AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to meet societal expectations. This includes taking care of 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. Inattention and lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most common symptoms of adhd in women. The problem can manifest in a variety of ways, including having trouble remembering appointments, not being able finish tasks at the office or having trouble concentrating when talking to others. It's also a frequent problem that makes it difficult for women to keep track of their finances. It's often the reason they miss out on jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that some women are more adept at masked their ADHD symptoms, which could make it harder to be 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 belief that women and girls be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can result in being under-performing at school or at work and may make it difficult for them to seek the help and support they need.
adhd symptoms for women of focus can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses such as anxiety or depression. For instance, depression could affect your concentration by making you more forgetful and irritable. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder usually have difficulties focusing because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best method to increase your ability to concentrate is to control your ADHD symptoms through treatment. This means locating a doctor or therapist with experience in ADHD for girls and women. You should also learn about the accommodations you can request from your school or employer, such as flexible working hours or working at home. A good night's sleep can help you have more restful nights and be more focused throughout the day. It can include sleeping at the same time each evening, listening to calming music or an audiobook before sleeping and limiting time spent on screens.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be driven. They can interrupt other people or switch topics during discussions, make snap decisions without thinking about the consequences and take risks that aren't in your best interest. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during perimenopausal, the phase that precedes menopausal 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 overlook ADHD in them, mistakenly diagnose them, or ignore their symptoms as mood or anxiety issues. Gender bias can also play a role as research on ADHD is predominantly focused on boys and men.
When children with ADHD are young, teachers and parents sometimes notice an impulsive behavior. It's normal for children to be irritable, restless or even impulsive in certain instances. However, these behaviors tend to improve over time as kids grow older and learn to manage their symptoms.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can impact school, work, and relationships. They can lead to procrastination, forgetfulness, as well as difficulties adhering to commitments. They can make it difficult to find and keep jobs, and can disrupt healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is usually treated by medication. Your doctor might recommend an individualized treatment based on your lifestyle, symptoms, and any other health conditions. They may also suggest psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which assists you to identify and change negative thoughts 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 to calm your mind and lessen symptoms, particularly in the case of distraction and impulsivity. You can take on activities such as yoga, dancing, or group exercises like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger a variety of physical symptoms. These include dizziness and chest pain, heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. These symptoms can make someone think they are having an attack or that the world is close to ending. People who suffer from anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart issue because of these physical symptoms. This could result in lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root cause. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, regardless of whether it's used alone 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 are also more likely to suffer from mixed subtypes. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms with their doctor and will ask them questions about the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty getting a correct diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are designed toward male behavior. In addition, women often attempt to hide their ADHD to fit in with society. This means that they might be underdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The professional will conduct an extensive history, physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to analyze the symptoms of a person and determine if there are other conditions that may be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD may experience disordered behavior. This is a chronic issue that can lead to interruptions in school and work emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization can be caused by a lack of organization for example, not paying bills or keeping appointments, or a difficulty in making decisions. It can be caused by other issues like anxiety, a traumatic event in life, or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD can perform at a high level and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily life or relationships. This condition is called "high-functioning ADHD." However, this does not mean they don't suffer from certain symptoms. These include difficulty paying attention or concentrating on details, feeling restless and forgetful.
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 items or put off important tasks. It can also lead to low productivity and stressed relationships. It can also cause several health issues such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another factor that can exacerbate the disorder in women with ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen is lower during ovulation and in the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone is higher and these fluctuations could make ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible that, while biological differences can be a factor, a portion of the impulsivity or disorganization in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls can be socialized to be quiet and reserved, which can lead them to suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women are often able to hide their attention issues than men do and can result in underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. They may think that they're better at time management and concentration than they are. In reality, these people are likely to lose things, forget appointments, or fail to pay bills on time. They also have trouble with disorganization both at work and at home.
Women with 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 can also experience trouble in calming down and may talk to themselves continuously or speak unintelligible phrases or sounds, though they're less likely to exhibit these symptoms than men are.
The first treatment is medication. option for many adults with ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with the brain could also be effective. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine and Guanfacine.
Women with ADHD also may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify automatic or irrational thoughts, and also learn healthy ways to control your behavior and emotions. In addition to medication, exercise and healthy eating habits can help control ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity and distractibility. For energy boosts, try activities like dancing, yoga, group classes like cycling or swimming, and aerobics. Try to get at least four to five sessions of exercise per week, lasting approximately 30 minutes per session. Make sure you consume a variety of fruits and vegetables and whole grains, as well as healthy fats, and protein to support your attention and mood.