AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD are often challenged to meet many societal expectations. Women with ADHD typically struggle to meet societal expectations such as caring for others, balancing home and work life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. A bias based on gender can make health professionals not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most frequent symptoms of adhd among women. It can show up in many different ways, from not remembering appointments or not being able to finish tasks at work to zoning out during conversations, making people feel disregarded. It's also a typical problem that makes it difficult for women to keep up with their finances, and it's often the reason why they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
Some women may be better at masking ADHD symptoms than others which makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they speculate that it may be due to gender stereotypes and the expectation that girls and women should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can lead to poor performance at school or work, and it might prevent them from seeking the help and support they need.
Lack of focus can also be misinterpreted as other signs like anxiety or depression. For instance, depression can affect your concentration by making you less attentive and irritable. People with generalized anxiety disorder typically have trouble focusing because they are more likely to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to increase your concentration is to control your ADHD symptoms with treatment. This involves hiring a professional or therapist who has experience working with ADHD both in women and girls. Also, you should be aware of the kinds of accommodations you can request from your employer or school, such as flexible working hours or working from home. Practicing good sleep hygiene will also help you enjoy more restful nights and be more focused during the day, including getting to bed at the same time each evening, listening to calming music or an audiobook before sleeping and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD tend to be driven. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or shifting topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking and taking risks that are not the best for their interests. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or social signals. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopausal - the time 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 to health professionals not seeing ADHD in girls and women, misdiagnosing them, or dismissing their symptoms as anxiety or a mood issue. The gender bias could also play a role, since research on ADHD is mostly focused on men and boys.
Teachers and parents might notice the impulsive behavior of children suffering from ADHD. It's normal for children to be irritable, restless or even impulsive in certain instances. These behaviors tend to improve as children get older and begin to manage their symptoms.
Adults with adhd can have impulsive behavior and distracting which can affect their relationships, work and school. They can cause delays and forgetfulness, as well as difficulty staying on track with commitments. They can also make it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also can disrupt healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is usually treated by medication. Your doctor may suggest an individualized treatment based on your lifestyle, symptoms, and any other health issues. Psychotherapy may also be recommended which includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and change negative thoughts patterns, couples counseling when your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain, reduce symptoms and assist you in staying focused. This is particularly true for impulsivity and distraction. Try activities like yoga, dancing or group workouts like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide array of physical symptoms. adhd women uk , headaches, palpitations and sweating are some of the symptoms. They can also make someone feel like they are having a heart attack or that the world is closing. People who suffer from anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart condition due to these physical signs. This can result in lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root cause. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, regardless of whether it's used alone or when combined with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically can help someone develop new ways of thinking or responding to situations that can 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 may also be more likely to be an uniform subtype. It is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out an extensive physical exam and ask detailed questions about the way that the disorder impacts their lives.
Women with ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools utilized for the disorder are biased towards male behavior. Women often attempt to conceal their symptoms to fit in with the society. They may be misdiagnosed, and their ADHD treatment delayed. A qualified professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced registered nurses may be able to 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 other conditions that may be the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD can experience disordered behavior. This is a constant problem that can cause interruptions in school and work, emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization is defined as an inability to organize like not keeping track of bills or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, like anxiety, traumatizing life event, or depression, and can be difficult to treat.
Certain women with ADHD are able to perform at a high level, and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily activities or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." It doesn't mean they don't experience some of the symptoms. They may have difficulty concentrating or paying attention to particulars, feeling uneasy and forgetful.
Some people struggle with disorganization every day. They may spend time looking for lost objects or delay important tasks. The disorder also affects the quality of their work, and could cause tension in relationships. It can also cause various health issues, such as anxiety and sleep disorders.
Another issue that can cause the disorder in women with ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation and at the middle of menstrual cycle while progesterone levels are higher and these fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Although biological differences between genders may play a part but it's also possible some of the disorder and impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in women is related to social "norms." Young women and girls may be socialized to be quiet and reserved and this can cause to them to conceal or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which could cause them to be wrongly diagnosed and receive delayed treatment. In reality, they may even think they have better concentration and time-management abilities than they actually do. In reality, they're more likely to misplace things or forget appointments, pay bills on time and struggle with disorganization at work and home.
Women with 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 might also have difficulty being quiet and can talk to themselves constantly or use unintelligible phrases or sounds, though they're less likely to exhibit these symptoms than men are.
Medication is the first treatment option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that focus on the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also possible. They include atomoxetine and the guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These therapies can help you recognize automatic or irrational thinking patterns and teach you healthy ways to regulate your mood and behavior. In addition to medication exercising and an appropriate diet can help control ADHD symptoms of anxiety, impulsivity, and restlessness. To boost your energy levels try activities such as yoga, dancing, or classes in groups such as aerobics or swimming and biking. Try to exercise for at least four to five sessions every week, each lasting around 30 minutes. Be sure to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables whole grains, healthy fats, and protein to help boost your concentration and mood.