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. A bias based on gender can cause health professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most common symptoms of adhd among women. The problem can manifest in many ways, such as having trouble remembering appointments, not being able finish work or zoning out when talking to others. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances and can cause them to miss out on financial or job opportunities.
It's possible that some women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, which could make it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure what the reason is, but they believe that it could be due to traditional gender roles and the notion that women and girls should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can lead to being under-performing at school or at work, and it might make it difficult for them to seek the help and support they require.
In addition, a lack of focus could be mistaken for other conditions such as anxiety or depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People with generalized anxiety disorder typically have difficulty focusing due to the fact that they are more likely to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
Treatment is the best way to improve concentration. This means you should find a therapist or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD for both girls and women. You should also learn about the options for accommodations from your school or employer that allow for flexible working hours or working from home. A good night's sleep can also help you get more restful nights and be more focused during the day. adhd in women symptoms can include going to bed at the same time each night, listening to calming music or an audiobook before going to bed and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are often driven. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or shifting topics during conversations, making snap decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not the best for their interests. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during perimenopausal, the period that comes 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 can lead to health care professionals missing ADHD in girls and women and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as being a mood or anxiety problem. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on boys and men. This may result in the perception of gender bias.
Teachers and parents might notice impulsive behavior in children suffering from ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be anxious or impatient at times. These behaviors are likely to improve as children age and begin to manage their symptoms.
In adults, the impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can impact school, work, and relationships. They can cause delays and forgetfulness, as well as difficulty keeping promises. They can also make it difficult for people to find and keep jobs. They also can affect healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adult ADHD usually involves medication. Your doctor may recommend a combination treatment depending on your lifestyle, symptoms, and any other health issues. They may also recommend psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to recognize and change negative thought patterns or couples counseling when your relationship is impacted by ADHD or family therapy. Physical exercise can help calm your brain and reduce symptoms, particularly in the case of impulsivity and distractibility. Try activities like yoga, dancing or group workouts like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a wide range of physical symptoms. They can cause dizziness, chest pain and heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. They can make people feel like they are having a heart attack or that the world is ending. People who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart problem due to these physical signs. This could result in lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root cause. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, whether used on its own or when combined with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help a person discover new ways of thinking and reacting that could help them feel 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 have an uniform subtype. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms with their doctor. will ask them specific questions about the disorder.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis, since many diagnostic tools are geared towards male behavior. Women might also hide their symptoms in order to blend with the rest of society. They could be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment is delayed. A qualified professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurses, can identify ADHD. The provider will use an extensive history, physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to analyze the symptoms of an individual and determine if there are other conditions that may be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD are prone to experiencing disorganization. This is a persistent issue that can cause disruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization is defined as an inability to organize, such as not keeping track of expenses or appointments, and having trouble making decisions. Disorganization can be caused by other issues such as anxiety, a traumatic event in life or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD are able to function at a high level, and their symptoms do not affect their daily lives or relationships. This condition is called "high-functioning ADHD." However, this does not mean they don't suffer from certain symptoms. They may experience forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, or paying attention to small details.
People who struggle with disorder every day. They may be searching for lost items or delaying important tasks. It can also cause low productivity and stressed relationships. It can also lead to several health issues, such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can further aggravate the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and in the middle of menstrual cycle while progesterone levels are higher and these fluctuations could make ADHD symptoms worse.
While biological differences between the sexes can play a role however, it's also possible that 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 more reserved and quiet, so they may not be able to hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women often find it easier to conceal their attention issues than men do, which can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. In fact, they may even believe they have better concentration and time-management abilities than they actually do. In reality, they are likely to lose things, forget appointments, or fail to pay bills on time. They also struggle with problems with organization at work and at home.
Women who suffer from ADHD tend 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 trouble staying quiet and may speak to themselves incessantly or say unintelligible phrases or sounds, though they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than males are.
For many people suffering from ADHD the first method of treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with the brain could also be effective. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you healthy ways to manage your emotions and behaviors. Exercise and a healthy diet, in addition to medication, can help control ADHD symptoms such as inattention, restlessness, and distractibility. For energy boosts Try activities such as yoga, dancing, group classes such as swimming or aerobics, and biking. Try to exercise for at minimum four to five times per week, each lasting about 30 minutes. To support your mood and focus consume a variety of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.