AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to meet societal expectations. This includes taking care of others while juggling work and home life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Gender bias may also lead health professionals to misdiagnose or not recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Lack of Focus
Concentration issues are one of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women. It can manifest in a variety of different ways, from not remembering appointments to not being able to complete tasks at work to zoning out during conversations and making people feel disregarded. It's also a frequent problem that makes it hard for women to keep up with their finances, and is often the reason why they miss out on jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that some women are more adept at masked their ADHD symptoms, which may make it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they theorize that it could be related to gender stereotypes and the belief that girls and women should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can lead to poor performance at school or work, and it might prevent them from seeking the help and assistance they require.
Lack of focus is also an atypical symptom that could be confused with other illnesses, including depression and anxiety. Depression can affect your concentration by making you forgetful and unmotivated. People with generalized anxieties disorder have difficulty concentrating because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best way to increase your concentration. This includes seeking out a therapist or a clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. You should also learn about the accommodations you can request from your employer or school for example, flexible working hours or at home. A healthy sleeping routine can aid you in having more peaceful nights and also help you stay focused throughout the day. This means getting to bed every night at the same time, listening to relaxing music or audiobooks, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. They can interrupt other people or switch topics during the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without considering the consequences and make decisions that are not in your best interest. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or social cues. The signs of impulsivity tend to get worse during perimenopausal, the period that comes 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 cause health care professionals to miss ADHD in them, mistakenly diagnose them or ignore their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood problems. Research on ADHD is primarily focused on boys and men. This could result in an imbalance in gender.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers often notice the impulsive behavior of children. It's normal for children to be impatient, restless, or impulsive at times. These behaviors tend to improve as children age and begin to manage their symptoms.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can impact work, school and relationships. They can cause procrastination and forgetfulness as well as difficulty adhering to commitments. They can make locating and maintaining a job difficult and interfere with healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication. Your doctor may suggest a combination treatment depending on your symptoms, lifestyle, and any other health conditions. They may also suggest psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you to recognize and change negative thoughts or couples counseling if your relationship is affected by ADHD or other issues, or even family therapy. Exercise can also aid in calming your brain and reduce symptoms, especially in the case of disorientation and impulsivity. You can take on activities such as dancing, yoga, and group workouts such as swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a variety of physical symptoms. These include dizziness and chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. These symptoms can make someone think they are having an attack or that the world is about to end. People who suffer from anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart condition due to these physical signs. This can lead to an extended journey of medical treatment that fails to treat the root cause. Psychotherapy is effective for the majority of anxiety disorders, whether it's employed on its own or in conjunction with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically, can help a person develop new ways of thinking and 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 suffer from a mixed subtype. Women should discuss their ADHD symptoms and their doctor will ask them specific questions regarding the disorder.
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. In addition, women often attempt to hide their ADHD to fit in with the society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment delayed. A trained professional like a psychiatrist psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurse, can identify 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 assess the symptoms of a patient and determine if there are other conditions that might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD can experience disorganization which is a persistent issue that can cause disruption to the routine of school and work as well as cause emotional stress. It can create tension in relationships, and can lead to financial problems. Disorganization is defined as an inability to organize, such as not keeping track of bills or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, like anxiety, traumatizing a life event, or depression and is often difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD can perform at a high level and their symptoms don't affect their daily lives or relationships. inattentive adhd in women is referred to as "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 the smallest of details.
For some, disorder is a constant battle and it's normal for people with ADHD to be prone to searching for lost objects or putting off important tasks. inattentive adhd in women affects the quality of their work and can cause tension in relationships. It can also cause various health issues, including anxiety and sleep disorders.
Another issue that can cause disorganization in women with ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen is lower during ovulation and at the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone is more abundant, and these fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible that, although biological differences may be a factor, some of the disorganization or impulsivity in women suffering from ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls can be conditioned to be quiet and reserved and can cause them to suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women often find it easier to conceal their attention issues than men do, which can lead to being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment. They might even believe they are better at managing their time and concentration than they are. In reality, they're more likely to lose things or forget appointments, pay bills on time and struggle with a lack of organization at 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 being silent, and may even talk to themselves or make nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they are less likely to suffer from these symptoms than males.
For many adults with ADHD the first option for treatment is medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that target the way neurotransmitters interact with the brain may also be a possibility. They include atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial for women with ADHD. These treatments can help you identify automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to self-regulate your emotions and behavior. Exercise and a healthy diet, in addition to medication, can help control ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity, and distractibility. For energy boosts try activities such as yoga, dancing, or classes in groups such as cycling or swimming, and aerobics. Try to get at least 4 to 5 sessions of exercise every week for approximately 30 minutes per session. Make sure you take a variety of fresh vegetables whole grains, protein and healthy fats to help boost your concentration and mood.