AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to meet societal expectations. Women with ADHD often struggle to meet the expectations of society, including 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. A bias based on gender can make health professionals not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most prevalent adhd symptoms in women . It's a condition that can show up in many different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments to not being able to finish work, to losing focus when talking to others and making them feel disregarded. It's also a typical symptom that can make it difficult for women to keep track of 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 masked their ADHD symptoms, which may make it difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure what the reason is, but they speculate that it could be related to traditional gender roles and the notion that girls and women should be more "restrained." Masking ADHD symptoms can lead to underperforming at work or school and could make it difficult for them to seek the help and support they need.
In addition, a lack of focus could be misinterpreted as other signs such as depression or anxiety. Depression can affect concentration by making you forgetful and unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder have difficulty concentrating because they are usually overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to improve your concentration is to manage your ADHD symptoms with treatment. That means finding a clinician or therapist experienced with ADHD for girls and women. Also, you should be aware of the accommodations you can request from your school or employer, such as flexible working hours or working from home. Good sleep hygiene will also aid you in having more restful nights and to be more focused throughout the day. This means sleeping each night at the same time, and listening to soothing music or audiobooks, and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are typically highly impulsive. These can include interrupting others or changing topics during conversations, making snap decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not in their best interests. They may also have difficulty understanding the body language of others or interpreting social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during perimenopausal, the period before menopausal and after which 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 result in health care professionals missing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as a mood or anxiety problem. Gender bias may be a factor, as research on ADHD is mostly focused on boys and men.
Parents and teachers may notice an impulsive behavior among children suffering from ADHD. It's normal for children to be restless, impatient or even impulsive in certain instances. However, those behaviors tend to improve over time as children grow up and learn how to manage their symptoms.
Adults with adhd can experience impulsive behavior and distraction that affect their relationships, work, and school. They can cause delay, forgetfulness, and trouble staying on track with commitments. They can also make finding and keeping jobs difficult and can hinder healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated by medication. Your doctor may suggest a combination treatment depending on your lifestyle, symptoms, and any other health issues. They might also recommend psychotherapy that includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and alter negative thought patterns, couples counseling if your relationship has been affected by your ADHD, or family therapy. Physical exercise can also help to calm your mind and reduce symptoms, particularly 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 signs. They can make people 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 issue due to these physical signs. This can result in a lengthy journey of medical treatment that does not treat the root cause. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, regardless of whether it's employed on its own or in conjunction with medications. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help someone discover new ways of thinking and reacting that could make them less anxious.
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. It is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will conduct an exhaustive physical exam and ask specific questions about how the disorder affects their life.
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools utilized for the disorder are biased towards male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms to fit in with society. As a result, they might be underdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take a detailed medical history, a physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to evaluate a patient's symptoms and determine if there are other conditions that could be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD can experience disorganization. This is a constant issue that can lead to disruptions in work and schoolwork, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is defined as a lack of organizational skills that include not keeping track of bills or appointments, and having trouble making decisions. Often, disorganization is related to other issues, such as anxiety, traumatizing life event, or depression, and is often difficult to treat.
Certain women with ADHD can function at a high level and their symptoms do not affect their daily lives or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." It doesn't mean they do not experience some of the symptoms. These include difficulty concentrating or paying attention to particulars, feeling uneasy, and being forgetful.
Many people experience disorganization every day. They might spend their time searching for lost items or delay important tasks. It can also result in poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also cause a variety of health problems, such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another issue that can cause the disorder in women with ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating, during the middle of menstruation and at the end of when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
While biological differences between the genders could play a role but it's also possible some of the disorder and impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in women is due to social "norms." Girls and young women are typically viewed as quiet and reserved, so they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which could lead them to be incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. In fact, they may even think they have better focus and time-management abilities than they actually do. In reality, they're likely to lose things or forget appointments, pay bills on time and have trouble coordinating their home and at work.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop the inattentive subtype 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 trouble in calming down and may talk to themselves continuously or speak nonsensical phrases or sounds, but they're less likely to exhibit these symptoms than men are.
Medication is the first treatment option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that target the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also possible. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine and the guanfacine.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you recognize the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you how to control your emotions and behaviors. In addition to medication exercise and an appropriate diet can help manage ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity and distractibility. To boost your energy levels Try activities such as dancing, yoga, classes in groups such as aerobics or swimming and biking. Try to exercise for at least four to five sessions per week, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. Make sure you consume a variety of fruits and vegetables whole grains, healthy fats and protein to help boost your concentration and mood.