AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to live up to society's expectations. Women with ADHD often struggle to meet societal expectations, including caring for others, balancing home and work life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. A bias based on gender can cause health professionals to not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most common symptoms of adhd in women. navigate here 's a condition that can manifest in a variety of different ways, from forgetting appointments to not being able to finish work, to losing focus during conversations, making people feel ignored. It's also a frequent symptom that can make it hard for women to manage their finances. It's often the reason they miss out on jobs or financial opportunities.
Women may be more adept at masking ADHD symptoms than others, making it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they speculate that it could be related to gender stereotypes and the belief that women and girls should be more "restrained." Masking ADHD symptoms can lead to being under-performing at school or at work, and it might make it difficult for them to seek the help and support they require.
navigate here of focus can also be mistaken for other conditions like anxiety or depression. For instance, depression could affect your focus by making you forgetful and irritable. People with generalized anxieties trouble concentrating as they are usually overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to improve your concentration is to manage your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. That means finding a clinician or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD 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 like flexible hours or working from home. A good night's sleep can also help you get more restful nights and become more focused throughout the day, including going to bed at the same time every night, listening to relaxing music or an audiobook prior to sleeping and limiting time spent on screens.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity symptoms. They may be prone to interrupting others or shifting topics during conversations, making snap decisions without thinking and taking risks that aren't the best for their interests. They may also have difficulty understanding the body language of others or recognizing social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopausal - the time prior to menopausal onset - 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 could cause health professionals to miss ADHD in these individuals, or mistakenly diagnose them or dismiss their symptoms as anxiety or mood problems. Research on ADHD is focused on males and females. This could lead to the perception of gender bias.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers sometimes notice an impulsive behavior. It's normal for kids to be impatient, restless or impulsive at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve as they grow older and learn how to manage their symptoms.
Adults with adhd may experience impulsive behavior and distraction that can impact their relationships, work, and school. They can lead to procrastination, forgetfulness as well as difficulty keeping commitments. They can also make locating and keeping a job difficult and interfere with healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication. Your doctor may recommend an individualized treatment based on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health issues. Psychotherapy may also be recommended that includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and alter negative thought patterns or couples counseling in the event that your relationship has been affected by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain and help reduce symptoms. It can also assist you in staying focused. This is particularly true for impulsivity and distraction. Try activities such as dancing, yoga, and group exercises like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can lead to various physical symptoms. These include dizziness, chest pain, headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. They can also make someone feel like they are having an attack of the heart or that the world is coming to an end. Because of these physical symptoms those who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed with heart disease. This could result in an extended medical treatment without addressing the root of the issue. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy on its own or in conjunction with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help people learn new ways of thinking and reacting that could make them 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 a mixed type. It is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will conduct a thorough physical exam and ask specific questions about the way that the disorder impacts their life.
Women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty obtaining the right diagnosis, as the majority of diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms in order to blend with society. They may be misdiagnosed, and their ADHD treatment delayed. A trained professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced registered nurses may be able to diagnose ADHD. The provider will use a thorough history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate the symptoms of a person and determine if there are any other conditions contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD can experience disorganization. This is a constant issue that can cause disruptions in work and schoolwork, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organizational skills like forgetting to pay bills or make appointments, and having difficulty making decisions. It can be caused by other issues like anxiety, traumatizing experience in life or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD can perform at a high level and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily activities or relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this does not mean they don't experience some of the symptoms. This includes forgetfulness, difficulty concentration and paying attention to small details.
For some, a lack of organization is a constant battle and it's normal for people suffering from ADHD to spend time searching for lost objects or putting off important tasks. The disorder can affect the quality of their work and may cause tension in relationships. It can also cause a number of health problems, such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another cause of the disorder in women with ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen is lower during ovulation and at the middle of menstrual cycle while progesterone levels are higher and these fluctuations can make ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible, though biological differences may be a factor, some of the impulsivity or disorganization among women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women may be socialized to be quiet and reserved, which can lead them to suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women often find it easier to mask their attention problems than men do and can result in being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment. They might even believe they are better at time management and concentration than they are. However, these people tend to lose things, miss appointments, or pay bills on time. They also face disorganization both at work and at home.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more prone to develop the inattentive subtype 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 trouble being quiet and can talk to themselves continuously or speak nonsensical phrases or sounds, though they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men are.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the first option for treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are typically prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that target the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. They include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These treatments can help you identify your automatic or irrational thinking patterns and teach you healthy ways to control your behavior and emotions. Exercise and a healthy diet in addition to medications can help you manage ADHD symptoms like inattention, restlessness, and distractibility. Try activities such as yoga, dancing, group classes like swimming or aerobics, and biking to increase your energy levels. Make sure you get four to five sessions of exercise every week for around 30 minutes each session. To support your mood and concentration, eat a variety fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.