AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to live up to society's expectations. This includes caring for others while juggling work and home life, and navigating 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 for girls and women.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd in women is difficulty concentration. It's a condition that can manifest in different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments or not being able to complete tasks at work, to losing focus during conversations, making people feel unimportant. It's also a common symptom that can make it hard for women to keep up with their finances, and it's often the reason they miss out on jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that some women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, which may make it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they theorize that it could be due to traditional gender roles and the belief that women and girls be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can result in poor performance at school or work, and it might make it difficult for them to seek the help and support they need.
In addition, lack of focus is 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 more forgetful and unmotivated. People with generalized anxiety disorder usually have difficulty focusing due to the fact that they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the most effective way to improve concentration. This involves finding a therapist or clinician who has experience with ADHD both in women and girls. It's also recommended to be aware about the kinds of accommodations you can request your employer or educational institution for, such as flexible hours or working at home. Good sleep hygiene will also aid you in having more restful nights and to be more focused throughout the day. This includes getting to bed every night at the same time, listening to relaxing music or audiobooks, and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be highly impulsive. They might interrupt others or switch topics during a discussion, make quick decisions without considering the consequences and take risks that aren't in your best interests. They might also have difficulty understanding body language or recognizing social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during perimenopause, the period before menopausal, and then when hormone levels start to decline.
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 care professionals to miss ADHD in these individuals, or not diagnosing them correctly or ignore their symptoms as mood or anxiety problems. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on males and females. This could lead to the perception of gender bias.
When children with ADHD are young, teachers and parents often observe impulsive behavior. It's normal for kids to be irritable, restless or impulsive at times. However, those behaviors tend to improve as children grow up and learn to manage their symptoms.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can impact school, work, and relationships. They can cause procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as difficulty keeping promises. 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 might recommend a combination treatment depending on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health issues. They may also suggest psychotherapy which includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and change negative thoughts patterns and couples counseling when your relationship has been affected by your ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain and help reduce symptoms. It can also assist you in staying focused. This is especially important for impulsivity and distraction. You can try activities like dancing, yoga, and group exercises like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can cause various physical symptoms. Dizziness, headaches, palpitations and sweating are just a few of the signs. They can make people feel like they are having a heart attack or that the world is ending. Due to these physical signs, people who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having heart disease. This can result in a long medical treatment without addressing the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, whether used alone or in conjunction with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically can help someone discover 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 are also more likely to be a mixed subtype. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms with their doctor. will ask them detailed questions regarding the disorder.
Women with ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis because many of the diagnostic tools utilized for the disorder are biased towards male behavior. Additionally, women often try to hide their ADHD in order to fit into the society. In the end, they could be overlooked and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take an extensive medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders in order to assess the symptoms of a patient and determine if any other medical conditions might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD are prone to experiencing disorganization. This is a chronic problem that can cause disruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is characterized by the lack of organization skills like not keeping track of bills or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other issues such as anxiety, a traumatic event in life, or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD can perform at a high level and their symptoms don't significantly affect their daily lives or relationships. This condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this doesn't mean that they don't experience some of the common symptoms. These include difficulty staying focused or paying attention to things, feeling anxious and in a state of forgetfulness.
For some, a lack of organization is a constant battle, and it's common for those with ADHD to spend time searching for lost items or put off important tasks. It can also cause poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also lead to many health problems, such as anxiety and sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can further aggravate the disorder of women suffering from ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation, in the middle of menstruation, and at the end, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
Although biological differences between genders could play a role however, it's also possible that some of the disorder and impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in women is linked to social "norms." Girls and young women may be socialized to be quiet and reserved and can cause them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women often find it easier to hide their attention issues than men do and can result in undiagnosed problems and delayed treatment. They may even think they are more adept at managing time and concentration than they are. In reality, they tend to lose things, miss appointments, or pay bills on time. They also face issues with organization both at work and at home.
Women with ADHD tend to develop the inattentive form 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 speaking to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they're less likely to experience these symptoms than men.
Medication is the first treatment option for many adults with ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are typically prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you how to manage your emotions and behaviors. In addition to medication, exercise and a balanced diet can help you manage ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity, and restlessness. Try activities such as yoga, dancing, group classes like swimming or aerobics, and biking to increase your energy levels. Try to exercise for at the very least four to five sessions every week, each lasting around 30 minutes. Make sure to take a variety of fresh vegetables whole grains, protein and healthy fats to boost your focus and mood.