AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD often have difficulty meeting the various expectations of society. Women with ADHD often struggle to live up to expectations of society such as caring for others as well as balancing 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 for girls and women.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of concentration. This problem can manifest in different ways, including missing appointments, not being able complete tasks at work or zoning out when talking to people. It's also a frequent problem that makes it hard for women to manage their finances. 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 better at masking their ADHD symptoms, which could make it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why, but they believe it could be due to gender roles and the expectation of girls and women to be more "restrained." Masking ADHD can result in poor performance at work or at school and stop those with ADHD from seeking out support and help.
The lack of focus can be misinterpreted as other signs such as depression or anxiety. For instance, depression may affect your concentration by making you more forgetful and irritable. People with generalized anxiety disorder often experience difficulties focusing because they are more likely to become overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
Treatment is the most effective way to increase your concentration. This involves finding a therapist or clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD both in women and girls. It's also a good idea to learn about the kinds of accommodations you can ask your employer or educational institution for such as flexible hours or working at home. Good sleep hygiene will also help you to have more restful nights, and to be more focused throughout the day. Iam Psychiatry includes getting to bed every night at the same time, while listening to relaxing music or an audiobook, and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity symptoms. They may be prone to interrupting others or changing topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking and taking risks that aren't in their best interests. They may also have difficulty reading other people's body language or picking up on social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopausal - the time before menopause - and when hormone levels begin to drop.
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 professionals not seeing 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.
When children with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers occasionally notice the impulsive behavior of children. It's normal for kids to be restless, impatient, or impulsive at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve over time as kids grow older and learn how to manage their issues.
Adults who suffer from adhd may be prone to impulsive behavior and distraction that can impact their relationships, work, and school. They can lead to procrastination and inattention, as well as problems keeping commitments. They can also make finding and keeping a job difficult and can hinder healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adult ADHD typically involves medication. Your doctor will suggest various treatments based on your particular symptoms as well as your lifestyle and other health conditions you might have. They may also suggest psychotherapy which includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and alter negative thought patterns or couples counseling when your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD or family therapy. Physical exercise can help to calm your mind and lessen symptoms, particularly when it comes to distraction and impulsivity. Try activities such as dancing, yoga and group workouts like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a variety of physical symptoms. These include dizziness and chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations, and sweating. They can make people feel as if they are suffering from an attack of the heart or that the world is closing. Because of these physical symptoms those who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed with heart disease. This can result in an extended medical treatment without addressing the root of the issue. Fortunately, most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy by itself or in combination with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically can help someone discover new ways of thinking and responding to situations that can 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 type. It's important for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will conduct a thorough physical exam and ask questions about how the disorder affects their lives.
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis because many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are biased towards male behavior. Additionally, women often try to conceal their symptoms to fit in with the society. This means that they might be underdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced registered nurses can diagnose 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 a person and determine if they have other conditions that could be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD can experience disorganization which is an ongoing problem that can disrupt the way they work and school, cause emotional stress and create tension in relationships, and can lead to financial difficulties. Disorganization is defined as the lack of organization skills like not keeping track of bills or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. It can be caused by other issues like anxiety, traumatic event in life, or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD can perform at a high degree, and their symptoms do not affect their daily life or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this does not mean they don't suffer from some of the symptoms. This includes forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating, or paying attention to small details.
Some people struggle with disorganization on a daily basis. They might spend their time looking for lost items or putting off important tasks. It can also result in poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also trigger various health issues, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another issue that can cause the disorder in women with ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating and in the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone is higher, and these fluctuations can make ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible that, although biological differences may be a factor, some of the disorder or impulsivity in women suffering from ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women are typically viewed as quiet and reserved, so they might suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women often find it easier to mask their attention problems than men, which can lead to undiagnosed problems and delayed treatment. In fact, they may even think they have better focus and time-management skills than they actually do. In reality, they're likely to lose things or forget appointments, pay bills on time and struggle with a lack of organization at work and at home.
Women with 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 issues speaking to themselves or make a variety of nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they are less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the first option for treatment is medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are often prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that target the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain could also be effective. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you recognize automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to regulate your emotions and behavior. Exercise and a healthy diet along with medication can help you manage ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity and disorientation. For energy boosts, try activities like dancing, yoga, classes in groups such as aerobics or swimming and biking. Try to get at least 4 to 5 hours of exercise per week, lasting around 30 minutes each session. To boost your mood and attention consume a variety of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.