AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD are often challenged to meet the various expectations of society. This includes caring for others as well as balancing work and family life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. The gender bias can make health professionals not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd in women is having trouble concentrating. It can manifest in a variety of different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments to being unable to finish tasks at work to zoning out during conversations, making people feel disregarded. It can also 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 in masked ADHD symptoms than others which makes it more difficult for them as adults to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't certain why this is, but they speculate that it could be due to gender stereotypes and the notion that girls and women should be more "restrained." Masking ADHD symptoms can lead to being under-performing at school or at work, and it might make it difficult for them to seek the help and assistance they need.
The lack of focus can be misinterpreted as other signs such as depression or anxiety. For instance, depression may influence your concentration by making you forgetful and irritable. People with generalized anxieties disorder are unable to concentrate because they are often overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best method to improve concentration. This means locating a doctor or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls. Also, you should be aware of the kinds of accommodations you can request from your school or employer, such as flexible working hours or working from home. A good night's sleep can also help you get more restful nights and be more focused throughout the day. It can include sleeping at the same time each night, listening to relaxing music or an audiobook before sleeping and limiting time spent on screens.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. These can include interrupting others or changing topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not in their best interests. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during perimenopause, the phase that precedes menopausal 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 cause health professionals to miss ADHD in these individuals, or not diagnosing them correctly, or ignore their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood problems. Research on ADHD is primarily focused on men and boys. This can lead to a gender bias.
When children with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers often observe an impulsive behavior. It's normal for children to be impatient, restless or even impulsive in certain instances. However, those behaviors tend to improve over time as kids grow older and learn how to manage their problems.
Adults who suffer from adhd may experience impulsive behavior and distraction that can impact their relationships, work, and school. They can lead to procrastination, forgetfulness as well as difficulty adhering to commitments. They can also make locating and keeping jobs difficult and interfere with healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication. Your doctor will suggest various treatments based on your specific symptoms, your lifestyle, and other health conditions you may have. They may also suggest psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you to identify and change negative thoughts and couples counseling if your relationship is affected by ADHD or other issues, or even family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain and help reduce symptoms. It can also aid in focusing. This is especially true for those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities like yoga, dancing or group workouts like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger a variety of physical symptoms. Dizziness, headaches, palpitations and sweating are some of the symptoms. They can make people feel as if they are suffering from an attack on their heart or that the world is closing. Due to these physical signs, people who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed with a heart condition. This can result in lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root cause. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, whether employed on its own or in conjunction with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically can help someone discover 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 are also more likely to have mixed subtypes. It 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 suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that many of the diagnostic tools utilized for the disorder are skewed toward male behavior. Women might also hide their symptoms to fit with society. In the end, they could be overlooked and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take an in-depth history, a physical examination 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 who suffer from ADHD are prone to experiencing disorganization. This is a chronic issue that can lead to disruptions in work and schoolwork, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is defined as a lack of organizational skills that include not keeping track of expenses or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. In many cases, it is connected to other issues, like anxiety, a traumatic life event, or depression, and can be difficult to treat.
Some women who suffer from ADHD have a high degree of functioning and their symptoms do not significantly impact their daily activities and relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this doesn't mean that they don't suffer from the typical symptoms. They may have difficulty concentrating or paying attention to things, feeling anxious and forgetful.
For some, disorder is a constant battle and it's not uncommon for those with ADHD to spend time searching for lost items or putting off important tasks. The disorder also affects the quality of their work and may lead to strained relationships. It can also cause a variety of health issues, including anxiety and sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can also exacerbate the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, the middle of menstruation, and at the end the cycle, while progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, while biological differences may be a factor, a portion of the disorder or impulsivity among women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls are often socialized to be quiet and reserved, so they might suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which could cause them to be misdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment. They may even think they're better at managing their time and concentration than they actually are. In reality, they're more likely to lose things, forget appointments or pay bills on time, and struggle with disorganization at work and home.
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to develop the inattentive version 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 quiet and can talk to themselves incessantly or say unintelligible phrases or sounds, though they're less likely to have these symptoms than men are.
For adhd women test with ADHD, the first line of treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed, however nonstimulant medicines that focus on how neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. They include atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD also may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you identify your automatic or irrational thoughts, and also learn healthy ways to control your mood and behavior. A healthy diet and exercise in addition to medications, can help control ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity, and distractibility. To boost your energy levels, try activities like yoga, dancing, or group classes such as swimming or aerobics, and biking. Try to exercise for at least four to five sessions every week, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. Be sure to eat a variety of vegetables whole grains, healthy fats and protein to support your attention and mood.