AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD are often challenged to meet many societal expectations. Women with ADHD often struggle to meet the expectations of society, including 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 make health professionals not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of concentration. The problem can manifest in a variety of ways, such as having trouble remembering appointments, not being able to complete tasks at work or having trouble concentrating when talking to others. It's also a frequent sign that makes it difficult for women to keep up with their finances. It's often the reason why they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
signs and symptoms of adhd in women that women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, which could make it difficult for them to get 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 expectation that girls and women should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can lead to underperforming at work or school and could hinder them from seeking the help and support they require.
Lack of focus is also an atypical symptom that could be confused with other illnesses like anxiety and depression. For instance, depression can affect your concentration by making you more forgetful and irritable. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder are unable to concentrate because they are often overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best method to improve concentration. This involves seeking out a therapist or a clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. It's also a good idea to learn about accommodations that you can ask your employer or school for such as flexible hours or working at home. Good sleep hygiene will also aid you in having more peaceful nights and help you to stay focused throughout the day. This means getting to bed every night at the same time, while listening to relaxing music or audiobooks, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity symptoms. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or changing topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that aren't the best for their interests. They might also have difficulty reading other people's body language or picking up on social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during perimenopausal, the period that comes before menopause, and then 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 women and girls and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as anxiety or a mood problem. Gender bias can be a factor, because research on ADHD is predominantly focused on boys and men.
When children with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers sometimes observe an impulsive behavior. It's not uncommon for children to be irritable or impatient at times. However, those behaviors tend to improve as children grow up and learn how to manage their symptoms.
Adults with adhd may experience impulsive behavior and distraction that affect their relationships, work and school. They can cause procrastination and forgetfulness as well as difficulty adhering to commitments. They can make locating and keeping a job difficult and hinder healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication. Your doctor will suggest various treatments based on your particular symptoms and lifestyle, as well as other health conditions you may have. Psychotherapy may also be recommended that includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change negative thinking patterns, couples counseling in the event that your relationship has been affected by your ADHD or family therapy. Physical exercise can also help calm your brain and reduce symptoms, especially when it comes to distraction and impulsivity. Try activities such as dancing, yoga and group workouts like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can cause a variety of physical symptoms. Palpitations, headaches, dizziness and sweating are just a few of the signs. These symptoms can make a person think they are having stroke or that the world is about to end. Because of these physical symptoms, people who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart condition. This can result in a long medical treatment without addressing the root cause. Psychotherapy is effective for most anxiety disorders, whether employed on its own or in conjunction with medications. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help a person learn new ways of thinking and reacting that can 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 have a mixed type. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms with their doctor and will ask them questions regarding the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are skewed toward male behavior. Women often attempt to conceal their symptoms to fit into the society. This means that they could be overlooked and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The professional will make use of a detailed history, a physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to evaluate a patient's symptoms and determine if other conditions could be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD are prone to experiencing disorganization. This is a constant problem that can cause interruptions in school and work and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization can be characterized by a lack of organization for example, forgetting to pay bills or keep appointments, and having difficulty making decisions. Often, disorganization is related to other issues, like anxiety, traumatizing life event, or depression and is often difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD are able to function at a high level, and their symptoms don't significantly affect their daily lives or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't suffer from the common symptoms. They may experience forgetfulness, trouble concentration or paying attention to small details.
For some, a lack of organization is a constant battle and it's normal for people suffering from ADHD to spend time searching for lost objects or putting off important tasks. It can also cause low productivity and stressed relationships. It can also lead to various health issues such as insomnia or anxiety.
Another factor that can exacerbate disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and in the middle of menstrual cycle while progesterone levels are higher and these fluctuations can make ADHD symptoms worse.
While biological differences between the sexes can 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." Young women and girls are typically socialized to be more reserved and quiet, so they might suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are more likely than men to mask their problems with attention, which can lead them to be misdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment. In reality, they might even think they have better concentration and time-management abilities than they actually do. In reality, these people tend to lose things and forget appointments, or not pay their bills on time. They also struggle with issues with organization both at work and at home.
Women suffering from ADHD tend 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 may also have issues staying silent and speak to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they're less likely to experience these symptoms than males.
For many adults with ADHD the first option for treatment is medication. stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate are often prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that target how neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women with ADHD also may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you recognize automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to control your behavior and emotions. A healthy diet and exercise, in addition to medication, can help control ADHD symptoms such as inattention, restlessness and disorientation. Try activities like dancing, yoga, group classes like swimming or aerobics, as well as cycling to boost your energy levels. Try to exercise for at the very least four to five sessions every week, each lasting around 30 minutes. To boost your mood and attention take a varied diet of foods, including whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats.