AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to meet the various expectations of society. Women with ADHD typically struggle to meet societal expectations that include 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. Gender bias may also lead health professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of in concentrating. The problem can manifest in a variety of ways, including missing appointments, not being able to finish work or being unable to concentrate when talking to people. It's also a common sign that makes it hard for women to keep track of their finances, and is often the reason they miss out on jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that some women are better at masking their ADHD symptoms, which could make it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't certain why this is, but they believe that it could be due to gender stereotypes and the notion that women and girls should be more "restrained." Masking ADHD symptoms can lead to being under-performing at school or at work and could make it difficult for them to seek the help and assistance they require.
In addition, lack of focus is an atypical symptom that could be confused with other conditions such as anxiety and depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People with generalized anxiety disorder usually have difficulties focusing because they are more likely to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best method to increase your ability to concentrate is to control your ADHD symptoms through treatment. That means finding a clinician or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls. Also, you should be aware of the options for accommodations from your school or employer, such as flexible working hours or working at home. A good night's sleep will also help you enjoy more restful sleep and be more focused throughout the day. signs and symptoms of adhd in women includes going to bed at the same time every evening, listening to calming music or an audiobook before going to bed and limiting time spent on screens.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. They may interrupt others or switch topics during the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without considering the consequences, and make decisions that are not in your best interest. They may also have difficulty reading body language or interpreting social signals. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen 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 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 result in the perception of gender bias.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers sometimes notice impulsive behavior. It's normal for children to be restless, impatient or even impulsive in certain instances. However, these behaviors tend to improve over time as children grow up and learn how to manage their problems.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can impact work, school, and relationships. They can lead to procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as difficulties following through with commitments. They can also make it difficult for people to find and keep jobs and can affect healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication. Your doctor may suggest a combination of treatments based on your lifestyle, symptoms, and any other health issues. Psychotherapy may also be recommended, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change negative thoughts patterns and couples counseling when your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind, reduce symptoms and help you focus. This is particularly true for people who have a tendency to be distracted and impulsive. You can take on activities such as yoga, dancing, and group exercises like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can lead to a variety of physical symptoms. These include dizziness, chest pain, headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. These symptoms can make someone think they are having a stroke or the world is close to ending. Because of these physical symptoms people who suffer from anxiety often get misdiagnosed with an issue with their heart. This can lead to a lengthy journey of medical treatments that do not address the root cause. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, whether used alone or when combined with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, can help a person to develop new ways of thinking or 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 are also more likely to have mixed subtypes. It is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out an extensive physical exam and ask questions about the way that the disorder impacts their lives.
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis because many of the diagnostic tools utilized for the disorder are geared towards male behavior. Women may also hide their symptoms to fit with society. As a result, they might be underdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses, can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take a detailed medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders in order to assess the symptoms of a patient and determine if there are other conditions that might be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD are prone to experiencing disordered behavior. This is a persistent problem that can cause disruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization can be caused by a lack of organizational skills for example, forgetting to pay bills or keeping appointments, or a difficulty in making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, like anxiety, traumatizing life incident, or depression and can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a high level of functioning, and their symptoms don't significantly affect their day-to-day activities and relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." This does not mean that they don't experience some of the symptoms. This includes difficulty in staying focused or paying attention to particulars, feeling uneasy and unfocused.
For some, disorganization is a constant struggle and it's normal for people suffering from ADHD to spend time searching for lost items or put off important tasks. It can also result in poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also trigger several health issues such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another issue that can cause the disorder in women with ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen is lower when ovulating and in the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone levels are higher and these fluctuations could cause ADHD symptoms worse.
While differences in the biological makeup of genders may play a part however, it's also possible that some of the disorganization and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is related to social "norms." Girls and young women are often socialized to be quiet and reserved, which is why they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women tend to find it easier to hide their attention issues than men do which can lead to being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment. They may think that they're better at managing their time and concentration than they are. In reality, they're more likely to lose things, forget appointments or pay bills on time, and have trouble coordinating their home and at work.
Women with ADHD are more prone to develop the inattentive subtype 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 may also have trouble being silent, and may even talk to themselves or make a variety of nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than males.
Medication is the first treatment option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are typically prescribed, but nonstimulant medications that target the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine and Guanfacine.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you healthy ways to control your emotions and behaviors. A healthy diet and exercise in addition to medications can help you manage ADHD symptoms like inattention, restlessness and disorientation. For energy boosts try activities such as yoga, dancing, or group classes like cycling or swimming, and aerobics. Make sure to exercise at the very least four to five sessions per week, each lasting around 30 minutes. To improve your mood and concentration, eat a variety vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.