AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to meet societal expectations. This includes taking care of others, balancing work and home life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. The gender bias can also cause health care professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms for girls and women.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd in women. The problem can manifest in many ways, such as missing appointments, not being able finish work or having trouble concentrating when speaking to people. It's also a common problem that makes it hard for women to keep up with their finances, and it's often the reason they do not get jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that certain women are better at masking their ADHD symptoms, which could make it difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers don't know why, however, they think it could be due to gender roles and the expectation for women and girls to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD can result in poor performance at work or at school and stop them from seeking support and help.
Lack of focus can also be mistaken for other conditions like anxiety or depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder typically have trouble focusing because they are more likely to become overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best method to increase your concentration is to control your ADHD symptoms through treatment. That means finding a clinician or therapist with experience in ADHD in women and girls. It's also a good idea to learn about the kinds of accommodations you can ask your employer or school for such as flexible hours or working from home. A healthy sleep routine will assist you in having more peaceful nights and also help you stay focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping each night at the same time, while listening to soothing music or audiobooks, and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity symptoms. They can interrupt other people or change topics during discussions, make snap decisions without considering the consequences and make decisions that are not in your best interest. They may also have trouble understanding body language or picking up on social cues. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopausal - the time prior to menopausal onset - 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 professionals not recognizing ADHD in girls and women and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as being a mood or anxiety problem. Gender bias can be a factor, because research on ADHD is mostly focused on boys and men.
Teachers and parents may observe an impulsive behavior among children suffering from ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be anxious or impatient at times. These behaviors are likely to improve as children get older and begin to manage their symptoms.
Adults who suffer from adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting that can impact their work, relationships, and school. They can lead to procrastination or forgetfulness and difficulty following through on commitments. They can also make finding and keeping jobs difficult and interfere with healthy eating.
Treatment for adult ADHD typically involves medication. Your doctor may recommend an array of treatments based on the specific symptoms you have and lifestyle, as well as other health issues you might have. They may also recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which assists you recognize and alter negative thought patterns or couples counseling if your relationship is affected by ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain and reduce symptoms, as well as aid in focusing. This is especially important for impulsivity and distraction. You can try activities like yoga, dancing, or group exercises like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a wide range of physical symptoms. Palpitations, headaches, dizziness and sweating are a few of the signs. They can make people feel as if they are suffering from an attack of the heart or that the world is ending. People who suffer from anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart issue because of these physical symptoms. This could result in a long medical treatment without addressing the root cause. Fortunately, most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy on its own or in conjunction with medication. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person develop new ways of thinking and reacting that could make them 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 may also be more likely to be an uniform subtype. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms and their doctor will ask them specific questions about the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are biased towards male behavior. Additionally, women often try to conceal their symptoms to fit in with society. As a result, they may not be diagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional like a psychiatrist psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurse, can diagnose ADHD. The provider will use an extensive medical history, a physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to evaluate a patient's symptoms and determine if any other medical conditions might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD can experience disordered behavior. This is a chronic issue that can cause interruptions in school and work and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is often characterized by the lack of organization skills, such as not keeping track of bills or appointments, and having trouble making decisions. Disorganization can be caused by other problems like anxiety, a traumatic event in life or depression. adhd symptoms in women adults can be difficult to treat.
Certain women with ADHD are able to perform at a high degree, and their symptoms do not significantly affect their daily activities or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't suffer from the typical symptoms. They may have difficulty concentrating or paying attention to particulars, feeling uneasy and unfocused.
For some, disorganization is a constant battle and it's normal for people suffering from ADHD to be prone to searching for lost items or putting off important tasks. It can also lead to poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also cause a variety of health issues, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another factor that can exacerbate disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, the middle of menstruation and at the conclusion the cycle, while progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms.
While differences in the biological makeup of sexes can play a role but it's also possible some of the disorganization and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is related to social "norms." Young women and girls can be socialized to be quiet and reserved, which can lead them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women tend to find it easier to hide their attention issues than men do, which can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. In reality, they may even believe they have better concentration and time-management skills than they do. In reality, they tend to lose things, forget appointments, or not pay bills on time. They also face problems with organization at work and at home.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely 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 can also experience trouble staying quiet and may speak to themselves constantly or use nonsensical phrases or sounds, though they're less likely to exhibit these symptoms than men are.
For many adults suffering from ADHD, the first line of treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed, however nonstimulant medicines that focus on the way that neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine and the guanfacine.
Women with ADHD also may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you recognize the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you healthy ways to self regulate your moods and behaviors. Exercise and a healthy diet in addition to medications can help manage ADHD symptoms such as inattention, restlessness and disorientation. To boost your energy levels Try activities such as yoga, dancing, classes in groups such as swimming or aerobics, and biking. Try to get at least four to five sessions of exercise every week for around 30 minutes each session. Be sure to eat a variety of vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein to boost your focus and mood.