AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often challenged to meet the various expectations of society. 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. 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 common symptoms of adhd in women is difficulty in concentrating. The problem can manifest in different ways, including having trouble remembering appointments, being unable to finish tasks at the office or having trouble concentrating when talking to others. It's also a typical symptom that can make it hard for women to keep up with their finances. It's often the reason they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, which could make it difficult to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they speculate that it could be related to gender stereotypes and the notion that girls and women should be more "restrained." Masking ADHD symptoms can result in underperforming at work or school and may hinder them from seeking the help and support they need.
Focus issues are also a common symptom and can be confused with other illnesses like anxiety and depression. Depression can affect your concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People with generalized anxieties trouble concentrating as they are often overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to increase your concentration is to manage your ADHD symptoms with treatment. This involves finding a therapist or clinician who has experience working with ADHD in women and girls. It's also a good idea to learn about accommodations that you can request your employer or school for such as flexible hours or working from home. Good sleep hygiene will also assist you in having more restful nights and to be more focused throughout the day. This includes getting to bed every night at the same time, while listening to relaxing music or audiobooks, and limiting screen time.
2. adhd in women adults who suffer from ADHD are often driven. They can interrupt other people or alter the topic of discussions, make snap decisions without considering the consequences, and take risks that aren't beneficial to you. adult add women may also have trouble reading other people's body language or picking up on social cues. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopausal - the time prior to menopausal symptoms - and also 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 lead to health professionals not seeing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as anxiety or a mood problem. Gender bias can be a factor, as research on ADHD is predominantly focused on males and females.
Teachers and parents may observe an impulsive behavior among children suffering from ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be irritable or irritable at times. However, these behaviors tend to improve as they grow older and learn how to manage their problems.
Adults who suffer from adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting that affect their work, relationships, and school. They can lead to procrastination, forgetfulness as well as difficulty adhering to commitments. They can make locating and maintaining a job difficult and can hinder healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is typically treated by medication. Your doctor might recommend a combination of treatments based on your lifestyle, symptoms, and any other health conditions. They may also suggest psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which assists you recognize and alter negative thought patterns and couples counseling in the event that your relationship is affected by ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain and help reduce symptoms. It can also help you focus. This is particularly true for people who have a tendency to be distracted and impulsive. You can take on activities such as yoga, dancing, and group workouts such as swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a wide array of physical symptoms. They can cause dizziness, chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations, and sweating. They can make people feel like they are having a heart attack or that the world is ending. People who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart issue due to these physical signs. This can result in a long medical treatment without addressing the root of the issue. Fortunately, most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in combination with medications. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy can help people discover new ways of thinking and reacting that may make them less anxious.
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 and will ask them detailed questions about the disorder.
Women with ADHD may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools used to diagnose the disorder are geared towards male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms to fit with the rest of society. As a result, they may not be diagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses, can diagnose ADHD. The professional will make use of an in-depth 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 there are other conditions that could be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD can experience disorganization which is a persistent issue that can disrupt the routine of school and work as well as cause emotional stress. It can stress relationships and cause financial problems. Disorganization can be characterized by a lack of organization, such as not paying bills or keep appointments, and difficulties in making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other issues like anxiety, traumatizing event in life, or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD have a high degree of functioning, and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily activities and relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't suffer from the typical symptoms. They may experience forgetfulness, trouble concentrating or paying attention to the smallest of details.
Many people experience disorganization on a regular basis. They might spend their time searching for lost items or putting off important tasks. It can also cause poor work quality and strained relationships. It can also cause several health issues like insomnia or anxiety.
Hormone fluctuations can also contribute to the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen is lower during ovulation and at the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone is higher and these fluctuations could make ADHD symptoms worse.
It's possible that, although biological differences can be a factor, some of the disorganization or impulsivity in women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women are typically socialized to be more reserved and quiet, so they might suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women tend to find it easier to mask their attention problems than men, which can lead to being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment. They might even believe they are better at managing their time and concentration than they are. In reality, they are likely to lose things, forget appointments, or not pay bills on time. They also have trouble with disorganization both at work and at home.
Women with 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 staying silent and speak to themselves or make nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they are less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men.
The first treatment is medication. option for many adults suffering from ADHD. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are often prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also possible. These include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for women with ADHD. These treatments can help you recognize automatic or irrational thinking patterns and teach you healthy ways to control your behavior and emotions. Exercise and a healthy diet, in addition to medication can help manage ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity, and distractibility. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group classes such as swimming or aerobics, and biking to boost energy levels. Try to get at least 4 to 5 hours of exercise every week for about 30 minutes per session. Be sure to take a variety of fresh vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein to support your attention and mood.
