AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD are often challenged to meet the expectations of society in many ways. Women with ADHD often struggle to meet societal expectations that include caring for others as well as balancing work and home life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. A bias based on gender can cause health professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms in girls and women.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is having trouble concentration. It can show up in many different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments to not being able to finish tasks at work, or snoring during conversations, making people feel ignored. It's also a common sign that makes it difficult for women to keep up with their finances, and is often the reason why they miss out on jobs or financial opportunities.
Some women may be better in masked ADHD symptoms than other women which makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers don't know why, but they think it may be due to gender roles and the expectation for women and girls to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD can lead to poor performance at work or at school and stop them from seeking support and assistance.
Focus issues are also a common symptom and can be confused with other conditions like anxiety and depression. For instance, depression could affect your concentration by making you forgetful and irritable. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder typically have trouble focusing because they are more likely to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the most effective way to increase concentration. This means you should find a therapist or therapist experienced with ADHD for both girls and women. It's also recommended to be aware about accommodations that you can request your employer or school for like flexible hours or working at home. A healthy sleep routine will help you to have more peaceful nights and to be more focused throughout the day. This means sleeping each night at the same time, while listening to relaxing music or audiobooks, and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are often 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 perimenopausal, the period before menopause - and when hormone levels begin 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 to health professionals not seeing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as anxiety or a mood problem. Gender bias may also play a role as research on ADHD is mostly focused on boys and men.
Parents and teachers may notice an impulsive behavior among children with ADHD. It's normal for kids to be restless, impatient or even impulsive in certain instances. Learn Alot more Here can improve as children get older and begin to manage their symptoms.
Adults with adhd may be prone to impulsive behavior and distraction that affect their relationships, work and school. They can lead to procrastination, inattention, as well as problems adhering to commitments. They can make locating and maintaining a job difficult and hinder healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication. Your doctor may recommend an array of treatments based on your particular symptoms and lifestyle, as well as other health conditions you may have. They may also suggest psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you to identify and change negative thought patterns, couples counseling, in the event that your relationship is affected by ADHD, or even family therapy. Physical exercise can help to calm your mind and lessen symptoms, particularly in the case of distraction and impulsivity. Try activities such as yoga, dancing and group exercises, such as swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger a variety of physical symptoms. These include dizziness and chest pain, headaches, heart palpitations, and sweating. They can make people feel as if they are suffering from an attack of the heart or that the world is closing. Due to these physical signs, people who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed with a heart condition. This can result in lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is effective for the majority of anxiety disorders, regardless of whether it's employed on its own or in conjunction with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular can help someone 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 may also be more likely to suffer from an uniform subtype. It is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will conduct an exhaustive physical exam and ask detailed questions about how the disorder affects their life.
Women with ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis because many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are biased towards male behavior. Women often attempt to hide their symptoms to fit into the society. They may be misdiagnosed, and their ADHD treatment delayed. A trained professional like a psychiatrist psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurse, can identify ADHD. The doctor will take a detailed history, a physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to assess the symptoms of a patient and determine if any other medical conditions might be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD may experience disordered behavior. This is a persistent issue that can cause disruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization can be caused by a lack of organization like not paying bills on time or keep appointments, and a difficulty in making decisions. Often, disorganization is related to other issues, like anxiety, a traumatic life event, or depression, and can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD are able to perform at a high degree, and their symptoms do not significantly affect their daily life or relationships. This condition is called "high-functioning ADHD." It doesn't mean they do not experience some of the symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating, or paying attention to the smallest of details.
For some, disorganization is a constant battle, and it's common for those with ADHD to spend a lot of time looking for lost items or putting off important tasks. It can also cause poor work quality and strained 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 the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation, the middle of menstrual cycle and at the conclusion the cycle, while progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, while biological differences may play a part, some of the disorganization or impulsivity among women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women are often socialized to be quiet and reserved, so they may not be able to hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to conceal their problems with attention, which can cause them to be incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. In fact, they may even think they have better concentration and time-management skills than they actually do. In reality, they're likely to lose things and forget appointments, or not pay bills on time and struggle with disorganization at home and at work.
Women with ADHD tend to develop the inattentive version 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 staying quiet and may speak to themselves incessantly or say nonsensical phrases or sounds, however they're much less likely to have these symptoms than men are.
Medication is the first treatment option for many adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are usually prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for women with ADHD. These therapies can help identify thoughts that are irrational or automatic and teach you how to manage your mood and behavior. In addition to medication exercise and an appropriate diet can help manage ADHD symptoms of disorientation, impulsivity and restlessness. For energy boosts try activities such as yoga, dancing, group classes like cycling or swimming, and aerobics. Make sure to exercise at minimum four to five times per week, each lasting around 30 minutes. To support your mood and focus, eat a variety foods, including whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats.