AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often challenged to meet the expectations of society in many ways. 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. The gender bias can cause health care professionals to not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is difficulty concentrating. It can manifest in a variety of different ways, from forgetting appointments to not being able to finish tasks at work to zoning out during conversations, making people feel unimportant. It's also a typical sign that makes it hard for women to manage their finances, and it's often the reason they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
Women are more adept at masking ADHD symptoms than others, making it harder for them as adults to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers don't know why this is, however, they think it could be due to gender roles and the expectation of girls and women to be more "restrained." Masking ADHD can lead to poor performance at work or in school and stop them from seeking support and assistance.
Focus issues are also an atypical symptom that could be confused with other ailments like anxiety and depression. For instance, depression may affect your concentration by making you more forgetful and irritable. People with generalized anxiety disorder usually have difficulties focusing because they are more likely to become overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
Treatment is the best method to increase your concentration. That means finding a clinician or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls. It's also an excellent idea to find out about any accommodations you could request your employer or educational institution for such as flexible hours or working at home. A good night's sleep will also help you enjoy more restful nights and become more focused during the day. It can include getting to bed at the same time every evening, 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. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or changing topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking and taking risks that are not the best for their interests. They might also have trouble reading body language or interpreting social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopause - the period before menopause - and when hormone levels begin to drop.
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have inattentive-type symptoms, which can be harder to notice than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This can cause health professionals to miss ADHD in these individuals, or not diagnosing them correctly or dismiss their symptoms as mood or anxiety problems. Research on ADHD is focused on males and females. This may lead to an imbalance in gender.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers sometimes observe an impulsive behavior. It's normal for kids to be impatient, restless, or impulsive at times. However, those behaviors tend to improve as they grow older and learn how to manage their issues.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can negatively impact work, school, and relationships. They can cause delays or forgetfulness and difficulty keeping promises. They can also make it difficult for people to find and keep jobs. They also can disrupt healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication. Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments based on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health issues. They might also recommend psychotherapy that includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and alter negative thought patterns, couples counseling if your relationship has been affected by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind, reduce symptoms and aid in focusing. This is especially true for people who have a tendency to be distracted and impulsive. You can try activities like yoga, dancing, or group workouts like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger a variety of physical symptoms. The feeling of dizziness, headaches and palpitations and sweating are a few of the symptoms. adhd symptoms in women adults can make someone believe they are suffering from an attack or that the world is close to ending. Due to these physical signs, people who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed with a heart condition. This can lead to an extended medical treatment without addressing the root cause. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, whether employed on its own or in conjunction with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular it can help people discover 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 have mixed subtypes. It is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out an extensive physical exam and ask detailed questions about how the disorder affects their life.
Women with ADHD might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools used to diagnose the disorder are skewed toward male behavior. Women may also hide their symptoms to fit with the rest of society. This means that they could be overlooked and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced registered nurses may be able to diagnose ADHD. The provider will use an in-depth medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to determine the severity of a patient's symptoms and determine if other conditions could be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD may experience disorganization. This is a constant issue that can lead to disruptions in school and work emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization is defined as the lack of organization skills like not keeping track of expenses or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other factors such as anxiety, a traumatic event in life or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Certain women with ADHD can function at a high level, and their symptoms do not significantly affect their daily life or relationships. This condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this doesn't mean that they don't have the typical symptoms. They may have difficulty paying attention or concentrating on things, feeling anxious and forgetful.
For some, disorder is a constant battle and it's normal for people with ADHD to spend a lot of time looking for lost objects or putting off important tasks. The disorder also affects the quality of their work and can lead to strained relationships. It can also cause various health problems, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another cause of disorganization in women with ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen levels are lower when ovulating, during the middle of menstrual cycle, and at the end when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
While differences in the biological makeup of genders may play a part, it's also possible that some of the disorganization and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is due to social "norms." Young women and girls are typically socialized to be quiet and reserved, so they may not be able to hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women tend to find it easier to hide their attention issues than men do which can lead to undiagnosed problems and delayed treatment. They may even think they are better at managing their time and concentration than they are. In reality, these people tend to lose things, miss appointments, or pay their bills on time. They also face issues with organization both at work and at home.
Women with ADHD are more prone to develop the inattentive subtype 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 may also have issues being silent, and may even talk to themselves or make nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men.
For many people suffering from ADHD, the first method of treatment is medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are frequently prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that focus on the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain may also be a possibility. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies can help identify thoughts that are irrational or automatic and teach you healthy ways to control your emotions and behaviors. Exercise and a healthy diet along with medication can help you manage ADHD symptoms such as anxiety, impulsivity, and distractibility. For energy boosts, try activities like yoga, dancing, or group classes like cycling or swimming, and aerobics. Try to get at least 4 to 5 hours of exercise each week of around 30 minutes each session. To boost your mood and attention take a varied diet of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.