Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women suffering from ADHD are often pushed to different expectations from society about how they should handle their family, careers and their home lives. This can lead to feelings of shame and frustration if your symptoms are getting in the way.
Research shows that girls and women are often under-diagnosed for ADHD when compared to men and boys. This could be due to the fact that they cover up their symptoms or develop strategies to hide the symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Being unable to pay attention at school or work is among the most common signs of adhd. Women with this condition often forget important meetings, fall behind on projects or get confused when trying to follow directions. They may also have difficulties concentration in noisy or crowded settings. Some people with ADHD are prone to what's called "thousand-yard stares" and zone out during conversations. These symptoms can lead to issues at work or in relationships.
Women and girls are especially susceptible to being diagnosed with ADHD, especially as they get older. They often develop coping mechanisms that cover up their symptoms and continue to use these coping methods into adulthood. They might even begin to recognize their symptoms as being personal attributes, which can make it harder for them to seek help.
A lot of teachers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for girls as they do for males. However, if a girl's inattentive ADHD symptoms are causing a negative impact on her school performance and social interactions, she should talk to a health care professional.
Having inattentive ADHD can lead to a lot of emotional stress. It can be difficult when you feel that you're not meeting the expectations of your friends, family members and co-workers. It can be a bit depressing to feel as if you're not able to get along with your siblings or kids. Certain people with ADHD experience depression and anxiety that can be exacerbated by their inattention and impulsivity. In addition to seeking assistance there are some things you can do to lessen the effects of these symptoms. Regular exercise can help release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and attention. It can also help reduce anxiety and mood swings, which are common in people who suffer from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
The impulse-driven symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to manage. You might make comments you shouldn't, or purchase something on impulse. You could also find yourself in trouble with the police because of your behavior. The urge to be impulsive can make it difficult to control your feelings and emotions. This can lead to self-injury, such as burning, cutting or scratching yourself. This could also cause alcohol or drug use.
People who are impulsive can face difficulties with their relationships, their work or school performance. You can manage your impulsivity by taking medication prescribed by your doctor. The use of amphetamine, dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Ritalin) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can help you improve your ability to control your impulses. Non-stimulant drugs such as clonidine and Guanfacine can improve your ability to control yourself.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. This kind of ADHD can be difficult to recognize, leading to a misdiagnosis. Women may conceal their symptoms to conform to social norms and expectations. This can be particularly challenging in the adolescent or early adulthood. Some women resort to unhealthy coping strategies such as excessive drinking and substance use, to conceal their ADHD problems.
Women with high functioning ADHD might cover up their symptoms by having success in certain areas of their lives, such as at school or at work. This can create feeling unsecure and can cause you to feel overwhelmed by the demands of life. Talk to your doctor about the accommodations that you can make at work or at school to help manage your ADHD symptoms. This can be a great way to build awareness with your co-workers or professors about the challenges you might face.
3. Disorganization
If you have ADHD then you may be unable to attend appointments, showing up late for work, not remembering dates, or avoiding conversations can lead to anger and make others feel unimportant or offended. The condition can make it difficult to stay on top of tasks and manage your finances and schedules. For instance, if you struggle to remember what you need to buy for groceries, you may be unable to eat or overspend on unnecessary items.
Women with ADHD typically have a difficult time keeping track of everyday chores, homework and expenses. The condition can also cause messy and messy workplaces, and a tendency to accumulate. People suffering from ADHD are affected by a phenomenon known as "time blindness," which makes it difficult to determine how much time has passed and the length of time you've spent on a task. In addition to being unable to stay focused, time management problems can lead to feelings of guilt and shame over being not organized.
Although research shows that women and girls are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than men and boys, symptoms can be masked and underdiagnosed. Women are often not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. Social stigma and stereotypes can make it difficult for women to get the treatment and support they require.
Your doctor might prescribe medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate boost and balance neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that talk to each other. Nonstimulant medicines like antidepressants and atomoxetine are also used to treat ADHD however, they perform slower than stimulants. Your doctor could refer you to an expert in mental health who can assist in developing a treatment program specific to your requirements.
4. Impulsiveness
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a hard time controlling their emotions and are often more sensitive to rejection. The chemical imbalance that is associated with ADHD interferes with brain's communication between the areas that regulate emotions and determine how to deal with these emotions.
Moodiness and depression are common for those with ADHD and the combination of these issues with difficulty keeping track of obligations can cause problems with family and romantic relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have low self-esteem and have difficulty in forming relationships and managing social situations. They might go on tangents during conversations or have trouble understanding what other people are saying, which can make it difficult for them to figure out their place in groups.
Women with ADHD may find it difficult to get motivated to finish mundane or boring tasks like washing dishes, cleaning, and washing laundry. This can result in unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge watching television shows or consuming substances. These types of behaviors are especially risky for adolescents and girls with ADHD who are more likely than other kids to engage in risky behavior like early sexual activity and fewer partners who are protected and informal sex.
As adults, women with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed than men because they tend to have inattentive symptoms instead of hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms. In addition women often hide their ADHD symptoms due to the multitude of expectations that society places on them (managing the family and home, for example). This can make it difficult for health professionals to identify an issue, particularly since the symptoms are more readily recognized in boys and men.
5. adhd symptoms in adult women
For women suffering from ADHD the daily chores can be difficult to handle. They may struggle with managing their lives, paying off bills on time, and keeping up with appointments or school/work obligations. Emotional symptoms, like mood swings and difficulties in regulating emotions, can also make it difficult to interact with other people and cause problems in personal relationships.
People suffering from ADHD struggle to read social cues or body language. They may go off on a tangent within conversations or have trouble following the conversation, which can cause problems with work or school performance as well as strained relationships. They can also have a difficult time making new friends or finding the right balance between home, work, and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary throughout the day and can be influenced by hormone levels, like those during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or as they transition through perimenopause (the menopausal phase). This could lead to a misdiagnosis or the wrong medication being prescribed.
There are some symptoms and signs that are common to ADHD that can aid you or someone you love to recognize the condition. Recognizing these signs is the first step to getting the help and treatment you need to manage your symptoms effectively.
The fact that you have ADHD isn't a guarantee that you don't have any other mental health or physical conditions It's crucial that your doctor or therapist conducts a thorough examination. They'll need to inquire about your present and past actions and experiences, look at any medical history, and talk with you about how your symptoms affect you in various settings.
