AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to meet society's expectations. 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 also cause health care professionals to misdiagnose or not recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most common symptoms of adhd among women. It's a condition that 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 ignored. It's also a frequent symptom that can make it hard for women to keep track of their finances. It's often the reason why they do not get jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that certain women are better at masking their ADHD symptoms, which may make it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they theorize that it may be due to gender stereotypes and the belief that women and girls should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can result in being under-performing at school or at work and could prevent them from seeking the help and support they need.
In addition, lack of focus is an atypical symptom that could be confused with other illnesses, including depression and anxiety. Depression can affect concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder usually have difficulties focusing because they are more likely to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to improve your concentration is to control your ADHD symptoms with treatment. This means you should find a therapist or therapist with experience in ADHD for both girls and women. It is also important to know about the options for accommodations from your school or employer, such as flexible working hours or working at home. Practicing good sleep hygiene can help you have more restful sleep and be more focused throughout the day. It can include getting to bed at the same time each evening, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior sleeping and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. They may be prone to interrupting others or switching topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that aren't beneficial to their health. They might also have difficulty reading other people's body language or picking up on social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during perimenopause, the phase that precedes menopausal, and then when 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 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. Research on ADHD is focused on males and females. This could result in a gender bias.
When children with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers occasionally notice an impulsive behavior. It's not uncommon for children to be irritable or impatient at times. These behaviors can increase as children grow older and learn to manage their symptoms.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can impact work, school, and relationships. They can lead to procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as difficulty keeping promises. They can also make it difficult to find and keep jobs and can disrupt healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication. Your doctor may suggest a combination treatment depending on your lifestyle, symptoms, and any other health issues. They may also suggest psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which assists you recognize and alter negative thinking patterns and couples counseling when your relationship is impacted by ADHD, or even family therapy. Exercise can help calm your brain and help reduce symptoms. It can also help you focus. This is particularly true for impulsivity and distraction. Try activities such as dancing, yoga, and group exercises like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a variety of physical symptoms. Palpitations, headaches, dizziness and sweating are a few of the symptoms. These symptoms can cause a person to believe they are suffering from a stroke or the world is close to ending. Because of these physical symptoms people who suffer from anxiety often get misdiagnosed with an issue with their heart. Learn Alot more Here can lead to a lengthy journey of medical treatment that fails to address the root cause. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in conjunction with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically, can help a person to develop 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 be a mixed type. It's important for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will conduct an exhaustive physical exam and ask questions about the way that the disorder impacts their lives.
Women with ADHD might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are biased towards male behavior. Women may also hide their symptoms to fit in with society. They may be misdiagnosed, and their ADHD treatment may be delayed. A qualified professional like a psychiatrist psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurses, can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take an extensive 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 there are other conditions that might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD may experience disorganization. This is a constant problem that can cause disruptions in work and schoolwork emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization can be caused by a lack of organizational skills, such as forgetting to pay bills or make appointments, and having difficulty making decisions. In many cases, it is connected to other issues, such as anxiety, traumatizing a life event, or depression and can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a high level of functioning and their symptoms do not significantly impact their daily interactions and relationships. This condition is called "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't have the common symptoms. They may have difficulty concentrating or paying attention to details, feeling restless and in a state of forgetfulness.
For some, disorganization is a daily struggle, and it's common for people suffering from ADHD to be prone to searching for lost objects or putting off important tasks. The disorder also affects the quality of their work and can result in strained relationships. It can also cause various health issues, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another issue that can cause disorganization in women with ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation, the middle of menstruation, and at the end the cycle, while progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
While biological differences between the genders could play a role but it's also possible 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 can cause to them to conceal or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women often find it easier to conceal their attention issues than men do and can result in being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment. In reality, they might even think that they have better concentration and time-management skills than they actually do. In reality, they're likely to lose things or forget appointments, pay bills on time, and have trouble coordinating their work and at home.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to develop the inattentive form 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 staying silent and speak to themselves or make nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they are less likely to suffer from these symptoms than males.
Medication is the first treatment option for many adults with ADHD. stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate are typically prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that target the way that neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also beneficial for women with ADHD. These therapies can help identify thoughts that are irrational or automatic and teach you how to manage your moods and behaviors. Alongside medication exercising and healthy eating habits can help you manage ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity and distractibility. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group classes such as swimming or aerobics, and cycling to boost your energy levels. Make sure to exercise at minimum four to five times per week, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. Make sure to take a variety of fresh vegetables whole grains, healthy fats and protein to boost your focus and mood.