Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women with ADHD are often pushed to different expectations from society on how they should handle their families, careers, and their home lives. This can lead to feelings of guilt and anger if your symptoms are getting impeding your progress.
Research has shown that girls and women are consistently under-referred for ADHD as compared to boys and men. This could be because they hide their symptoms or use strategies to cope with the signs, for example:
1. Inattentiveness
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd is the difficulty in paying attention in school or at work. People with adhd tend to miss important meetings or assignments or are misled by directions. They might also have difficulty focusing or concentrate in situations that are noisy or busy. People who suffer from ADHD can have what is known as "thousand-yard stares" and lose focus during conversations. These symptoms can lead to problems at work or in relationships.
Females and females are especially susceptible to being diagnosed with ADHD particularly as they get older. They develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms, and continue to do so until adulthood. They may even begin to consider their symptoms individual characteristics, which can make them less likely to seek help.
A lot of teachers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for girls as they do for males. However should a girl's lack of attention ADHD symptoms are having a negative impact on her school performance and social interactions, she should speak to a healthcare professional.
Inattentive ADHD is a common reason for emotional stress. It can be difficult when you feel like you're not able to meet the expectations of your friends or family members, as well as coworkers. It can be a bit depressing to feel like you're not able to get with your children or siblings. Inattention and impulsivity can cause anxiety and depression in some people with ADHD. You can lessen the severity of these symptoms by seeking help and doing other activities. Regular exercise can help release neurotransmitters that boost attention and concentration. It also helps reduce mood swings, anxiety, and other symptoms that are common to people with ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
The impulsive symptoms of ADHD can be a challenge to manage. You might make comments you shouldn't, or purchase something on impulse. You could also get in trouble with the police because of your actions. It can also make it hard to control your emotions and emotions. Self-injury can manifest in self-injury, including cutting, burning, or scratching oneself. It could also lead to drinking and drug abuse.
People with impulsivity often have issues with relationships as well as school or work performance. Your doctor can assist you to manage your impulsivity by prescribing medications. The use of amphetamine, dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Ritalin) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can improve your control over impulses. Non-stimulant drugs such as clonidine and Guanfacine can improve your ability to manage yourself.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. This kind of ADHD can be difficult to detect, leading to the wrong diagnosis. Women may hide their symptoms to comply with social expectations and norms. This masking is especially problematic in adolescence and early adulthood. Some women employ unhealthy coping strategies that include drinking excessively and substance use to cover up their ADHD challenges.
Women with high-functioning ADHD might conceal their symptoms by thriving in specific areas of their lives, such as school or work. This could make you believe that everything is fine and make you feel overwhelmed. Ask your doctor about accommodations that you can make at work or at school to help manage your ADHD symptoms. This is a great way to inform your colleagues or professors of the difficulties you have to face.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD then avoiding appointments, arriving late to work, forgetting dates and zoning-out during conversations can lead to frustration and make others feel snubbed or offended. The condition can make it difficult to keep track of your tasks and manage your finances and schedules. If you can't remember what you need to get for groceries, then you may be unable to eat, or spend too much on unnecessary things.
Women with ADHD are unable to keep track of their daily chores, homework, and bills. The disorder can also contribute to disorganized workspaces, messy homes and a propensity to hoard. People with ADHD experience a concept known as "time blindness," which makes it difficult to know how much time has passed and the length of time you've spent on a project. Time management issues can trigger feelings of guilt or shame when they are combined with a struggle to stay organized.
Research shows that girls, women and boys are more likely than males to suffer from ADHD. However, the symptoms are often misdiagnosed or hidden. Women are often not given a diagnosis until adulthood and their symptoms become more obvious. Additionally, social stigma and stereotypes could make it difficult for women to get the support and treatment they require.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine increase and balance neurotransmitters - the brain chemicals that transmit information. Antidepressants and atomoxetine which are non-stimulant medicines are also used to treat ADHD. However, they work more slowly than stimulants. Your doctor might also refer you to a mental health specialist who will help you develop an individual treatment plan that is tailored to your individual requirements.
4. Impulsiveness
Women who suffer from ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions, and they might be more sensitive to rejection. The chemical imbalance that is associated with ADHD disrupts the communication between brain areas that regulate emotions and interpret how to deal with them.
Depression and moodiness are typical for those with ADHD and the combination of these symptoms with difficulties in keeping track of responsibilities can lead to trouble with relationships with loved ones and family. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have a low self-esteem, and have difficulties forming relationships and navigating social situations. They may wander off on tangents during conversations or have trouble understanding what others are saying, which could make it difficult for them to determine their place within groups.
When it comes to managing their day-to-day responsibilities, women with ADHD may struggle with finding the motivation to do routine or boring tasks, such as laundry, dishes, and cleaning. This can result in unhealthy coping strategies like binge watching television shows or consuming substances. These habits can be particularly risky for young girls and adolescents with ADHD, who are more likely to engage in sexually dangerous behaviors, including early initiation of sexual activity, fewer sexual partners who are protected and more casual sex than their peers.
As adults, women with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed than men because they tend to have inattentive symptoms instead of hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms. adhd symptoms in women adults hide their ADHD due to the numerous expectations placed on them by society (managing the household and children, for instance). It isn't easy for doctors to identify that there is a problem because the symptoms are easier to recognize in both males.
5. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD might have difficulty managing their daily tasks. They may have difficulty organizing their lives, paying their bills on time, and keeping up with school/work requirements. Emotional symptoms, like mood swings and difficulty managing emotions, can make it difficult to connect with other people and cause problems in personal relationships.
People suffering from ADHD are unable to discern body language or social cues. They may struggle to follow a conversation or going off on a tangent, causing difficulties at school or at work and straining relationships. They may also have difficulty making new friends or achieving the right balance between work, home, and social life.
Symptoms of ADHD can be different throughout the day and can be affected by hormone levels, like those during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or when they move through perimenopausal (the menopausal transition). This can lead to misdiagnosis, or the wrong types of medication being taken.
There are certain symptoms and signs that are that are typical of ADHD that can aid you or someone you love to recognize the condition. It is crucial to identify these signs to get the treatment and assistance you require to manage symptoms effectively.
The fact that you have ADHD isn't a guarantee that it doesn't mean you're not suffering from other physical or mental health conditions It's crucial that your doctor or therapist conducts a thorough examination. They'll ask questions regarding your past and current behaviors, look over your medical history, and talk about the impact of your symptoms in various settings.