AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD often have difficulty meeting the various expectations of society. This includes taking care of others as well as balancing work and family life, and managing relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. The gender bias can cause health care professionals to not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most frequent symptoms of adhd among women. It's a condition that can show up in many different ways, from forgetting appointments to being unable to complete tasks at work, or snoring during conversations, making people feel disregarded. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances and can result in them not being able to take advantage on financial or job opportunities.
Women may be more adept in masked ADHD symptoms than other women and this makes it harder for them as adults to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they theorize that it could be related to gender stereotypes and the belief that women and girls be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can lead to underperforming at work or school and may make it difficult for them to seek the help and assistance they require.
Lack of focus can also be misinterpreted as other signs such as depression or anxiety. For instance, depression may affect your concentration by making you forgetful and irritable. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder usually have trouble focusing because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
The best way to improve your ability to concentrate is to manage your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. That means finding a clinician or therapist experienced with ADHD for girls and women. Also, you should be aware of the kinds of accommodations you can request from your school or employer that allow for flexible working hours or working at home. Good sleep hygiene practices can also help you get more restful nights and be more focused during the day. This includes getting to bed at the same time each evening, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior to going to bed, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are often highly impulsive. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or changing topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking and taking risks that are not the best for their interests. They may also have trouble reading other people's body language or recognizing social signals. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopause - the period prior to menopausal onset - and 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 can cause health professionals to overlook ADHD in their patients, mistakenly diagnose them, or ignore their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood issues. Research on ADHD is primarily focused on boys and men. This can cause a gender bias.
Teachers and parents may observe impulsive behavior in children suffering from ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be anxious or irritable at times. These behaviors can improve as children get older and learn to manage their symptoms.
Adults with adhd can have impulsive behavior and distracting which can affect their work, relationships, and school. They can lead to delays, forgetfulness, and trouble staying on track with commitments. They can also make it difficult to find and keep jobs, and can interfere with healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adult ADHD generally involves taking medication. Your doctor may recommend a combination treatment depending on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health issues. Psychotherapy may also be recommended which includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and alter negative thought patterns or couples counseling in the event that your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can also aid in calming your brain and lessen symptoms, particularly when it comes to distraction and impulsivity. Try activities such as dancing, yoga and group exercises, such as swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a wide array of physical symptoms. Palpitations, headaches, dizziness and sweating are a few of the symptoms. They can make people feel as if they are suffering from an attack of the heart or that the world is ending. People who suffer from anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart condition due to these physical signs. This could result in a long medical treatment without addressing the root cause. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy by itself or in conjunction with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically can help someone to develop new ways of thinking and 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 are also more likely to suffer from an uniform subtype. It is crucial for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out an exhaustive physical exam and ask specific questions about how the disorder affects their life.
Women with ADHD might have difficulty getting a correct diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are geared towards male behavior. In addition, women often attempt to hide their symptoms to fit in with society. They could be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment is delayed. A trained professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurses, can identify ADHD. The provider will use an in-depth medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders in order to evaluate a patient's symptoms and determine if any other medical conditions might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD might experience disorganization, which is a persistent issue that can affect work and schoolwork habits, cause emotional stress and create tension in relationships, and can lead to financial issues. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organizational skills like not paying bills on time or keeping appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. In many cases, it is connected 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 function at a high level, and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily life or relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." It doesn't mean they do not experience certain symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty concentration, or paying attention to small details.
For some, a lack of organization is a daily struggle and it's not uncommon for those with ADHD to be prone to searching for lost items or put off important tasks. It can also cause poor work performance and tension in relationships. adhd symptoms in adult women can also lead to various health issues, such as insomnia or anxiety.
Another issue that can cause disorganization in women with ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen is lower during ovulation and in the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone levels are higher, and these fluctuations can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Although biological differences between sexes can play a role but it's also possible some of the disorder and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is linked to social "norms." Young women and girls may be conditioned to be reserved and quiet and this can cause them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women are more likely than men to conceal their attention issues, which could lead them to be incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. In reality, they might even believe they have better focus and time-management abilities than they do. In reality, they're likely to lose things, forget appointments or pay bills on time, and struggle with a lack of organization at work and home.
Women who suffer 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 may also have issues being silent, and may even talk to themselves or make nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they are less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men.
For many adults with ADHD, the first option for treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with your brain may also be a possibility. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine and Guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These treatments can help you recognize thoughts that are irrational or automatic and help you learn healthy ways to manage your emotions and behaviors. Alongside medication exercising and an appropriate diet can help manage ADHD symptoms of restlessness, impulsivity and distractibility. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group classes such as swimming or aerobics, and biking to increase your energy levels. Try to get at least 4 to 5 sessions of exercise each week of around 30 minutes each session. Make sure to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables and whole grains, as well as healthy fats and protein to help boost your concentration and mood.