AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD often struggle to meet the expectations of society in many ways. This includes caring for others while juggling 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 professionals to misdiagnose or not recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd in women is having trouble concentrating. The problem can manifest in different ways, such as forgetting appointments, being unable to finish tasks at the office or zoning out when talking to others. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances, and often cause them to miss out on financial or job opportunities.
Some women may be better at masking ADHD symptoms than other women, making it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers don't know why this is, but they believe it could be due to gender roles and the expectation of women and girls to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD can lead to poor performance at work or in school and stop those with ADHD from seeking out support and assistance.
In addition, lack of focus is an atypical symptom that could be confused with other illnesses, including depression and anxiety. For instance, depression can affect your focus by making you less attentive and irritable. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder typically have trouble focusing because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
Treatment is the best method to improve concentration. This involves finding a therapist or clinician who has experience with ADHD both in women and girls. It's also recommended to be aware about any accommodations you could ask your employer or school for, such as flexible hours or working at home. Good sleep hygiene will also assist you in having more peaceful nights and to be more focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping each night at the same time, while listening to soothing music or an audiobook, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are typically highly impulsive. They might interrupt others or change topics during the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without considering the consequences, and take risks that aren't in your best interests. They might also have trouble reading body language or interpreting social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopausal, the period 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 cause health care professionals to miss ADHD in them, not diagnosing them correctly, or dismiss their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood problems. Research on ADHD is primarily focused on males and females. This may result in an imbalance in gender.
When children with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers sometimes observe impulsive behavior. It's not uncommon for children to be anxious or irritable at times. These behaviors tend to improve as children get older and become more adept at managing their symptoms.
Adults with adhd may experience impulsive behavior and distraction that can impact their relationships, work, and school. They can cause procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as difficulties adhering to commitments. They can also make it difficult for people to find and keep jobs and can affect healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication. Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and any other health issues. Psychotherapy may also be recommended which includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and alter negative thought patterns and couples counseling in the event that your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD, or family therapy. Physical exercise can help to calm your mind and reduce symptoms, especially when it comes to disorientation and impulsivity. Try activities such as yoga, dancing, and group exercises like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can lead to various physical symptoms. The feeling of dizziness, headaches and palpitations and sweating are a few of the symptoms. These symptoms can make someone believe they are suffering from a stroke or the world is going to end. People who suffer from anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart problem due to these physical signs. This can result in a lengthy journey of medical treatment that does not address the root cause. Fortunately, most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy on its own or in combination with medication. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone discover new ways of thinking and reacting that may 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 may also be more likely to have a mixed type. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms and their doctor will ask them detailed questions about the disorder.
Women with ADHD may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are skewed toward male behavior. In addition, women often attempt to hide their symptoms in order to fit into society. They may be misdiagnosed, and their ADHD treatment is delayed. A qualified professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced registered nurses may be able to diagnose ADHD. The provider will use a detailed history, a physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to determine the severity of a patient's symptoms and determine if there are other conditions that could be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD may experience disordered behavior. This is a constant issue that can lead to interruptions in school and work and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is defined as the lack of organization skills, such as not keeping track of bills or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. In many cases, it is connected to other issues, like anxiety, traumatizing life event, or depression and can be difficult to treat.
Some women who suffer from ADHD have a high level of functioning, and their symptoms don't have a significant impact on their daily activities and relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't have the typical symptoms. They may have difficulty paying attention or concentrating on details, feeling restless and unfocused.
Many people experience disorganization on a daily basis. They may be looking for lost items or delay important tasks. It can also lead to low productivity and stressed relationships. It can also trigger many health issues, including anxiety or sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can further aggravate the disorder of women suffering from ADHD. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating and in the middle of menstrual cycle while progesterone levels are higher and these fluctuations could make ADHD symptoms worse.
Although biological differences between genders could play a role but it's also possible some of the disorder and impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in women is related to social "norms." Young women and girls can be socialized to be quiet and reserved and this can cause them to suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women tend to find it easier to mask their attention problems than men and can result in undiagnosed problems and delayed treatment. They might even believe they are more adept at managing time and concentration than they actually are. In reality, these people tend to lose things and forget appointments, or not pay their bills on time. They also struggle with issues with organization both at work and at home.
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 speaking to themselves or make a variety of nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men.
For many adults with ADHD, the first line of treatment is medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that target the way neurotransmitters interact with the brain are also possible. adhd in women adult include atomoxetine, guanfacine and Guanfacine.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to regulate your emotions and behavior. A healthy diet and exercise along with medication can help manage ADHD symptoms such as anxiety, impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities such as yoga, dancing and group classes such as swimming or aerobics, as well as biking to increase your energy levels. Make sure to exercise at the very least four to five sessions every week, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. To support your mood and focus take a varied diet of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.