AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to meet society's 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. A bias based on gender can cause health care professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most common symptoms of adhd in women is difficulty in concentrating. This problem can manifest in a variety of ways, such as forgetting appointments, not being able finish work or being unable to concentrate 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.
Women may be more adept at masking ADHD symptoms than other women which makes it more difficult for them as adults to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers don't know why this is, however, they think it could be due to gender roles and the expectation for women and girls to be more "restrained." Masking ADHD can lead to poor performance at work or at school and stop those with ADHD from seeking out support and help.
In addition, lack of focus is an atypical symptom that could be confused with other ailments like anxiety and depression. For instance, depression may affect your concentration by making you less attentive and irritable. People suffering from generalized anxiety trouble concentrating as they are often overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best method to improve concentration. This involves finding a therapist or clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls. It's also a good idea to learn about the kinds of accommodations you can ask your employer or school for, such as flexible hours or working at home. A good night's sleep can help you have more restful nights and become more focused throughout the day, including getting to bed at the same time every night, listening to relaxing music or an audiobook before sleeping and limiting time spent on screens.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. They can interrupt other people or alter the topic of discussions, make snap decisions without considering the consequences and take risks that are not beneficial to you. They might also have trouble understanding body language or social signals. The signs of impulsivity may increase during perimenopause - the period prior to menopausal onset - 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 result in health professionals not recognizing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as a mood or anxiety issue. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on boys and men. This could cause a gender bias.
Parents and teachers may notice an impulsive behavior among children who suffer from ADHD. It's normal for kids to be irritable, restless or impulsive at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve as they grow older and learn how to manage their issues.
Adults who suffer from adhd may experience impulsive behavior and distraction which can affect their relationships, work and school. They can cause procrastination and forgetfulness as well as difficulty adhering to commitments. They can make it difficult to find and keep jobs and can interfere with healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated by medication. Your doctor will suggest a combination of treatments depending on your particular symptoms, your lifestyle, and other health issues you might have. They may also suggest psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you recognize and alter negative thinking patterns and couples counseling if your relationship is affected by ADHD or other issues, or even family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind, reduce symptoms and assist you in staying focused. This is particularly true for impulsivity and distraction. Try activities such as dancing, yoga, and group exercises like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a variety of physical symptoms. These include dizziness and chest pain and heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. These symptoms can cause a person to think they are having a stroke or the world is close to ending. People who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart condition due to these physical signs. This can lead to a lengthy journey of medical treatment that does not address the root cause. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, whether used on its own or in conjunction with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help someone discover new ways of thinking and reacting that may 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 have mixed subtypes. It is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will conduct an extensive physical exam and ask detailed questions about the way that the disorder impacts their life.
Women with ADHD may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis, since many diagnostic tools are geared towards male behavior. In addition, women often attempt to hide their symptoms in order to fit into society. This means that they may not be diagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The provider will use a thorough history, physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to analyze a person's symptoms and determine if there are any other conditions contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD can experience disorganization. This is a constant issue that can lead to disruptions in work and schoolwork and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is often characterized by a poor organizational skill like not paying bills or keep appointments, and a difficulty in making decisions. It can be caused by other factors like anxiety, a traumatizing experience in life, or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
high functioning adhd in women who suffer from ADHD have a high degree of functioning, and their symptoms don't significantly affect their day-to-day interactions and relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this does not mean they don't experience certain symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty concentration and paying attention to small details.
For some, disorganization is a constant struggle and it's normal for people with ADHD to spend a lot of time looking for lost items or put off important tasks. The disorder can also affect the quality of their work, and could cause tension in relationships. It can also trigger several health issues such as insomnia or anxiety.
Hormone fluctuations can also exacerbate the disorder of women suffering from ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and at the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone levels are higher and these fluctuations can make ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible, though biological differences may be a factor, a portion of the impulsivity or disorganization in women suffering from ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women are often socialized to be quiet and reserved, so they might suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are more likely than men to mask their problems with attention, which can result in them being wrongly diagnosed and receive delayed treatment. They may think that they are more adept at managing time and concentration than they are. In reality, these people tend to lose things, miss appointments, or pay their bills on time. They also struggle with issues with organization both at work and at home.
Women suffering 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 can also experience trouble staying quiet and may speak to themselves incessantly or say in a nonsensical manner or make sounds, but they're less likely to have these symptoms than men are.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the first option for treatment is medication. stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate are typically prescribed, but nonstimulant medications that target the way that neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. They include atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help identify thoughts that are irrational or automatic and teach you how to self regulate your moods and behaviors. A healthy diet and exercise in addition to medications can help manage ADHD symptoms such as anxiety, impulsivity, and distractibility. Try activities such as yoga, dancing, group classes like aerobics or swimming, and biking to boost energy levels. Try to do at least 4 to 5 sessions of exercise each week of around 30 minutes each session. Make sure you consume a variety of fruits and vegetables whole grains, protein and healthy fats to support your attention and mood.