AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to live up to society's expectations. This includes 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. Gender bias can also cause health care professionals to not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is having trouble concentrating. This issue can manifest in many ways, such as forgetting appointments, being unable to complete tasks at work or zoning out when talking to others. It's also a common sign that makes it hard for women to keep up with their finances, and it's often the reason why they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that some women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, which could make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they theorize that it may be due to traditional gender roles and the notion that women and girls should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms could lead to underperforming at work or school and may prevent them from seeking the help and support they need.
The lack of focus can be mistaken for other conditions such as depression or anxiety. For instance, depression could influence your concentration by making you more forgetful and irritable. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder are unable to concentrate because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the most effective way to increase your concentration. That means finding a clinician or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls. Also, you should be aware of the accommodations you can request from your school or employer for example, flexible working hours or working at home. A healthy sleeping routine can help you to have more restful nights, and also help you stay focused throughout the day. This includes going to bed each night at the same time, listening to soothing music or an audiobook, and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity symptoms. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or changing topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking and taking risks that are not beneficial to their health. They might also have trouble understanding body language or social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during the perimenopausal period before 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 lead health professionals to overlook ADHD in them, misdiagnose them, or ignore their symptoms as mood or anxiety problems. The gender bias could be a factor, because research on ADHD is mostly focused on boys and men.
Teachers and parents might notice an impulsive behavior among children suffering from ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be anxious or even impatient at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve over time as kids grow older and learn to manage their problems.
Adults who suffer from adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting which can affect their relationships, work, and school. They can lead to delay and forgetfulness, as well as difficulty keeping promises. inattentive add in women can make locating and keeping a job difficult and hinder healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is typically treated by medication. Your doctor will suggest a combination of treatments depending on your specific symptoms and lifestyle, as well as other health conditions you may have. Psychotherapy may also be recommended that includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and change negative thoughts patterns or couples counseling in the event that your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain and help reduce symptoms. It can also help you focus. This is especially important for people who have a tendency to be distracted and impulsive. Try activities like yoga, dancing or group workouts, like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a wide array of physical symptoms. These include dizziness and chest pain, heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. They can also make a person feel like they are having an attack on their heart or that the world is ending. People who suffer from anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart problem due to these physical signs. This can result in an extended journey of medical treatment that fails to address the root cause. Psychotherapy is effective for the majority of anxiety disorders, whether used on its own or in conjunction with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically it can help people discover new ways of thinking and reacting to situations that may 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 have mixed subtypes. Women should discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor. will ask them detailed questions regarding the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that many of the diagnostic tools utilized for the disorder are geared towards male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms to fit in with society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment may be delayed. A qualified professional, like a psychiatrist psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses, can diagnose ADHD. The provider will use an extensive medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders in order to determine the severity of a patient's symptoms and determine if other conditions might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD can experience disordered behavior. This is a chronic issue that can lead to disruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organization, such as not paying bills on time or keeping appointments, or a difficulty in making decisions. It can be caused by other problems like anxiety, traumatic event in life or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD are able to perform at a high level, and their symptoms don't affect their daily life or relationships. This condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't suffer from the common symptoms. They may experience forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, or paying attention to small details.
Some people struggle with disorganization on a regular basis. They may spend time looking for lost items or delay important tasks. The disorder can also affect the quality of their work and may cause tension in relationships. It can also lead to various health issues like sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another factor that can exacerbate disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and at the middle of menstrual cycle while progesterone is higher, and these fluctuations can make ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible, though biological differences could be a factor, some of the disorder or impulsivity in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women may be socialized to be reserved and quiet and can cause them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are often able to mask their attention problems than men and can result in underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. They may even think they're more adept at managing time and concentration than they are. In reality, these people are likely to lose things, miss appointments, or pay bills on time. They also face disorganization 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 can also experience trouble being quiet and can talk to themselves continuously or speak unintelligible phrases or sounds, though they're less likely to exhibit these symptoms than men are.
For many adults suffering from ADHD, the first option for treatment is medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are frequently prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that target the way neurotransmitters interact with the brain may also be a possibility. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD also may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify thoughts that are irrational or automatic and teach you healthy ways to self regulate your emotions and behaviors. In addition to medication exercise and healthy eating habits can help manage ADHD symptoms of disorientation, impulsivity and restlessness. For energy-boosting try activities such as dancing, yoga, group classes such as cycling or swimming, and aerobics. Try to exercise for at least four to five sessions every week, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. To support your mood and concentration consume a variety of foods, including whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats.