AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty meeting the expectations of society in many ways. Women with ADHD typically struggle to live up to expectations of society such as 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. Gender bias can also cause health care professionals to not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is difficulty in concentrating. It can show up in many different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments or not being able to complete tasks at work to zoning out during conversations, making people feel ignored. It's also a frequent symptom that can make it hard for women to manage their finances, and it's often the reason why they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
Women are more adept at masking ADHD symptoms than other women and this makes it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure what the reason is, but they believe that it may be due to gender stereotypes and the notion that girls and women should be more "restrained." Masking ADHD symptoms could lead to underperforming at work or school and may prevent them from seeking the help and support they require.
In addition, a lack of focus could be mistaken for other conditions like anxiety or depression. For instance, depression could affect your concentration by making you more forgetful and unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder often experience difficulty focusing due to the fact that they are more likely to become overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best method to improve concentration. 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 accommodations that you can request your employer or educational institution for, such as flexible hours or working from home. A healthy sleeping routine can assist you in having more restful nights and to be more focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping each night at the same time, listening to relaxing music or an audiobook, and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are often impulsive. These can include interrupting others or changing topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that aren't the best for their interests. They might also have trouble understanding body language or social cues. The signs of impulsivity may increase during perimenopausal - the time prior to menopausal symptoms - and also 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 overlook ADHD in their patients, mistakenly diagnose them, or dismiss their symptoms as mood or anxiety problems. Research on ADHD is primarily focused on men and boys. This could lead to a gender bias.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers often notice the impulsive behavior of children. It's not unusual for children to be restless or even impatient at times. These behaviors are likely to improve as children age and become more adept at managing their symptoms.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can affect school, work, and relationships. They can lead to delay and forgetfulness, as well as difficulty staying on track with commitments. They can also make finding and keeping jobs difficult and interfere with healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is usually treated by medication. Your doctor may recommend an array of treatments based on the specific symptoms you have, your lifestyle, and other health issues you might have. They may also suggest psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you recognize and alter negative thought patterns, couples counseling, when your relationship is impacted by ADHD, or even family therapy. Physical exercise can also help to calm your mind and reduce symptoms, particularly when it comes to distraction and impulsivity. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group workouts like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a variety of physical symptoms. The feeling of dizziness, headaches and palpitations and sweating are just a few of the signs. These symptoms can cause a person to think they are having stroke or that the world is close to ending. Because of these physical symptoms people who suffer from anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed with a heart condition. This can result in an extended medical treatment without addressing the root cause. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy by itself or in combination with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help people learn 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 suffer from mixed subtypes. It's important for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will perform an exhaustive physical exam and ask detailed questions about the way that the disorder impacts their lives.
Women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty obtaining a correct diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are designed towards male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms to fit with society. This means that they might be underdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional, like a psychiatrist psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses, can identify ADHD. The professional will make use of an in-depth medical history, a physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders in order to determine the severity of a patient's symptoms and determine if any other medical conditions might be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD can experience disorganization which is a persistent issue that can affect work and schoolwork habits, cause emotional stress and stress relationships and cause financial issues. Disorganization can be characterized by a lack of organization like not paying bills or make appointments, and difficulties in making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, such as anxiety, a traumatic life event, or depression, and is often difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD are able to perform at a high level and their symptoms don't significantly affect their daily lives or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't suffer from the typical symptoms. This includes forgetfulness, difficulty concentration or paying attention to the smallest of details.
For some, a lack of organization is a constant battle, and it's common for those with ADHD to spend a lot of time looking for lost items or putting off important tasks. The disorder also affects the quality of their work, and could result in strained relationships. It can also trigger various health issues like sleep disorders or anxiety.
Hormone fluctuations can also exacerbate the disorder of women suffering from ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower when ovulating and in the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone levels are higher, and these fluctuations can make ADHD symptoms worse.
While differences in the biological makeup of sexes can play a role, it's also possible that some of the disorder and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is related to social "norms." Girls and young women 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 mask their problems with attention, which can cause them to be incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. In reality, they might even think they have better focus and time-management abilities than they do. In reality, they're more likely to misplace things, forget appointments or pay bills on time and have trouble coordinating their work and home.
Women suffering 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 can also experience trouble staying quiet and may speak to themselves incessantly or say unintelligible phrases or sounds, though they're less likely to have these symptoms than males are.
Medication is the first treatment option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that focus on the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also possible. These include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you recognize automatic or irrational thoughts, and also learn healthy ways to self-regulate your emotions and behavior. Alongside read this article exercising and an appropriate diet can help control ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity and distractibility. To boost your energy levels Try activities such as yoga, dancing, or group classes like aerobics or swimming and biking. Try to exercise for at the very least four to five sessions every week, each lasting around 30 minutes. To support your mood and attention consume a variety of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.