AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often challenged to meet the expectations of society in many ways. This includes taking care of others, balancing work and home life, and managing relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Gender bias can also cause health care professionals to not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd in women . It can show up in many different ways, from not remembering appointments to being unable to finish work to zoning out during conversations, making people feel unimportant. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances, and often cause them to miss out on job or financial opportunities.
It's possible that some women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, which may make it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers don't know why, but they think it may 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 in school and stop people from seeking help and assistance.
Focus issues are also an atypical symptom that could be confused with other illnesses, including depression and anxiety. Depression can affect your concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People with generalized anxiety disorder typically have difficulties focusing because they are more likely to become overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the most effective way to improve concentration. This means you should find a therapist or therapist experienced with ADHD for girls and women. You should also learn about the accommodations you can request from your employer or school for example, flexible working hours or working from home. A healthy sleeping routine can help you to have more restful nights, and to be more focused throughout the day. This means getting to bed every night at the same time, listening to soothing music or an audiobook, and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity symptoms. They may interrupt others or change topics during the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without considering the consequences, and take risks that are not in your best interests. They may also have trouble understanding the body language of others or interpreting social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during perimenopausal, the phase that precedes menopausal 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 lead to health care professionals missing ADHD in girls and women and misdiagnosing their symptoms, or dismissing their symptoms as being a mood or anxiety problem. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on men and boys. This may result in an imbalance in gender.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers occasionally observe an impulsive behavior. It's not unusual for children to be restless or even impatient at times. However, those behaviors tend to improve as they grow older and learn to manage their problems.
Adults with adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting which can affect their relationships, work, and school. They can cause delay or forgetfulness and difficulty keeping promises. They can make it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also can disrupt healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is usually treated by medication. Your doctor may recommend various treatments based on your particular symptoms as well as your lifestyle and other health conditions you might have. They might also recommend psychotherapy which includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and alter negative thought patterns, couples counseling when your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind, reduce symptoms and aid in focusing. This is especially important for people who have a tendency to be distracted and impulsive. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group workouts, like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide range of physical symptoms. Dizziness, headaches, palpitations and sweating are just a few of the signs. They can also make someone feel like they are having an attack on their heart or that the world is ending. People who suffer from anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart problem because of these physical symptoms. This could result in a long medical treatment without addressing the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is effective for most anxiety disorders, whether it's used on its own or in conjunction with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular it can help people develop new ways of thinking and reacting to situations that may 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 mixed subtypes. Women should discuss their ADHD symptoms and their doctor will ask them specific questions regarding the disorder.
Women with ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are geared towards male behavior. In addition, women often attempt to hide their symptoms to fit in with the society. As a result, they may not be diagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurse, can diagnose ADHD. The professional will make use of an in-depth medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders in order to evaluate a patient's symptoms and determine if there are other conditions that could be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD are prone to experiencing disordered behavior. This is a persistent issue that can lead to disruptions in school and work emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is defined as an inability to organize, such as not keeping track of expenses or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other issues like anxiety, a traumatizing event in life or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Some women who suffer from ADHD have a high degree of functioning and their symptoms do not have a significant impact on their daily interactions and relationships. This condition is called "high-functioning ADHD." However, this doesn't mean that they don't experience some of the usual symptoms. They may experience forgetfulness, trouble in concentrating or paying attention to small details.
For some, a lack of organization is a constant battle and it's not uncommon for people with ADHD to be prone to searching for lost items or putting off important tasks. It can also cause low productivity and stressed relationships. It can also lead to a number of health problems, such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another cause of the disorder in women with ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and at the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone is higher and these fluctuations could cause ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible that, while biological differences could be a factor, a portion of the disorder or impulsivity among women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls are often socialized to be quiet and reserved, which is why they might suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are often able to mask their attention problems than men do which can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. In reality, they might even think that they have better concentration and time-management abilities than they actually do. In reality, they're more likely to lose things and forget appointments, or not pay bills on time, and struggle with a lack of organization at work and at home.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely 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 continuously or speak nonsensical phrases or sounds, however they're much less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men are.
For many adults with ADHD, the first option for treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that target the way neurotransmitters interact with the brain are also possible. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you recognize thoughts that are irrational or automatic and teach you healthy ways to manage your mood and behavior. A healthy diet and exercise along with medication, can help control ADHD symptoms like inattention, restlessness, and distractibility. For energy boosts Try activities such as dancing, yoga, classes in groups such as cycling or swimming, and aerobics. Make sure you get four to five sessions of exercise each week of around 30 minutes each session. To boost your mood and concentration take a varied diet of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.