AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD often have difficulty meeting the various expectations of society. Women with ADHD often struggle to meet the expectations of society, including caring for others as well as balancing 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 professionals to not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most common symptoms of adhd in women. It can show up in many different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments or not being able to finish work, or snoring during conversations and making people feel ignored. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances, and often cause them to miss out on financial or job opportunities.
Women may be more adept in masked ADHD symptoms than others and this makes it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers don't know why this is, but they believe it could be due to gender roles and the expectation for girls and women to be more "restrained." Masking ADHD could lead to underperformance at work or in school, and hinder people from seeking help and help.
Focus issues are also a common symptom and can be confused with other ailments, including depression and anxiety. For instance, depression may influence your concentration by making you less attentive and unmotivated. People with generalized anxieties disorder are unable to concentrate because they are often overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best way to increase your concentration. This involves finding a therapist or clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. It's also recommended to be aware about the kinds of accommodations you can ask your employer or school for like flexible hours or working from home. Good sleep hygiene will also aid you in having more peaceful nights and to be more focused throughout the day. This means going to bed each night at the same time, and listening to soothing music or an audiobook, and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. They may be prone to interrupting others or changing topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not beneficial to their health. They might also have difficulty understanding the body language of others or picking up on social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during perimenopausal, the period before menopausal and when hormone levels begin 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 overlook ADHD in these individuals, or mistakenly diagnose them, or dismiss their symptoms as anxiety or mood problems. Research on ADHD is primarily focused on males and females. This could result in the perception of gender bias.
When children with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers sometimes observe an impulsive behavior. It's not uncommon for children to be restless or impatient at times. These behaviors can increase as children grow older and become more adept at managing their symptoms.
In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can affect school, work, and relationships. They can lead to procrastination, inattention, as well as problems keeping commitments. They can make it difficult to find and keep jobs and can affect healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication. Your doctor will suggest various treatments based on the specific symptoms you have and lifestyle, as well as other health conditions you might have. They may also recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which can help you recognize and alter negative thinking patterns and couples counseling in the event that your relationship is affected by ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind, reduce symptoms and help you focus. This is especially true for those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. You can take on activities such as yoga, dancing, and group exercises like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a variety of physical symptoms. They can cause dizziness, chest pain and heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. They can make people feel as if they are suffering from an attack on their heart or that the world is coming to an end. Due to these physical signs people who suffer from anxiety often get misdiagnosed with a heart condition. This can result in a lengthy journey of medical treatments that do not treat the root cause. Psychotherapy is effective for most anxiety disorders, whether it's used on its own or when combined with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular can help someone to develop 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 have an uniform subtype. Women should discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor and will ask them questions about the disorder.
Women with ADHD may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis, since many diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms to fit in with the rest of society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment is delayed. A qualified professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take thorough medical history, physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to assess the symptoms of a person and determine if they have other conditions contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD may experience disorganization. This is a persistent problem that can cause disruptions in school and work emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is often characterized by the lack of organization skills that include not keeping track of expenses or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. Often, killer deal is related to other issues, like anxiety, traumatizing a life incident, or depression and is often difficult to treat.
Certain women with ADHD are able to function at a high level, and their symptoms do not significantly impact their daily lives or relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." It doesn't mean they don't experience some of the symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating, or paying attention to tiny details.
Some people struggle with disorganization on a daily basis. They may be looking for lost objects or putting off important tasks. It can also lead to low productivity and stressed relationships. It can also cause a number of health problems such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Hormone fluctuations can also contribute to the disorder of women suffering from ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation, the middle of menstrual cycles and at the conclusion, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, although biological differences may be a factor, a portion of the impulsivity or disorganization among women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women are often socialized to be quiet and reserved, so they might suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which can cause them to be misdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment. In reality, they may even believe they have better concentration and time-management skills than they do. In reality, they're more likely to misplace things and forget appointments, or not pay bills on time, and struggle with disorganization at work and home.
Women suffering from ADHD are more prone 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 being silent, and may even talk to themselves or make nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men.
For many people suffering from ADHD the first option for treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are usually prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on the way that neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine and the guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. 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 medication can help manage ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities such as yoga, dancing and group classes such as aerobics or swimming, and cycling to boost your energy levels. Try to exercise for at least four to five sessions per week, each lasting about 30 minutes. To improve your mood and concentration take a varied diet of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.
