AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to meet societal expectations. Women with ADHD often struggle to meet societal expectations that include 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. The gender bias can also cause health care professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most common symptoms of adhd in women is having trouble concentrating. The problem can manifest in different ways, such as forgetting appointments, being unable to finish tasks at the office or zoning out when speaking to people. It can also make it difficult for women to manage their finances and often cause them to miss out on job or financial opportunities.
It's possible that women are more adept at masked 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 speculate that it may be due to gender stereotypes and the notion that women and girls should be more "restrained." Masking ADHD symptoms can result in being under-performing at school or at work, and it might make it difficult for them to seek the help and support they need.
Lack of focus can also be mistaken for other conditions such as anxiety or depression. For instance, depression may influence your concentration by making you less attentive and irritable. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder usually have difficulty focusing due to the fact that they are more likely to become overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best method to increase your concentration. This means locating a doctor or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD for both girls and women. It is also important to know about the kinds of accommodations you can request from your school or employer, such as flexible working hours or at home. Good sleep hygiene practices can help you have more restful nights and be more focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping at the same time every night, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior to going to bed and limiting time spent on screens.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are typically highly impulsive. They can interrupt other people or switch topics during discussions, make snap decisions without thinking about the consequences and take risks that are not in your best interest. They might also have difficulty reading other people's body language or recognizing social cues. adhd in adult women symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during perimenopausal, the phase that precedes menopausal and 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 professionals to miss ADHD in their patients, misdiagnose them or dismiss their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood problems. Gender bias can also play a role because research on ADHD is mostly focused on boys and men.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers occasionally notice the impulsive behavior of children. It's not uncommon for children to be anxious or impatient at times. These behaviors tend to improve as children age and learn to manage their symptoms.
Adults with adhd may experience impulsive behavior and distraction that can impact their relationships, work and school. They can lead to procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as difficulties keeping commitments. They can also make locating and keeping a job difficult and hinder healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adult ADHD typically involves medication. Your doctor may recommend an array of treatments based on your specific symptoms and lifestyle, as well as other health conditions you may have. They may also suggest psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists you to identify and change negative thinking patterns or couples counseling in the event that your relationship is affected by ADHD or other issues, or even family therapy. Physical exercise can also help calm your brain and reduce symptoms, especially in the case of disorientation and impulsivity. Try activities such as yoga, dancing and group workouts, like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a variety of physical symptoms. The feeling of dizziness, headaches and palpitations and sweating are some of the signs. These symptoms can make a person think they are having stroke or that the world is close to ending. People who suffer from anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart condition because of these physical symptoms. This can result in a lengthy journey of medical treatment that does not address the root cause. Psychotherapy is effective for most anxiety disorders, whether it's employed on its own or when combined with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically can help someone develop new ways of thinking or reacting to situations that could 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. It is crucial for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will perform a thorough physical exam and ask specific questions about the way that the disorder impacts their lives.
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools utilized for the disorder are biased towards male behavior. add symptoms in adult women can also conceal their symptoms to fit in with society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment may be delayed. A trained professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurse, can identify ADHD. The professional will conduct a thorough history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate a person's symptoms and determine if there are any other conditions that could be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD can experience disordered behavior. This is a chronic issue that can cause disruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is characterized by the lack of organization skills that include not keeping track of expenses or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. It can be caused by other problems such as anxiety, a traumatizing experience in life or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD have a high degree of functioning and their symptoms don't significantly affect their day-to-day activities and relationships. This condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." This does not mean that they don't experience some of the symptoms. They may have difficulty paying attention or concentrating on things, feeling anxious, and being forgetful.
Some people struggle with disorganization on a regular basis. They might spend their time looking for lost items or putting off important tasks. The disorder can also affect the quality of their work and may lead to strained relationships. It can also trigger various health problems, such as anxiety and sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can also exacerbate the disorder of women suffering from ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation, in the middle of menstrual cycles and at the conclusion, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
While biological differences between the genders could play a role however, it's also possible that some of the disorder and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is linked to social "norms." Girls and young women are typically viewed as quiet and reserved, which is why they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women often find it easier to hide their attention issues than men do which can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. They may even think they're more adept at managing time and concentration than they actually are. In reality, they're likely to lose things, forget appointments or pay bills on time and struggle with a lack of organization at work and home.
Women who suffer from 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 can also experience trouble staying quiet and may speak to themselves continuously or speak nonsensical phrases or sounds, however they're much less likely to have these symptoms than males are.
Medication is the first treatment option for many adults suffering from ADHD. stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate are usually prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that target the way neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. More hints include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for women with ADHD. These therapies can help you identify the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you how to manage your emotions and behaviors. A healthy diet and exercise along with medication can help manage ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity, and distractibility. To boost your energy levels try activities such as yoga, dancing, or group classes like cycling or swimming, and aerobics. Make sure you get 4 to 5 sessions of exercise every week for around 30 minutes each session. Make sure to take a variety of fresh vegetables, whole grains, protein and healthy fats to support your attention and mood.