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 managing relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Gender bias may also lead health care professionals to misdiagnose or not recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is having trouble in concentrating. The problem can manifest in different ways, including missing appointments, not being able finish tasks at the office or zoning out when speaking to people. It's also a typical symptom that can make it difficult for women to keep track of their finances, and it's often the reason they do not get jobs or financial opportunities.
Some women may be better in masked ADHD symptoms than others which makes it more difficult for them as adults to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they speculate that it could be related to gender stereotypes and the expectation that girls and women should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms could lead to underperforming at work or school and could hinder them from seeking the help and assistance they need.
Lack of focus is also a common symptom that can be confused with other conditions like anxiety and depression. For instance, depression could influence your concentration by making you less attentive and unmotivated. adult adhd in women suffering from generalized anxiety disorder have difficulty concentrating because they are often overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to increase your ability to concentrate is to manage your ADHD symptoms through treatment. This involves seeking out a therapist or a clinician 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 school for such as flexible hours or working at home. A good night's sleep can also help you get more restful nights and be more focused during the day. This includes sleeping at the same time every evening, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior to sleeping, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are often highly impulsive. They may interrupt others or change topics during the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without considering the consequences and take risks that are not in your best interests. They might also have difficulty understanding the body language of others or recognizing social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopause - the period prior to menopausal onset - 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 to health care professionals missing ADHD in women and girls, misdiagnosing them, or dismissing their symptoms as a mood or anxiety issue. The gender bias could also play a role, as research on ADHD is mostly focused on men and boys.
When children with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers sometimes observe the impulsive behavior of children. It's normal for children to be irritable, restless, or impulsive at times. However, those behaviors tend to improve over time as children grow up and learn how to manage their issues.
adult adhd in women with adhd can be prone to impulsive behavior and distraction which can affect their relationships, work, and school. They can lead to procrastination and inattention, as well as problems adhering to commitments. They can also make locating and keeping a job difficult and can hinder healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is typically treated by medication. Your doctor may recommend various treatments based on your particular symptoms and lifestyle, as well as other health conditions you may have. They may also suggest psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists you recognize and alter negative thought patterns or couples counseling if your relationship is affected by ADHD or family therapy. Physical exercise can also aid in calming your brain and reduce symptoms, especially in the case of distraction and impulsivity. You can try activities like yoga, dancing, or group workouts like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a wide array of physical symptoms. Dizziness, headaches, palpitations and sweating are just a few of the signs. These symptoms can make a person think they are having a stroke or the world is about to end. People who suffer from anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart condition because of these physical symptoms. This can result in a long medical treatment without addressing the root cause. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in combination with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically, can help a person to develop new ways of thinking or reacting to situations that may 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 an uniform subtype. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms and their doctor will ask them specific questions regarding the disorder.
Women with ADHD may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that many of the diagnostic tools used to diagnose the disorder are geared towards male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms to fit with society. In the end, they may not be diagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurses, can diagnose ADHD. The professional will conduct thorough medical background, 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 that may be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD can experience disorganization. This is a chronic issue that can cause interruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organization for example, forgetting to pay bills or keep appointments, and having difficulty making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, such as anxiety, traumatizing life incident, or depression and is often difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD have a high degree of functioning, and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily interactions and relationships. This condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However it doesn't mean they don't have the usual symptoms. They may experience forgetfulness, trouble in concentrating or paying attention to tiny details.
For some, disorganization is a constant struggle, and it's common for people suffering from ADHD to spend a lot of time looking for lost items or put off important tasks. It can also lead to poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also lead to several health issues, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Hormone fluctuations can also exacerbate the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower when ovulating, during the middle of menstruation and at the end of the cycle, while progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, although biological differences may play a part, some of the disorganization or impulsivity in women suffering from ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women may be socialized to be reserved and quiet and can cause them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women tend to find it easier to conceal their attention issues than men and can result in undiagnosed problems and delayed treatment. They may even think they're better at time management and concentration than they actually are. In reality, they're more likely to lose things and forget appointments, or not pay bills on time and have trouble coordinating their 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 being silent, and may even talk to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they are less likely to suffer from these symptoms than males.
The first treatment is medication. option for many adults suffering from ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are usually prescribed, but nonstimulant medications that target the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for women with ADHD. These treatments can help you recognize thoughts that are irrational or automatic and help you learn healthy ways to control your moods and behaviors. Exercise and a healthy diet, in addition to medication can help manage ADHD symptoms such as inattention, restlessness, and distractibility. Try activities such as yoga, dancing, group classes like swimming or aerobics, and biking to boost energy levels. Try to do at least four to five sessions of exercise each week of about 30 minutes per session. Be sure to eat a variety of vegetables and whole grains, as well as healthy fats and protein to help boost your concentration and mood.