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 navigating 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 show up in many different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments to being unable to complete tasks at work, or snoring 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 job or financial opportunities.
Women may be more adept at masked ADHD symptoms than other women, making it harder for them as adults to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why, however, they think 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 at school, and hinder those with ADHD from seeking out support and assistance.
In addition, a lack of focus could be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses such as depression or anxiety. Depression can affect concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People with generalized anxieties trouble concentrating as they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best way to increase concentration. This includes finding a therapist or clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls. It's also recommended to be aware about the kinds of accommodations you can ask your employer or educational institution for, such as flexible hours or working from home. Practicing good sleep hygiene can also help you get more restful sleep and be more focused throughout the day, including sleeping at the same time each night, listening to relaxing music or an audiobook prior going to bed, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be highly impulsive. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or changing topics during conversations, making snap decisions without thinking and taking risks that are not beneficial to their health. They might also have trouble understanding body language or social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopausal - the time prior to menopausal onset - 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 lead to health care professionals missing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing their symptoms, or dismissing their symptoms as anxiety or a mood problem. Gender bias may be a factor, as research on ADHD is predominantly focused on males and females.
When children with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers occasionally notice impulsive behavior. It's normal for children to be restless, impatient or impulsive at times. However, signs of add in adult women tend to improve as children grow up and learn to manage their problems.
Adults with adhd can have impulsive behavior and distracting that can impact their relationships, work and school. They can cause procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as difficulties following through with commitments. They can make it difficult to find and keep jobs. signs of add in adult women can disrupt healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication. Your doctor might recommend a combination treatment depending on your symptoms, lifestyle, and any other health conditions. Psychotherapy may also be recommended that includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and change negative thoughts patterns, couples counseling when your relationship has been affected by your ADHD or family therapy. inattentive add in women can also help calm your brain and lessen symptoms, particularly in the case of distraction and impulsivity. Try activities like yoga, dancing and group exercises, such as running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger a variety of physical symptoms. These include dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. They can also make someone feel as if they are suffering from a heart attack or that the world is closing. Due to these physical signs those who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed with a heart condition. This can lead to an extended journey of medical treatments that do not treat the root cause. Psychotherapy is effective for the majority of anxiety disorders, regardless of whether it's used on its own or when combined with medications. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help people discover new ways of thinking and reacting 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 diagnosed with mixed subtypes. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms and their doctor will ask them questions about the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty getting the right diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are geared towards male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms in order to blend with the rest of society. This means that they could be overlooked and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take a thorough history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate the symptoms of an individual and determine if there are any other conditions the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD might experience disorganization, which is a persistent issue that can cause disruption to work and schoolwork habits as well as cause emotional stress. It can stress relationships and cause financial difficulties. Disorganization is characterized by the lack of organization skills that include not keeping track of bills or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. Often, disorganization is related to other issues, like anxiety, traumatizing a life event, or depression and is often difficult to treat.
Some women who suffer from ADHD have a high degree of functioning and their symptoms don't have a significant impact on their daily activities and relationships. This is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However it doesn't mean they don't suffer from the usual symptoms. These include difficulty staying focused or paying attention to things, feeling anxious, and being in a state of forgetfulness.
Many people experience disorganization on a daily basis. They may be looking for lost items or putting off important tasks. It can also result in poor work quality and strained relationships. It can also trigger various health issues such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can also contribute to the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating, during the middle of menstrual cycle, and at the end when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms.
It's possible, though biological differences could play a part, some of the impulsivity or disorganization among women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls are typically socialized to be more reserved and quiet, so they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women tend to find it easier to hide their attention issues than men do and can result in undiagnosed problems and delayed treatment. In reality, they may even think that they have better focus and time-management skills than they do. In reality, they're more likely to lose things and forget appointments, or not pay bills on time and struggle with a lack of organization at work and home.
Women who suffer from 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 in calming down and may talk to themselves incessantly or say nonsensical phrases or sounds, but they're less likely to exhibit these symptoms than males are.
For many people suffering from ADHD the first option for treatment is medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with the brain are also possible. They include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These therapies can help you identify your automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to self-regulate your behavior and emotions. In addition to medications exercising and an appropriate diet can help manage ADHD symptoms like disorientation, impulsivity and restlessness. Try activities like dancing, yoga or group classes such as swimming or aerobics, as well as cycling to boost your energy levels. Try to do at least 4 to 5 sessions of exercise per week, lasting approximately 30 minutes per session. Be sure to take a variety of fresh vegetables whole grains, healthy fats and protein to help boost your concentration and mood.