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 can also cause health care professionals to not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most common adhd symptoms in women. It's a condition that can manifest in a variety of different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments to not being able to finish work, or snoring when talking to others and making them feel ignored. It's also a frequent problem that makes it hard for women to keep up with their finances, and it's often the reason they do not get jobs or financial opportunities.
Women are more adept at masking ADHD symptoms than other women, making it harder for them as adults to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't certain why this is, but they speculate that it could be due to traditional gender roles and the notion that women and girls be more "restrained." Masking ADHD symptoms can result in underperforming at work or school, and it might make it difficult for them to seek the help and support they need.
Lack of focus can also be mistaken for other conditions such as anxiety or depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder are unable to concentrate because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best method to increase your concentration is to control your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. This means you should find a therapist or therapist experienced with ADHD for both girls and women. It's also an excellent idea to find out about the kinds of accommodations you can ask your employer or educational institution for like flexible hours or working from home. A good night's sleep can also help you get more restful nights and become more focused throughout the day. It can include sleeping at the same time each night, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior to sleeping, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD tend to be highly impulsive. They may be prone to interrupting others or shifting topics during conversations, making snap decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not in their best interests. They might also have trouble reading body language or interpreting social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during perimenopausal, the period before menopausal 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 Webpage can lead to health professionals not seeing ADHD in women and girls, misdiagnosing them, or dismissing their symptoms as being a mood or anxiety problem. Gender bias may also play a role, as research on ADHD is mostly focused on men and boys.
When children with ADHD are young, teachers and parents occasionally observe impulsive behavior. It's not unusual for children to be restless or impatient at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve over time as kids grow older and learn how to manage their symptoms.
In adults, the impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can negatively impact school, work and relationships. They can lead to delays 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 typically treated with medication. Your doctor might recommend an individualized treatment based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and any other health issues. They may also suggest psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and alter negative thought patterns or couples counseling if your relationship has been affected by your ADHD or family therapy. Physical exercise can help to calm your mind and reduce symptoms, especially when it comes to disorientation and impulsivity. Try activities like yoga, dancing or group workouts like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger a variety of 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 an attack or that the world is going to end. Due to these physical signs those who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed with heart disease. This could result in lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root cause. Fortunately, the majority of anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy by itself or in combination with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically can help someone to develop new ways of thinking or reacting to situations that could 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 an uniform subtype. It's important for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will perform an extensive physical exam and ask specific questions about the way that the disorder impacts their lives.
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that many of the diagnostic tools used to diagnose the disorder are biased towards male behavior. Additionally, women often try to hide their ADHD to fit in with society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment delayed. A trained professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses, can identify ADHD. The professional will make use of a detailed medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders in order to assess the symptoms of a patient and determine if any other medical conditions might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are prone to experiencing disordered behavior. This is a constant problem that can cause disruptions in school and work emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization can be characterized by a lack of organizational skills for example, not paying bills on time or keep appointments, and a difficulty in making decisions. In many cases, it is connected to other issues, like anxiety, a traumatic life incident, or depression and can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD can function at a high level, and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily activities or relationships. This condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this doesn't mean that they don't suffer from the common symptoms. This includes forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating, or paying attention to tiny details.
For some, disorder is a daily struggle and it's normal for people suffering from ADHD to be prone to searching for lost objects or putting off important tasks. It can also cause poor work quality and strained relationships. It can also trigger several health issues like insomnia or anxiety.
Hormone fluctuations can further aggravate the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating, during the middle of menstrual cycles and at the conclusion when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
Although biological differences between genders could play a role, it's also possible that some of the disorganization and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is related to social "norms." Young women and girls may be socialized to be quiet and reserved and this can cause them to suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which can lead 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, these people are likely to lose things and forget appointments, or fail to pay their bills on time. They also face disorganization both at work and at home.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely 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 may also have issues speaking to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they are less likely to experience these symptoms than males.
For many adults with ADHD, the first line of treatment is medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are typically prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that target the way neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify your automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to regulate your behavior and emotions. Exercise and a healthy diet in addition to medications can help you manage ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group classes such as aerobics or swimming, and biking to increase your energy levels. Try to do at least 4 to 5 hours of exercise per week, lasting approximately 30 minutes per session. To boost your mood and concentration, eat a variety foods, including whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats.