AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to live up to society's expectations. This includes caring for others as well as balancing work and family 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 in women and girls.
1. Lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most frequent symptoms of adhd among women. It's a problem that can manifest in different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments to being unable to complete tasks at work to zoning out during conversations, making people feel disregarded. It's also a typical sign that makes it difficult for women to keep track of their finances. It's often the reason they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that certain women are better at masking their ADHD symptoms, which may make it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't certain why this is, but they believe that it may be due to gender stereotypes and the belief that women and girls should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can result in underperforming at work or school and may prevent them from seeking the help and assistance they require.
The lack of focus can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses such as anxiety or depression. Depression can affect concentration by making you forgetful and unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder typically have difficulty focusing due to the fact that they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to increase your concentration is to control your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. This means seeking out a therapist or a clinician who has experience working with ADHD both 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 like flexible hours or working at home. A good night's sleep can also help you get more restful sleep and be more focused during the day, including going to bed at the same time each evening, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior to sleeping, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are typically impulsive. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or switching topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not beneficial to their health. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or social cues. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopause - the period before menopause - 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 health professionals to miss ADHD in these individuals, or misdiagnose them, or ignore their symptoms as anxiety or mood problems. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on boys and men. This may cause an imbalance in gender.
adhd symptoms in women adults and parents might notice the impulsive behavior of children who suffer from ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be irritable or even impatient at times. These behaviors can improve as children age and become more adept at managing their symptoms.
In adults, the impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can negatively impact school, work, and relationships. They can cause procrastination or forgetfulness and difficulty staying on track with commitments. They can also make locating and keeping a job difficult and can hinder healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication. Your doctor might recommend a combination treatment depending on your symptoms, lifestyle, and any other health issues. Psychotherapy may also be recommended, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and alter negative thought patterns and couples counseling when your relationship has been affected by your ADHD, or family therapy. Physical exercise can also help to calm your mind and reduce symptoms, especially when it comes to disorientation and impulsivity. You can try activities like yoga, dancing, or group workouts such as swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide range of physical symptoms. They can cause dizziness, chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. These symptoms can cause a person to believe they are suffering from stroke or that the world is about to end. Due to these physical signs those who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having heart disease. This can lead to 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 medication. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help a person learn new ways of thinking and reacting that can 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 may also be more likely to be a mixed subtype. It is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will perform an extensive physical exam and ask questions about how the disorder affects their life.
Women with ADHD may have trouble getting an accurate diagnosis, since the majority of diagnostic tools are geared towards male behavior. Women often attempt to hide their ADHD to fit into the society. They may be misdiagnosed, and their ADHD treatment may be delayed. A qualified professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced registered nurses may be able to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take thorough medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to assess the symptoms of an individual and determine if there are any other conditions contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD can experience disorganization which is an ongoing problem that can disrupt the way they work and school as well as cause emotional stress. It can create tension in relationships, and can lead to financial issues. Disorganization is defined as an inability to organize that include not keeping track of expenses or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. Often, disorganization is related to other issues, such as anxiety, traumatizing a life incident, or depression and can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a high degree of functioning and their symptoms don't significantly affect their day-to-day interactions and relationships. adhd in adult women treatment is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However it doesn't mean they don't suffer from the usual symptoms. This includes difficulty in paying attention or concentrating on details, feeling restless, and being unfocused.
For some, disorganization is a daily struggle and it's normal for people with 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 trigger various health problems, such as anxiety and sleep disorders.
Another factor that can exacerbate disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating, during 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 genders may play a part but it's also possible some of the disorganization and impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in women is linked to social "norms." Young women and girls may be socialized to be reserved and quiet and this can cause to them to conceal or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women tend to find it easier to conceal their attention issues than men do and can result in underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. In reality, they might even believe they have better focus and time-management skills than they do. However, these people are likely to lose things, forget appointments, or fail to pay their bills on time. They also have trouble with issues with organization both at work and at home.
Women with 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 might also have difficulty being silent, and may even talk to themselves or make a variety of nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they are less likely to experience these symptoms than men.
The first treatment is medication. option for many adults with ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that target the way that neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. They include atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Women with ADHD also may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you recognize the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and help you learn healthy ways to self regulate your mood and behavior. In addition to medications, exercise and an appropriate diet can help control ADHD symptoms like disorientation, impulsivity and restlessness. For energy boosts, try activities like yoga, dancing, group classes like swimming or aerobics, and biking. Try to do at least four to five sessions of exercise each week of about 30 minutes per session. To support your mood and concentration take a varied diet of foods, including whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats.