Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women suffering from ADHD are often subjected to different expectations from society regarding how they should handle their family, careers and home life. This can cause you to be embarrassed and frustrated if your symptoms cause problems.
Research shows that women and girls are often under-diagnosed for ADHD as compared to males and boys. This could be due to the fact that they hide their symptoms or develop coping mechanisms to conceal them.
1. Inattentiveness
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd is difficulty paying attention at the classroom or at work. Women with adhd are more likely to miss important meetings or assignments or are misled by instructions. They may be unable to concentrate in situations that are noisy or busy. Certain people with ADHD may have "thousand-yard gazes" or zone out during conversations. These symptoms can lead to problems at work or in relationships.
Girls and women can be particularly at risk for undiagnosed ADHD particularly as they age. They frequently develop coping mechanisms that cover up their symptoms and continue to use these coping methods into adulthood. They might even begin to recognize their symptoms as personal attributes, which can make it more difficult to seek help.
A lot of teachers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for girls as they do for males. However it is important to note that if a girl's ADHD symptoms are having a negative impact on her school performance and social interactions, she should talk to a healthcare professional.
Inattentive ADHD is a common reason for emotional stress. It can be difficult to feel that you aren't able to meet the expectations of your friends, co-workers and family members. It can be frustrating to feel as if you're not able to get along with your kids or siblings. Inattention and impulsivity can increase depression and anxiety in some people with ADHD. In addition to seeking help there are some things you can do to reduce the effects of these symptoms. Regular exercise can help release the neurotransmitters that improve concentration and attention. It can also help reduce anxiety and mood swings which are common among people with ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
The impulse-driven symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to manage. You might make comments you shouldn't or buy something on impulse. You could also get arrested by the police because of your actions. The urge to be impulsive can make it difficult to control your thoughts and emotions. This can lead to self-injury like cutting, burning or scratching yourself. This could also result in alcohol or drug dependence.
People who are impulsive usually have issues with relationships and school or work performance. You can manage your impulsivity by taking medication prescribed by your physician. You can boost your impulse control with medications like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, as well as the methylphenidate. Non-stimulant drugs such as clonidine and Guanfacine can improve your ability to manage yourself.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. But this type of ADHD is more difficult to detect, which can result in underdiagnosis. Women may hide their symptoms to meet societal expectations and norms. This masking can be especially problematic in adolescence and early adulthood. Women may resort to unhealthy coping strategies, like excessive drinking and drug use to hide their ADHD challenges.
Women who suffer from high functioning ADHD might cover up their symptoms by having the success they desire in certain areas of their life, such as at school or at work. This can make you believe that everything is going well and make you feel overwhelmed. Talk to your doctor about the accommodations that you can make at work or in school to help manage your ADHD symptoms. This is a great way to raise awareness among your colleagues or professors about the challenges you face.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD you may be late for appointments or turning up late for work, not remembering dates and becoming oblivious during conversations can lead to frustration and leave others feeling at a loss or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to keep track of tasks as well as manage schedules, finances and financial obligations. For example, if you struggle to remember what you'll need for groceries, you may be unable to eat or overspend on unnecessary things.
high functioning adhd in women who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time keeping track of the daily chores, homework assignments and even paying bills. The disorder can also lead to disorganized workspaces, messy homes and a tendency to hoard. The "time blindness" that ADHD patients have makes it difficult for them to know how long has been spent or how long they've been working on a particular task. In addition to being unable to stay focused, problems with time management can cause feelings of guilt and shame over being not organized.
Although research shows that girls and women are more likely to suffer from ADHD than boys and men The symptoms can be concealed and underdiagnosed. Many women don't receive a diagnosis until the age of adulthood and their symptoms become more obvious. Additionally, social stigma and stereotypes could make it difficult for women to access the help and treatment they need.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate increase and balance neurotransmitters - the brain chemicals that communicate. Non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants and atomoxetine can also be used to treat ADHD, but they work slower than stimulants. Your doctor could refer you to a specialist in mental health, who can help create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
4. Impulsiveness
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult to control their emotions and often feel more vulnerable to rejection. This is due to the fact that the communication pathway between key brain areas that regulate emotional reactions and interpret what to do with these feelings is affected by the chemical imbalance associated with ADHD.
People with ADHD are more prone to depression and moodiness. high functioning adhd in women , in conjunction with a difficulty in managing their obligations, can cause problems with relationships with family and romantic partners. Women with ADHD may also have low self-esteem, and have difficulty forming relationships and navigating social situations. They may wander off on tangents during conversations or have trouble understanding what other people are saying, which may make it difficult for them to determine their place in a group.
Women with ADHD may have difficulty to get motivated to finish routine or boring tasks, like washing dishes cleaning, and doing laundry. This can cause them to develop unhealthy coping habits like binge-watching TV shows or consuming substances. These are particularly risky for girls and adolescents with ADHD who are more likely than their peers to engage in risky behavior such as early sexual activity, fewer protected partners, and informal sex.
As adults, women with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed than men because they tend to have inattentive symptoms instead of hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms. In addition, many women hide their ADHD symptoms due to the multitude of expectations society puts on them (managing the family and home, for example). This makes it difficult for health care professionals to identify a problem, especially because the symptoms are more easily recognized in boys and men.
5. Hyperactivity
For women suffering from ADHD the daily chores can be overwhelming. They may have difficulty organizing their lives, paying bills on time, and keeping up with appointments or school/work obligations. Additionally, emotional signs such as mood swings and difficulties managing their emotions, could make it difficult to be a good friend and can cause difficulties in relationships between people.
People with ADHD have difficulty reading social cues or body language. They may wander off on a tangent during conversations or have trouble following the conversation, leading to difficulties with school or work performance and strained relationships. They may also have difficulty making new friends or achieving the right balance between their work, home and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD can be different throughout the day and be affected by hormone levels, such as those during menstruation or pregnancy, or as they move through perimenopausal (the menopausal phase). This can result in a misdiagnosis or a wrong type of medication being prescribed.
While everyone struggles with different difficulties when dealing with ADHD there are a few typical signs and symptoms that can help you recognize the condition for yourself or a loved one. Recognizing these signs is a great first step towards obtaining the support and treatment you require to manage your symptoms effectively.
It's important to note that ADHD doesn't mean you are immune to other mental or physical conditions. Your doctor or therapist should perform a thorough assessment. They'll ask you questions about your past and current behavior, review your medical history, and talk about how your symptoms affect you in different settings.