AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often challenged to meet the various expectations of society. This includes taking care of 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 girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women. This problem can manifest in many ways, including missing appointments, not being able finish tasks at the office or being unable to concentrate when talking to people. It's also a common problem that makes it hard for women to keep up with their finances. It's often the reason why they do not get jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that certain women are better at masking their ADHD symptoms, which may make it difficult to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why, however, they think it could be due to gender roles and the expectation for girls and women to be more "restrained." Masking ADHD can lead to poor performance at work or at school and stop people from seeking help and assistance.
Focus issues are also a common symptom and can be confused with other illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Depression can affect concentration by making you forgetful and unmotivated. People with generalized anxiety disorder often experience difficulty focusing due to the fact that they are more likely to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
The best way to increase your ability to concentrate is to manage your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. This means locating a doctor or therapist with experience in ADHD for girls and women. It's also a good idea to learn about the kinds of accommodations you can ask your employer or educational institution for like flexible hours or working from home. A healthy sleeping routine can help you to have more restful nights and help you to stay focused throughout the day. This means getting to bed every night at the same time, and listening to relaxing music or an audiobook, and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. They might interrupt others or switch topics during a discussion, make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences, and take risks that aren't in your best interests. They might also have trouble reading body language or interpreting social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopausal - the time 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 overlook ADHD in their patients, misdiagnose them or ignore their symptoms as mood or anxiety problems. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on males and females. This may result in an imbalance in gender.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers occasionally observe the impulsive behavior of children. It's not unusual for children to be restless or irritable at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve over time as kids grow older and learn to manage their symptoms.
Adults with adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting which can affect their relationships, work and school. They can lead to procrastination, forgetfulness, and trouble staying on track with commitments. They can also make it difficult for people to find and keep jobs, and can disrupt healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication. Your doctor will recommend various treatments based on your specific symptoms, your lifestyle, and other health conditions you might have. They may also suggest psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you recognize and alter negative thinking patterns or couples counseling in the event that your relationship is affected by ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can also aid in calming your brain and reduce symptoms, especially when it comes to impulsivity and distractibility. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group workouts, like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a variety of physical symptoms. The feeling of dizziness, headaches and palpitations and sweating are some of the symptoms. These symptoms can make a person believe they are suffering from a stroke or the world is going to end. People who suffer from anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart issue due to these physical signs. This can lead to a long medical treatment without addressing the root cause. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy by itself or in combination with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically, can help a person to develop 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 suffer from mixed subtypes. adhd in adults women should discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor and will ask them specific questions about the disorder.
Women with ADHD may have trouble getting an accurate diagnosis, since many diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Women might also hide their symptoms to fit in with the rest of society. In the end, they could be overlooked 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 thorough medical background, 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 that could be the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD may experience disorganization, which is an ongoing problem that can cause disruption to the routine of school and work as well as cause emotional stress. It can strain relationships and contribute to financial problems. Disorganization is defined as an inability to organize, such as not keeping track of expenses or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. In many cases, it is connected to other issues, such as anxiety, traumatizing a life incident, or depression and is often difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a high level of functioning and their symptoms don't significantly affect their day-to-day activities and relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." This does not mean that they don't suffer from certain symptoms. They may experience forgetfulness, trouble concentrating and paying attention to small details.
For some, disorder is a constant battle, and it's common for people suffering from ADHD to spend a lot of time looking for lost items or put off important tasks. The disorder also affects the quality of their work and can cause tension in relationships. It can also cause various health issues, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another factor that can exacerbate disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, in the middle of menstrual cycles and at the conclusion, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Although biological differences between genders could play a role, it's also possible that some of the disorganization and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is related to social "norms." Young women and girls are often socialized to be quiet and reserved, which is why they might suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women are often able to hide their attention issues than men do which can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. They might even believe they are better at managing their time and concentration than they are. However, these people tend to lose things, miss appointments, or pay bills on time. They also have trouble with problems with organization at work and at home.
Women suffering from 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 may also have issues staying silent and speak to themselves or make nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they are less likely to experience these symptoms than males.
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 your brain could also be effective. They include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help identify the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you healthy ways to self regulate your moods and behaviors. A healthy diet and exercise, in addition to medication can help you manage ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group classes such as aerobics or swimming, and biking to increase your energy levels. Try to exercise for at minimum four to five times per week, each lasting around 30 minutes. Be sure to eat a variety of vegetables whole grains, healthy fats and protein to support your attention and mood.