AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to meet the expectations of society in many ways. Women with ADHD typically struggle to meet societal expectations, including caring for others as well as balancing work and home life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. The gender bias can also cause health care professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most common symptoms of adhd in women. The problem can manifest in many ways, such as having trouble remembering appointments, being unable to complete tasks at work or zoning out when speaking to people. It's also a frequent symptom that can make it difficult for women to keep track of their finances, and it's often the reason why they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
Women may be more adept in masked ADHD symptoms than other women, making it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they speculate that it could be due to traditional gender roles and the notion that women and girls should be more "restrained." Masking ADHD symptoms can lead to poor performance at school or work and could hinder them from seeking the help and support they require.
Lack of focus can also be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses such as anxiety or depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People with generalized anxiety disorder usually have difficulty focusing due to the fact that they are more likely to become overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
The best way to improve your ability to concentrate is to control your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. This means you should find a therapist or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD for girls and women. It is also important to know about the kinds of accommodations you can request from your employer or school, such as flexible working hours or working at home. Good sleep hygiene will also aid you in having more restful nights, and to be more focused throughout the day. This means going to bed each night at the same time, and listening to soothing music or an audiobook and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. They might interrupt others or switch topics during a discussion, make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences, and take risks that are not in your best interest. They may also have difficulty reading body language or interpreting social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopausal, the period prior to menopausal symptoms - and also 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 can cause health professionals to overlook ADHD in them, not diagnosing them correctly, or ignore their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood problems. Research on ADHD is focused on males and females. This may result in the perception of gender bias.
Teachers and parents might notice the impulsive behavior of children suffering from ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be restless or irritable at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve as kids grow older and learn how to manage their symptoms.
Adults with adhd can be prone to impulsive behavior and distraction that can impact their relationships, work, and school. They can lead to procrastination and forgetfulness as well as difficulty keeping commitments. They can also make finding and keeping jobs difficult and can hinder healthy eating.
Treatment for adults with ADHD generally involves taking medication. Your doctor will recommend an array of treatments based on your particular symptoms as well as your lifestyle and other health conditions you may have. They might also recommend psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change negative thoughts patterns and couples counseling in the event that your relationship has been affected by your ADHD, or family therapy. Physical exercise can help calm your brain and reduce symptoms, especially in the case of disorientation and impulsivity. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group workouts, like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a wide array of physical symptoms. They can cause dizziness, chest pain, headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. These symptoms can cause a person to believe they are suffering from a stroke or the world is close to ending. People who suffer from anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart condition because of these physical symptoms. This can lead to a long medical treatment without addressing the root cause. Fortunately, the majority of anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy by itself or in combination with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically can help someone discover new ways of thinking and reacting to situations that could 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 may also be more likely to be a mixed type. It is crucial for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will conduct an extensive physical exam and ask specific questions about how the disorder affects their lives.
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are skewed toward male behavior. Women might also hide their symptoms to fit with the rest of society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment delayed. A qualified professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take an extensive background, physical examination, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate the symptoms of an individual and determine if there are any other conditions that could be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience disorganization, which is an ongoing problem that can cause disruption to work and schoolwork habits which can cause emotional stress and create tension in relationships, and can lead to financial problems. Disorganization is often characterized by the lack of organization skills, such as not keeping track of expenses or appointments, and having trouble making decisions. Often, disorganization is related to other issues, such as anxiety, a traumatic life event, or depression and is often difficult to treat.
Some women who suffer from ADHD have a high level of functioning and their symptoms do not significantly affect their day-to-day interactions and relationships. This is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this does not mean they don't experience some of the symptoms. This includes difficulty in concentrating or paying attention to particulars, feeling uneasy, and being in a state of forgetfulness.
Many people experience disorganization every day. They may be looking for lost items or delay important tasks. The disorder can affect the quality of their work and may result in strained relationships. It can also trigger various health issues, including anxiety and sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can also contribute to the disorder of women suffering from ADHD. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating, during the middle of menstruation and at the end of, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, although biological differences may be a factor, a portion of the disorder or impulsivity in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls are typically viewed as quiet and reserved, which is why they may not be able to hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. adult female adhd symptoms find it easier to hide their attention issues than men do and can result in undiagnosed problems and delayed treatment. In fact, they may even think that they have better concentration and time-management skills than they actually do. In reality, they tend to lose things, miss appointments, or pay bills on time. They also face problems with organization at work and at home.
Women with 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 can also experience trouble in calming down and may talk to themselves incessantly or say unintelligible phrases or sounds, though they're less likely to have these symptoms than males are.
Medication is the primary treatment option for many adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are usually prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that target the way that neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These treatments can help you recognize the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and help you learn healthy ways to manage your mood and behavior. In addition to medication, exercise and an appropriate diet can help manage ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity and distractibility. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group classes such as aerobics or swimming, and cycling to boost your energy levels. Make sure you get four to five sessions of exercise each week of around 30 minutes each session. To improve your mood and focus take a varied diet of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.