AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often challenged to meet the various expectations of society. Women with ADHD often struggle to meet the expectations of society such as caring for others as well as balancing 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 not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most frequent symptoms of adhd among women. The problem can manifest in many ways, including having trouble remembering appointments, not being able to finish work or zoning out when talking to people. It's also a typical sign that makes it hard for women to keep track of their finances, and it's often the reason they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
Women are more adept at masked ADHD symptoms than other women and this makes it harder for them 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 result in poor performance at work or in school and stop them from seeking support and help.
The lack of focus can be mistaken for other conditions such as anxiety or depression. Depression can affect concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People with generalized anxiety disorder usually have trouble focusing because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
The best way to increase your concentration is to control your ADHD symptoms through treatment. This means you should find a therapist or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD for both girls and women. Also, you should be aware of the accommodations you can request from your employer or school for example, flexible working hours or working from home. Practicing good sleep hygiene will also help you enjoy more restful sleep and be more focused throughout the day. This includes getting to bed at the same time each evening, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior to sleeping and limiting time spent on screens.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD frequently exhibit impulsivity signs. These can include interrupting others or switching topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not in their best interests. They may also have difficulty understanding the body language of others 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 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 professionals not seeing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing their symptoms, or dismissing their symptoms as anxiety or a mood issue. Gender bias may also play a role, as research on ADHD is mostly focused on boys and men.
Teachers and parents may observe impulsive behavior in children who suffer from ADHD. It's normal for children to be restless, impatient or even impulsive in certain instances. However, these behaviors tend to improve over time as they grow older and learn how to manage their symptoms.
Adults with adhd may be prone to impulsive behavior and distraction that can impact their relationships, work, and school. They can lead to delays or forgetfulness and difficulty following through on commitments. They can make locating and keeping a job difficult and hinder healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is typically treated by medication. Your doctor might recommend a combination treatment depending on your symptoms, lifestyle, and any other health issues. They may also recommend psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists you recognize and alter negative thought patterns and couples counseling in the event that your relationship is affected by ADHD, or even family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind and help reduce symptoms. adhd symptoms women can also help you focus. This is especially important for those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. You can try activities like yoga, dancing, and group workouts like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can cause various physical symptoms. Palpitations, headaches, dizziness and sweating are just a few of the symptoms. They can make people feel as if they are suffering from a heart attack or that the world is coming to an end. People who suffer from anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart condition because of these physical symptoms. This can lead to an extended journey of medical treatment that fails to address the root cause. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, whether it's employed on its own or in conjunction with medications. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person discover new ways of thinking and reacting that can help them feel 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 be diagnosed with mixed subtypes. Women should discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor. will ask them detailed questions regarding the disorder.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty getting the right diagnosis, as the majority of diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms to fit with society. They could be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment delayed. A qualified professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced registered nurses may be able to diagnose ADHD. The professional will conduct a thorough history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate a person's symptoms and determine if there are other conditions that could be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience disorganization, which is a constant issue that can cause disruption to the way they work and school, cause emotional stress and strain relationships and contribute to financial difficulties. Disorganization is defined as the lack of organization skills, such as not keeping track of bills or appointments, and having trouble making decisions. Disorganization can be caused by other issues like anxiety, traumatizing experience in life or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD are able to function at a high level and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily life or relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't suffer from the common symptoms. They may have difficulty paying attention or concentrating on details, feeling restless, and being forgetful.
Some people struggle with disorganization on a daily basis. They might spend their time searching for lost items or delaying important tasks. It can also result in low productivity and stressed relationships. It can also trigger various health problems, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another cause of disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating, during the middle of menstruation, and at the end when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, while biological differences may be a factor, some of the disorganization or impulsivity in women suffering from ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls are typically socialized to be quiet and reserved, which is why they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to hide their problems with attention, which can cause them to be incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. They might even believe they're better at managing their time and concentration than they actually are. However, these people tend to lose things, forget appointments, or fail to pay their bills on time. They also face disorganization both at work and at home.
Women suffering from ADHD are more prone 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 speaking to themselves or make a variety of nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they are less likely to experience these symptoms than men.
The first treatment is medication. option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that focus on the way neurotransmitters interact with the brain are also possible. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD also may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify your automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to control your emotions and behavior. A healthy diet and exercise, in addition to medication, can help control ADHD symptoms such as inattention, restlessness, and distractibility. To boost your energy levels try activities such as yoga, dancing, group classes such as aerobics or swimming and biking. Try to get at least 4 to 5 hours of exercise per week, lasting approximately 30 minutes per session. Make sure to eat a variety of vegetables and whole grains, as well as healthy fats and protein to help boost your concentration and mood.