AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to live up to society's expectations. This includes taking care of others as well as balancing work and family life, and managing relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Gender bias may also lead health professionals to misdiagnose or not recognize ADHD symptoms in girls and women.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of in concentrating. It's a condition that can manifest in different ways, from forgetting appointments to being unable to complete tasks at work to zoning out during conversations, making people feel disregarded. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances and often result in them not being able to take advantage on financial or job opportunities.
It's possible that women are more adept at masked their ADHD symptoms, which may make it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers don't know why, but they think it may be due to gender roles and the expectation of women and girls to be more "restrained." Masking ADHD could lead to underperformance at work or in school and prevent them from seeking support and help.
high functioning adhd in women of focus can also be mistaken for other conditions like anxiety or depression. For instance, depression could affect your concentration by making you more forgetful and unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder are unable to concentrate because they are usually overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best method to increase concentration. This involves finding a therapist or clinician who has experience working with 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 at home. A healthy sleep routine will assist you in having more restful nights and help you to stay focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping each night at the same time, and listening to relaxing music or an audiobook and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be impulsive. They may be prone to interrupting others or switching topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not the best for their interests. They might also have trouble reading body language or interpreting social cues. Symptoms of impulsivity often get worse during the perimenopausal period that comes before menopause 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 could lead health professionals to overlook ADHD in these individuals, or misdiagnose them or dismiss their symptoms as anxiety or mood problems. The gender bias could be a factor, since research on ADHD is predominantly focused on men and boys.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers often notice an impulsive behavior. It's not unusual for children to be anxious or impatient at times. However, those behaviors tend to improve as children grow up and learn to manage their issues.
Adults with adhd can experience impulsive behavior and distraction that affect their work, relationships, and school. They can cause procrastination and forgetfulness as well as difficulty keeping commitments. They can also make it difficult for people to find and keep jobs and can interfere with healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adults with ADHD typically involves medication. Your doctor might recommend an individualized treatment based on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health conditions. They may also recommend psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to identify and change negative thought patterns, couples counseling, when your relationship is impacted by ADHD, or even family therapy. Exercise can also help calm your brain and reduce symptoms, especially when it comes to impulsivity and distractibility. Try activities like yoga, dancing or group exercises, such as running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can lead to various physical symptoms. These include dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. These symptoms can cause a person to believe they are suffering from a stroke or the world is about to end. Due to these physical signs those who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed with a heart condition. This can lead to a lengthy journey of medical treatment that does not treat the root cause. Fortunately, most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy on its own or in combination with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help a person develop new ways of thinking and reacting that may help them feel 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 may also be more likely to have a mixed type. It is crucial for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will conduct an extensive physical exam and ask specific questions about how the disorder affects their life.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis, since many diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Women might also hide their symptoms to fit in with society. As a result, they could be overlooked and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take an extensive history, a 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.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD might experience disorganization, which is a persistent issue that can disrupt the routine of school and work, cause emotional stress and create tension in relationships, and can lead to financial problems. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organizational skills for example, not paying bills or keep appointments, and having difficulty making decisions. It can be caused by other issues like anxiety, traumatic event in life, or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD are able to perform at a high degree and their symptoms don't significantly affect their daily lives or relationships. This is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this does not mean they don't experience certain symptoms. These include difficulty staying focused or paying attention to particulars, feeling uneasy, and being in a state of forgetfulness.
For some, a lack of organization is a daily struggle and it's normal 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 can lead to strained relationships. It can also lead to various health problems, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Hormone fluctuations can also exacerbate the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen is lower during ovulation and in the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone is more abundant, and these fluctuations can make ADHD symptoms worse.
While differences in the biological makeup of genders may play a part, it's also possible that some of the disorder and impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in women is linked to social "norms." Young women and girls are often socialized to be quiet and reserved, which is why they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women tend to find it easier to conceal their attention issues than men do which can lead to being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment. In reality, they may even think that they have better focus and time-management abilities than they actually do. In reality, they're more likely to misplace things, forget appointments or pay bills on time and struggle with a lack of organization at home and at work.
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 might also have difficulty in calming down and may talk to themselves continuously or speak in a nonsensical manner or make sounds, however they're much less likely to exhibit these symptoms than men are.
The first treatment is medication. option for many adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are often prescribed, however nonstimulant drugs that target the way that neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. They include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Women with ADHD also may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you recognize automatic or irrational thinking and teach you healthy ways to control your mood and behavior. In addition to medications exercise and an appropriate diet can help you manage ADHD symptoms of restlessness, impulsivity and distractibility. Try activities like dancing, yoga or group classes such as swimming or aerobics, and biking to boost energy levels. Try to do at least four to five sessions of exercise every week for around 30 minutes each session. To support your mood and focus, eat a variety vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.