ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related to biology, the hormonal makeup of the body and its chromosomal makeup. It also acknowledges that many people do not fit into a sex binary. Sexe and gender can affect how ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is diagnosed in childhood, usually before age 12. ADHD must present symptoms before the age of 12 and cause problems in multiple environments to qualify for a diagnoses.
1. Trouble focusing
Inattention is the core of ADHD and it's an issue for everyone. Women may have more difficulty to attain the attention they require due to the fact that symptoms usually manifest in different ways in men.
Women are more likely than men to be unorganized and impulsive, as an example. They also are more likely to be emotionally triggered and have trouble putting things into perspective. These problems can create an inability to concentrate on tasks, leading to a decrease in productivity at work or home. They are also more likely to not attend doctor appointments or neglect to take their medications.
In addition to these natural variations, hormones in women can make ADHD symptoms worse. The hippocampus of females is bigger which helps in learning and memory. Menstrual hormone fluctuations or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause may also affect brain function.
In the end, women with undiagnosed ADHD might have a difficult time in relationships, at school and at work. They could also struggle with a myriad of comorbid conditions, including depression, anxiety eating disorders, bipolar disorder.
For these reasons, it is essential for health professionals to be aware of the numerous indications that females with ADHD often exhibit. They should rethink their approaches to diagnosing and treating women with ADHD to account for hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation, and other factors that can influence symptom severity. Patients can then receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Females who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have trouble controlling their emotions, particularly when they interact with others. This can cause emotional dysregulation which is a major aspect of ADHD symptoms and is associated with a range of negative life results. This includes low self-esteem, co-occurring depression and anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones which can lead to intimate partner violence, trouble with friends, a messy house or personal space, and a failure to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can also influence how women with ADHD will be treated. Because they are often viewed as more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they could be misinterpreted or dismissed as emotionally unstable. This can increase their frustration in being a victim of untreated ADHD.
People with ADHD suffer from impaired impulse control Also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means that they have a harder time making decisions and executing their intentions. This can make you want to eat more cake or make an inappropriate comment.
For adults with ADHD medications can help to improve their ability to control their impulses. stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can aid in reduce the impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medications such as the guanfacine and clonidine are effective as well. People with ADHD may also benefit from behavioral therapy, which helps to change their mental patterns and develop better coping techniques.
Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet and getting enough rest can all help control restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It's also a great idea to monitor their symptoms throughout the day, and then share this information with their doctor to determine whether their treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a common problem for people suffering from ADHD and can impact their work and personal lives. It could take them longer to complete tasks and reduce their efficiency. They could also be late and feel overwhelmed on a daily basis.
A lack of organization can cause problems in maintaining healthy relationships. People may forget important events or lose things like keys or purses. In the end, they might feel lonely and alone. Friends and family may be confused about their feelings. Disorganization is more common during perimenopause or menopause when hormones are changing and symptoms are increasing.
It is not unusual for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms to fit in with society's norms and avoid being thought of as a problem. This can result in self-blame and feelings of guilt or shame. It can also be the reason women and girls are often not diagnosed with ADHD particularly in adolescence when symptoms are more obvious.
attention deficit in women with untreated ADHD may have poor performance at work or in school. This could affect their career, grades or their overall image. It can also create problems for their personal life. For instance, it may lead to issues with romantic partners or strained relationships with family members and friends.
Women who are chronically disorganized will benefit from the one-on-1 support of a non-judgmental friend. They can assist women in learning to stay organized by making a list and establishing reminders. A licensed mental health professional can also recommend medication and lifestyle changes that can help minimize ADHD symptoms. This may include eating smaller meals throughout the day to maintain a steady energy levels, and avoiding caffeine which can increase the negative effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a trait that affects decision making in a variety of areas of life. A variety of instruments have been developed to assess indecisiveness. These include the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness has also been linked to neuroticism, and the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is when people perceive ambiguous situations as being threatening. It has also been found to be linked with the fear of being wrong, which could help explain why it's common for people suffering from adhd to have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study on adult women suffering from adhd who were interviewed they said they were not in a position to make decisions about their professional and personal lives. They struggled to manage their finances and relationships, and had trouble finding an occupation they liked. They often had to wait for others to decide or were unable complete tasks on their own, like scheduling childcare. They often felt like they were held back by their ADHD symptoms, like difficulties in starting, staying focused and impulsive.
They had difficulty finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive, which led to mental health problems. They described stress and anxiety, as well as a sleeping insufficiently and having inadequate nutrition. They also felt stigmatized by adults and the media. They were able explain their struggles with ADHD, which helped them improve their self-esteem because they were not blaming themselves. They also had access to appropriate treatment strategies.
The interviews revealed that the women were extremely positive, but struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD in different areas of their lives. These included a lack of career or romantic opportunities, difficulty maintaining relationships and a messy home.
5. Self-esteem issues
Some of the signs that are a part of ADHD are seen as less acceptable socially for girls and women than they are for men and boys and so women may are able to hide their impulsivity, hyperactivity, and disorganization. They may also be able to internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms such as self-harm (cutting, burning, scratching). This can result in low self-esteem, which could cause anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
Being able to identify your inner worth is a precursor to better relationships and a more positive outlook on life. People who lack self-worth are more likely to look outside themselves for validation, like relationships, careers money, power, and relationships. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can lead to the lack of communication in relationships.
In addition to a lack of self-worth, women with ADHD often have a feeling that they don't deserve the good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire for others to "keep up" or to please. This can lead to toxic work cultures, a negative self-image, and an addiction to food or substances.
Although these are significant challenges however, the women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They described ADHD as a blessing or a curse depending on how they feel about their ability to control it. Several of them also identify personal strengths that they believe are a result of to their ADHD, including the ability to be creative, high energy determination, and the ability to be easily interested in new topics. They also talk about their individual struggles in the context of the larger picture, which includes gender and biological differences, as well cultural and family issues.