AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often challenged to meet the expectations of society in many ways. This includes taking care of 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. A bias based on gender can cause health professionals to not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd among women. It can show up in many different ways, from forgetting appointments to not being able to finish work, to losing focus when talking to others and making them feel disregarded. It can also make it difficult for women to manage their finances and can result in them not being able to take advantage on job or financial opportunities.
Some women may be better in masked ADHD symptoms than other women and this makes it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why, however, they think 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 in school and stop those with ADHD from seeking out support and assistance.
In addition, a lack of focus could be mistaken for other conditions like anxiety or depression. For instance, depression could affect your concentration by making you less attentive and unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder usually have difficulties focusing because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
Treatment is the most effective way to increase concentration. This involves hiring a professional or therapist who has experience with ADHD in women and girls. Also, you should be aware of the kinds of accommodations you can request from your school or employer for example, flexible working hours or working from home. Practicing good sleep hygiene will also help you enjoy more restful sleep and be more focused during the day, including sleeping at the same time each evening, listening to calming music or an audiobook before sleeping and limiting time spent on screens.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity symptoms. They can interrupt other people or change topics during the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences and take risks that aren't in your best interests. They may also have trouble reading other people's body language or interpreting social cues. The signs of impulsivity may increase during perimenopause - 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 can cause health professionals to overlook ADHD in these individuals, or not diagnosing them correctly, or dismiss their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood problems. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on males and females. This may lead to an imbalance in gender.
When children with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers sometimes notice the impulsive behavior of children. It's normal for kids to be impatient, restless or impulsive at times. However, those behaviors tend to improve over time as they grow older and learn how to manage their problems.
Adults with adhd can experience impulsive behavior and distraction which can affect their work, relationships, and school. They can cause delay and forgetfulness, as well as difficulty staying on track with commitments. They can also make it difficult to find and keep jobs, and can interfere with healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication. Your doctor will recommend a combination of treatments depending on your particular symptoms and lifestyle, as well as other health issues you might have. They may also recommend psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you to recognize and change negative thoughts or couples counseling when your relationship is impacted by ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can also help calm your brain and reduce symptoms, particularly when it comes to distraction and impulsivity. Try activities like yoga, dancing or group workouts, like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide array of physical symptoms. Palpitations, headaches, dizziness and sweating are just a few of the signs. They can also make a person feel as if they are suffering from a heart attack or that the world is ending. Due to these physical signs, people who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having an issue with their heart. This can lead to an extended journey of medical treatment that does not address the root cause. Fortunately, the majority of anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in combination with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular can help someone discover 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 mixed subtypes. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms with their doctor. will ask them questions about the disorder.
Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble getting the right diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Women often attempt to hide their ADHD to fit in with society. As a result, they might be underdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced registered nurses may be able to diagnose ADHD. The provider will use a detailed medical history, a physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to evaluate a patient's symptoms and determine if other conditions could be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD can experience disorganization. This is a chronic issue that can cause disruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization can be caused by a lack of organizational skills for example, not paying bills on time or keep appointments, and difficulties in making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, like anxiety, a traumatic life event, or depression, and is often difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD have a high degree of functioning and their symptoms do not significantly affect their day-to-day activities and relationships. adhd in women uk is called "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't have the usual symptoms. This includes forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating or paying attention to the smallest of details.
For some, a lack of organization is a constant battle and it's not uncommon for people with ADHD to be prone to searching for lost objects or putting off important tasks. The disorder also affects the quality of their work and may result in strained relationships. It can also trigger a number of health problems like sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another cause of the disorder in women with ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen levels are lower when ovulating, during the middle of menstruation, and at the end, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
While biological differences between the genders could play a role however, it's also possible that some of the disorder and impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in women is linked to social "norms." Girls and young women may be conditioned to be reserved and quiet and this can cause them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are often able to hide their attention issues than men do and can result in being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment. They may even think they are better at time management and concentration than they actually are. In reality, these people tend to lose things, miss appointments, or pay their bills on time. They also have trouble with disorganization both at work and at home.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to develop the inattentive type 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 might also have difficulty staying silent and speak to themselves or make a variety of nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they are less likely to experience these symptoms than men.
Medication is the first treatment option for many adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that target the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain may also be a possibility. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD also may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify automatic or irrational thinking patterns and teach you healthy ways to regulate your mood and behavior. In addition to medication, exercise and an appropriate diet can help you manage ADHD symptoms of restlessness, impulsivity and distractibility. Try activities like yoga, dancing, group classes like swimming or aerobics, and cycling to boost your energy levels. Try to get at least four to five sessions of exercise each week of around 30 minutes each session. To support your mood and concentration take a varied diet of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.
