AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD often struggle to meet the expectations of society in many ways. This includes taking care of others as well as balancing work and family life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. The gender bias can make health professionals not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Concentration issues are one of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women. It can manifest in different ways, from not remembering appointments to being unable to finish tasks at work, or snoring during conversations and making people feel unimportant. It's also a typical problem that makes it difficult for women to manage their finances, and it's often the reason why they miss out on jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that certain women are better at masking their ADHD symptoms, which could make it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers don't know why this is, but they believe it could be due to gender roles and the expectation of girls and women to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD can result in poor performance at work or at school and stop those with ADHD from seeking out support and assistance.
Lack of focus is also an atypical symptom that could be confused with other illnesses like anxiety and depression. For instance, depression could affect your concentration by making you more forgetful and unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder are unable to concentrate because they are usually overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to improve your concentration is to control your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. This means you should find a therapist or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls. It is also important to know about the options for accommodations from your employer or school, such as flexible working hours or at home. Practicing good sleep hygiene can help you have more restful nights and become more focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping at the same time every night, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior going to bed and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD tend to be highly impulsive. These can include interrupting others or shifting topics during conversations, making snap decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not beneficial to their health. They might also have difficulty reading other people's body language or interpreting social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during perimenopausal, the phase that precedes menopausal and after which 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. adhd in women signs could result in health care professionals missing ADHD in girls and women and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as being a mood or anxiety issue. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on boys and men. This could cause the perception of gender bias.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers often notice an impulsive behavior. It's not unusual for children to be anxious or even impatient at times. These behaviors can improve as children get older and become more adept at managing their symptoms.
Adults with adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting which can affect their work, relationships, and school. They can lead to delays, forgetfulness, and trouble following through on commitments. They can also make locating and maintaining a job difficult and interfere with healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication. Your doctor will recommend a combination of treatments depending on your specific symptoms as well as your lifestyle and other health issues you might have. Psychotherapy may also be recommended which includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and alter negative thought patterns or couples counseling if your relationship has been affected by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain and reduce symptoms, as well as assist you in staying focused. This is particularly true for impulsivity and distraction. Try activities like yoga, dancing or group workouts, like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a wide array of physical symptoms. The feeling of dizziness, headaches and palpitations and sweating are some of the signs. These symptoms can cause a person to think they are having an attack or that the world is close to ending. Because of these physical symptoms those who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed with an issue with their heart. This can result in a lengthy journey of medical treatment that fails to tackle the root of the issue. Fortunately, most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in combination with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, can help a person develop 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 mixed subtypes. It is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out an exhaustive physical exam and ask questions about how the disorder affects their life.
Women with ADHD may have trouble getting a correct diagnosis, as the majority of diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Additionally, women often try to hide their symptoms to fit into society. This means that they could be overlooked and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take 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 that may be the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD may experience disordered behavior. This is a chronic issue that can lead to interruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization can be characterized by a lack of organization like not paying bills on time or keep appointments, and a difficulty in making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other factors like anxiety, traumatizing event in life or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD are able to function at a high level and their symptoms don't 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 concentrating or paying attention to small details.
For some, disorder is a constant struggle and it's normal for people with ADHD to spend time searching for lost items or putting off important tasks. It can also cause poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also cause various health issues like sleep disorders or anxiety.
Hormone fluctuations can also contribute to the disorder of women suffering from ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation, in the middle of menstrual cycles and at the conclusion the cycle, while progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, although biological differences could play a part, some of the disorder or impulsivity among women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls may be socialized to be quiet and reserved, which can lead them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
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 think that they have better focus and time-management skills than they do. In reality, these people tend to lose things, forget appointments, or not pay bills on time. They also have trouble with issues with organization both at work and at home.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to develop the inattentive version 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 nonsensical phrases or sounds, however they're much less likely to exhibit these symptoms than men are.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the first line of treatment is medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on the way neurotransmitters interact with the brain may also be a possibility. They include atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also beneficial for women with ADHD. These therapies can help you identify automatic or irrational thinking and teach you healthy ways to self regulate your moods and behaviors. Alongside medication exercising and a balanced diet can help manage ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity, and restlessness. Try adhd in women signs as dancing, yoga and group classes such as swimming or aerobics, as well as biking to boost energy levels. Try to get at least four to five sessions of exercise each week of approximately 30 minutes per session. Make sure you eat a variety of vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein to support your attention and mood.