AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to meet society's expectations. Women with ADHD typically struggle to meet societal expectations such as caring for others while juggling 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. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most common symptoms of adhd in women is difficulty in concentrating. This issue can manifest in different ways, including having trouble remembering appointments, not being able complete tasks at work or being unable to concentrate when talking to others. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances, and often result in them missing out on financial or job opportunities.
It's possible that some women are better at masking their ADHD symptoms, which may make it difficult to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't certain why this is, but they believe that it could be due to traditional gender roles and the belief that girls and women should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can lead to underperforming at work or school and may hinder them from seeking the help and assistance they require.
www.iampsychiatry.uk of focus is also a common symptom that can be confused with other illnesses like anxiety and depression. Depression can affect concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People with generalized anxieties disorder have difficulty concentrating because they are often overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to improve your ability to concentrate is to control your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. This includes finding a therapist or clinician who has experience with ADHD both in women and girls. It's also a good idea to learn about accommodations that you can ask your employer or school for such as flexible hours or working from home. Practicing good sleep hygiene can also help you get more restful nights and become more focused during the day. It can include going to bed at the same time each night, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior to going to bed, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. They can interrupt other people or switch topics during the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without considering the consequences and take risks that are not in your best interests. They may also have trouble understanding body language or picking up on social cues. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopausal, the period prior to menopausal symptoms - and also 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 cause health care professionals to miss ADHD in these individuals, or mistakenly diagnose them or ignore their symptoms as mood or anxiety issues. The gender bias could also play a role, because research on ADHD is mostly focused on men and boys.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers occasionally notice the impulsive behavior of children. It's not uncommon for children to be restless or even impatient at times. These behaviors can improve as children age and become more adept at managing their symptoms.
Adults can experience impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can negatively impact school, work, and relationships. They can cause procrastination and inattention, as well as problems adhering to commitments. They can make it difficult to find and keep jobs and can affect healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated by medication. Your doctor may recommend an individualized treatment based on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health conditions. Psychotherapy may also be recommended which includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and alter negative thought patterns, couples counseling if your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind, reduce symptoms and aid in focusing. This is especially important for impulsivity and distraction. You can take on activities such as yoga, dancing, or group workouts such as swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a variety of physical symptoms. They can cause dizziness, chest pain, headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. They can make people feel as if they are suffering from an attack of the heart or that the world is closing. Because of these physical symptoms, people who experience anxiety often get misdiagnosed with an issue with their heart. This can result in a long odyssey of medical treatment that fails to tackle the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, whether employed on its own or when combined with medications. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone develop 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 specific questions about the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools used to diagnose the disorder are skewed toward male behavior. Women often attempt to hide their symptoms in order to fit into the society. As a result, they could be overlooked and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take a thorough history, physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to analyze the symptoms of a person and determine if they have other conditions the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD can experience disorganization. This is a persistent problem that can cause disruptions in work and schoolwork and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization is characterized by the lack of organization skills, such as not keeping track of bills or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. Often, disorganization is related to other issues, like anxiety, a traumatic life event, or depression, and is often difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD can perform at a high degree and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily lives or relationships. This condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However this doesn't mean they don't have the common symptoms. They may have difficulty staying focused or paying attention to things, feeling anxious, and being forgetful.
For some, a lack of organization is a constant struggle and it's not uncommon for people suffering from ADHD to spend time searching for lost objects or putting off important tasks. It can also result in low productivity and stressed relationships. It can also lead to many health issues, such as anxiety and sleep disorders.
Another cause of disorganization in women with ADHD is hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation, the middle of menstrual cycles and at the end of the cycle, while progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, while biological differences can play a part, some of the disorganization or impulsivity among women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls are typically socialized to be quiet and reserved, which is why they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women tend to find it easier to conceal their attention issues than men do which can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. In fact, they may even believe they have better focus and time-management skills than they do. In reality, they're more likely to lose 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 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 may also have trouble being quiet and can talk to themselves incessantly or say in a nonsensical manner or make sounds, though they're less likely to have these symptoms than men are.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the first line of treatment is medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also possible. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine and guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These therapies can help you identify automatic or irrational thinking and help you learn healthy ways to self regulate your emotions and behaviors. Exercise and a healthy diet along with medication can help you manage ADHD symptoms like inattention, restlessness and disorientation. For energy boosts, try activities like dancing, yoga, group classes like cycling or swimming, and aerobics. Try to get at least 4 to 5 sessions of exercise every week for approximately 30 minutes per session. Make sure to take a variety of fresh vegetables and whole grains, as well as healthy fats and protein to boost your focus and mood.