AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD are often challenged to meet many societal expectations. This includes caring for others, balancing work and home life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. A bias based on gender can cause health care professionals to not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of concentration. It's a condition that can manifest in a variety of different ways, from forgetting appointments to being unable to finish tasks at work to zoning out when talking to others and making them feel ignored. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances, and often result in them missing out on financial or job opportunities.
Women are more adept at masking ADHD symptoms than other women which makes it more difficult for them as adults to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why, but they believe it could be due to gender roles and the expectation for women and girls to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD could lead to underperformance at work or at school, and hinder those with ADHD from seeking out support and help.
Focus issues are also an atypical symptom that could be confused with other illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Depression can affect concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder have difficulty concentrating because they are usually overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to improve your ability to concentrate is to manage your ADHD symptoms with treatment. This involves finding a therapist or clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD both in women and girls. It's also a good idea to learn about any accommodations you could request your employer or school for such as flexible hours or working from home. A healthy sleeping routine can help you to have more restful nights and to be more focused throughout the day. This includes getting to bed every night at the same time, listening to soothing music or audiobooks, and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. These can include interrupting others or switching topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking and taking risks that are not the best for their interests. They might also have trouble reading body language or interpreting social signals. The signs of impulsivity tend to get worse during the perimenopausal period that comes before menopause and after which hormone levels start to decline.
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 professionals not seeing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing their symptoms, or dismissing their symptoms as being a mood or anxiety problem. Gender bias can also play a role, since research on ADHD is mostly focused on boys and men.
Teachers and parents may observe an impulsive behavior among children suffering from ADHD. It's normal for children to be irritable, restless, or impulsive at times. However, those behaviors tend to improve as children grow up and learn to manage their issues.
Adults can experience impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can affect school, work, and relationships. They can cause procrastination or forgetfulness and difficulty keeping promises. They can also make it difficult for people to find and keep jobs and can disrupt healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adult ADHD generally involves taking medication. Your doctor might recommend a combination of treatments based on your lifestyle, symptoms, and any other health issues. They may also suggest psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change negative thinking patterns and couples counseling when your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can help calm your brain and reduce symptoms, as well as help you focus. This is especially important for those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. You can take on activities such as yoga, dancing, or group workouts like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can lead to various physical symptoms. These include dizziness, chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. These symptoms can cause a person to believe they are suffering from stroke or that the world is close to ending. Due to these physical signs people who suffer from anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart condition. This can result in lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is effective for the majority of anxiety disorders, whether it's employed on its own or in conjunction with medications. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy can help people discover new ways of thinking and reacting 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 mixed subtypes. adhd in adult women treatment is crucial for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out an extensive physical exam and ask questions about how the disorder affects their lives.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty getting the right diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are geared towards male behavior. In addition, women often attempt to hide their symptoms in order to fit into the society. As a result, they could be overlooked and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses, can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take thorough medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to assess the symptoms of an individual and determine if they have other conditions that may be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD may experience disordered behavior. This is a persistent issue that can cause interruptions in school and work and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organizational skills for example, forgetting to pay bills or keep appointments, and a difficulty in making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other issues such as anxiety, a traumatizing experience in life or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Certain women with ADHD are able to perform at a high degree and their symptoms do not affect their daily activities or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't experience some of the usual symptoms. They may experience forgetfulness, trouble concentration or paying attention to the smallest of details.
For some, disorganization is a constant battle, and it's common for those with ADHD to spend a lot of time looking for lost items or put off important tasks. It can also result in poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also trigger a variety of health issues, such as anxiety and sleep disorders.
Another issue that can cause disorder in women suffering from ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, in the middle of menstrual cycle and at the conclusion the cycle, while progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
While biological differences between the sexes can play a role however, it's also possible that some of the disorder and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is linked to social "norms." Young women and girls may be socialized to be quiet and reserved, which can lead to them to conceal or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which can cause them to be wrongly diagnosed and receive delayed treatment. They might even believe they are better at managing their time and concentration than they are. In reality, they're likely to misplace things, forget appointments or pay bills on time, and struggle with disorganization at work and at home.
Women with ADHD are more likely 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 might also have difficulty in calming down and may talk to themselves constantly or use nonsensical phrases or sounds, but they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men are.
For many people suffering from ADHD the first line of treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with your brain could also be effective. These include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you recognize automatic or irrational thoughts, and also learn healthy ways to self-regulate your mood and behavior. Alongside medication exercising and an appropriate diet can help manage ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity, and restlessness. Try activities such as dancing, yoga, group classes like aerobics or swimming, and cycling to boost your energy levels. Try to get at least 4 to 5 sessions of exercise each week of approximately 30 minutes per session. To improve your mood and focus take a varied diet of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.