AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to meet society's expectations. Women who suffer from ADHD are often struggling to meet the expectations of society, including 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. The gender bias can make health professionals not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of concentration. This problem can manifest in many ways, including having trouble remembering appointments, not being able finish work or having trouble concentrating when talking to others. It's also a frequent sign that makes it hard for women to keep up with their finances. It's often the reason why they do not get jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, which may make it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers don't know why this is, but they believe it could be due to gender roles and the expectation for girls and women to be more "restrained." Masking ADHD can result in poor performance at work or at school, and hinder those with ADHD from seeking out support and help.
Focus issues are also an atypical symptom that could be confused with other ailments, including depression and anxiety. For instance, depression may affect your concentration by making you forgetful and unmotivated. People with generalized anxieties disorder have difficulty concentrating because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to improve your concentration is to manage your ADHD symptoms through treatment. This involves finding a therapist or clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD both in women and girls. Also, you should be aware of the kinds of accommodations you can request from your employer or school for example, flexible working hours or at home. A healthy sleeping routine can aid you in having more restful nights, and to be more focused throughout the day. This means going to bed each night at the same time, listening to soothing music or audiobooks, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently exhibit impulsivity signs. They may be prone to interrupting others or changing topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not beneficial to their health. They might also have trouble understanding body language or social signals. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopausal, the period prior to menopausal symptoms - and also when hormone levels begin to drop.
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 care professionals to miss ADHD in them, misdiagnose them, or dismiss their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood issues. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on males and females. This could lead to a gender bias.
Teachers and parents might notice the impulsive behavior of children with ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be anxious or even impatient at times. However, those behaviors tend to improve as kids grow older and learn how to manage their problems.
In adults, the impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can impact work, school, and relationships. They can lead to delays and forgetfulness, as well as difficulty following through on commitments. They can also make finding and maintaining a job difficult and can hinder healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication. adhd in older women will suggest an array of treatments based on the specific symptoms you have, your lifestyle, and other health conditions you may have. They may also suggest psychotherapy that includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change negative thoughts patterns or couples counseling in the event that your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind, reduce symptoms and assist you in staying focused. This is especially true for impulsivity and distraction. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group workouts, like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger various physical symptoms. These include dizziness, chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. These symptoms can make a person think they are having a stroke or the world is going to end. Due to these physical signs people who suffer from anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having heart disease. This can result in a lengthy journey of medical treatment that does not tackle the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is a great treatment for many anxiety disorders, regardless of whether it's employed on its own or when combined with medications. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone discover new ways of thinking and reacting that could 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 suffer from a mixed subtype. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms and their doctor will ask them specific questions regarding the disorder.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty getting the right diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are geared towards male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms to fit with society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment may be delayed. A qualified professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist 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 evaluate the symptoms of a person and determine if they have other conditions the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD can experience disorganization. This is a chronic problem that can cause disruptions in school and work emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization is characterized by an inability to organize that include not keeping track of bills or appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. It can be caused by other factors like anxiety, a traumatizing 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 do not significantly impact their daily lives or relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." This does not mean that they don't experience some of the symptoms. They may have difficulty paying attention or concentrating on things, feeling anxious, and being forgetful.
People who struggle with disorder every day. They may spend time looking for lost objects or delay important tasks. The disorder can affect the quality of their work and can lead to strained relationships. It can also cause a number of health problems such as insomnia or anxiety.
Another issue that can cause disorder in women suffering from ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, in the middle of menstruation and at the end of, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
While biological differences between the sexes can play a role, it's also possible that some of the disorganization and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is related to social "norms." Young women and girls can be socialized to be quiet and reserved, which can lead to them to conceal or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which can result in them being incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. They may even think they are more adept at managing time and concentration than they are. In reality, they are likely to lose things and forget appointments, or fail to pay bills on time. They also struggle with issues with organization both at work and at home.
Women suffering from ADHD are more prone to develop the inattentive subtype 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 staying silent and speak to themselves or make nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they are less likely to experience these symptoms than men.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the first line of treatment is medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are typically prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that target the way that neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. They include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you recognize automatic or irrational thoughts, and also learn healthy ways to self-regulate your mood and behavior. A healthy diet and exercise, in addition to medication can help you manage ADHD symptoms like inattention, restlessness, and distractibility. To boost your energy levels, try activities like yoga, dancing, or group classes such as swimming or aerobics, and biking. Try to get at least four to five sessions of exercise each week of around 30 minutes each session. Make sure to take a variety of fresh vegetables and whole grains, as well as healthy fats, and protein to help boost your concentration and mood.