AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to meet the various expectations of society. Women who suffer from ADHD are often struggling to meet the expectations of society such as 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 care professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most common symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of concentration. It can manifest in a variety of different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments to being unable to finish tasks at work, to losing focus during conversations, making people feel unimportant. It's also a frequent symptom that can make it hard for women to keep up with their finances. It's often the reason they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that certain women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, which may make it more difficult 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 could lead to underperformance at work or at school, and hinder those with ADHD from seeking out support and help.
The lack of focus can be misinterpreted as other signs such as anxiety or depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder have difficulty concentrating because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to increase your concentration is to control your ADHD symptoms with treatment. That means finding a clinician or therapist experienced with ADHD in women and girls. It's also a good idea to learn about any accommodations you could ask your employer or school for such as flexible hours or working from home. A good night's sleep can also help you get more restful sleep and be more focused throughout the day, including going to bed at the same time every evening, listening to calming music or an audiobook before sleeping and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD frequently exhibit impulsivity signs. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or switching topics during conversations, making snap decisions without thinking and taking risks that are not the best for their interests. They might also have trouble reading body language or interpreting social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during the perimenopausal phase that precedes menopausal, and then when hormone levels start 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 could cause health care professionals to miss ADHD in their patients, not diagnosing them correctly, or ignore their symptoms as anxiety or mood issues. Research on ADHD is focused on males and females. This may result in the perception of gender bias.
When children with ADHD are young, teachers and parents occasionally observe an impulsive behavior. It's normal for kids to be irritable, restless or even impulsive in certain instances. However, those behaviors tend to improve as kids grow older and learn how to manage their issues.
Adults with adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting which can affect their relationships, work, and school. They can lead to procrastination, inattention, as well as problems adhering to commitments. They can also make finding and keeping jobs difficult and hinder healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is usually treated by medication. Your doctor may recommend various treatments based on your specific symptoms, your lifestyle, and other health conditions you may have. They may also recommend psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists you to recognize and change negative thoughts or couples counseling if your relationship is affected by ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind and reduce symptoms, as well as aid in focusing. This is especially true for those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. You can take on activities such as yoga, dancing, or group workouts such as swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger a variety of physical symptoms. These include dizziness, chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations, and sweating. These symptoms can cause a person to believe they are suffering from stroke or that the world is close to ending. People who suffer from anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart issue due to these physical signs. This can lead to lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root of the issue. Fortunately, the majority of anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy by itself or in combination with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular it can help people to develop new ways of thinking or 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 have a mixed subtype. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms with their doctor. will ask them questions about the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble getting a correct diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are designed towards male behavior. Women often attempt to hide their symptoms to fit into society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment is delayed. A trained professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurse, can identify ADHD. The doctor will take an extensive medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders in order to assess the symptoms of a patient and determine if other conditions could be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD are prone to experiencing disordered behavior. This is a constant issue that can cause interruptions in school and work and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization is defined as an inability to organize that include not keeping track of bills or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. In many cases, it is connected to other issues, like anxiety, traumatizing a life event, or depression, and is often difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD are able to perform at a high degree and their symptoms do not affect their daily lives or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." This does not mean that they do not experience some of the symptoms. They may have difficulty concentrating or paying attention to particulars, feeling uneasy, and being unfocused.
For some, a lack of organization is a constant struggle and it's normal for those with ADHD to spend time searching for lost items or putting off important tasks. The disorder can affect the quality of their work, and could lead to strained relationships. It can also trigger various health problems, such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another factor that can exacerbate disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation, the middle of menstruation and at the end of when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, while biological differences can be a factor, some of the impulsivity or disorganization in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls are often socialized to be more reserved and quiet, so they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to hide their attention issues, which can cause them to be misdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment. In fact, they may even believe they have better focus and time-management skills than they actually do. In reality, they're likely to misplace things or forget appointments, pay bills on time, and struggle with disorganization 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 might also have difficulty in calming down and may talk to themselves incessantly or say unintelligible phrases or sounds, however they're much less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men are.
For many adults with ADHD, the first line of treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that target the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain could also be effective. They include atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These therapies can help you identify automatic or irrational thinking and teach you how to self regulate your emotions and behaviors. In adhd in women test to medication exercise and an appropriate diet can help manage ADHD symptoms of restlessness, impulsivity and distractibility. For energy boosts, try activities like yoga, dancing, or group classes like aerobics or swimming and biking. Try to exercise for at minimum four to five times per week, each lasting about 30 minutes. To boost your mood and concentration take a varied diet of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.