hormonal cycle which makes it difficult to obtain diagnosed or receive treatment. Women suffering from ADHD might find it difficult to focus on their tasks, follow directions, and stay organized during menstrual cycles, puberty, or pregnancy.
Due to these gender differences, girls and women are more likely than men or people who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) to be misdiagnosed. This can lead to anxiety and feelings of insecurity. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD or ADHD that isn't being treated may also have problems at work, home and in their relationships. They may have difficulty completing their homework or fulfill their obligations. They may also experience difficulties in social situations due to low self-esteem, poor tolerance to anger and difficulty in understanding body language. They may also have difficulties in forming new relationships and are more likely not to be able to sustain or form marriages.
Poor Organization
If you struggle with disorganization and forgetfulness, or have difficulty managing your work or school tasks and have trouble to establish strong social and work relationships and relationships, your ADHD symptoms may be at fault. You may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of things happening simultaneously, or be frustrated by the way you tend to delay your work.
Women who suffer from ADHD often are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed, in part because their symptoms show up differently than in men. They are more likely than men to have the inattention-based kind of ADHD. This means that they are easily distracted or forgetful, having difficulty paying attention and concentrating, and often "zoning out" or daydreaming while talking to others.
While the challenges of living with ADHD are numerous, these same traits can bring great creativity, passion, energy and out of the box thinking. Learning to recognize your strengths, establishing positive relationships and structures in your life, and figuring out ways to reduce your weaknesses can help you live your best life.
The participants in this study had very high educational levels, professional qualifications, and a small number of comorbidities, which limits the applicability of the findings to other populations. They were also diagnosed as adults, so their experiences could differ from that of those who are diagnosed as children or adolescence.
Yet, these interviews provide an in-depth understanding of the unique experiences of these women and how their ADHD impacts their lives and identity. These interviews provide valuable perspectives for clinicians and researchers who collaborate with this group.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to accept their symptoms and deal with their symptoms. The disorder can cause feelings of guilt and anger, especially when they see their symptoms manifesting in other people. A diagnosis could be an "lightbulb" moment for someone, since it gives them a reason of their struggles and allows them to feel more comfortable with themselves.