ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that sex and a gender are based on biology, including the body's chromosomal make-up and hormones. Many people do not fall into the binary sex. However, gender and sex influence the way symptoms of ADHD are identified and treated.
ADHD is diagnosed in adhd symptoms women , typically before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present prior to age 12 and cause problems in more than one setting to be eligible for the diagnosis.
1. Trouble focusing
Inattention is at the heart of ADHD and can affect both women and men. However, women may find it more challenging to get the focus they require due to the fact that symptoms usually manifest in different ways for men.
Women are more likely to experience indecisiveness and disorganization for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally afflicted and struggle to put things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability to concentrate on tasks, leading to a lack of productivity at work or home. They are also more likely to not remember their medication or miss appointments with doctors.
In addition to these natural differences, women's hormones can make ADHD symptoms worse. The hippocampus of females is larger, which aids in memory and learning. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal changes can also affect brain function.
As a result, women who do not have a diagnosis of ADHD might have a difficult time in relationships at school, in relationships, and at work. They could also be suffering from a variety of comorbid disorders including depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
For these reasons, it is essential for health care professionals to recognize the many clues that females with ADHD often show. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnosing and treating women with ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations and other variables that influence the severity of symptoms. Patients can then receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Females who suffer from ADHD are often unable to managing their emotions, particularly when they interact with others. This can cause to emotional dysregulation that is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It can also be associated with negative life outcomes. These include low self-esteem, co-occurring depression and anxiety, difficult relationships which can lead to violence between intimate partners, issues with friendships and a messy home or personal space, and an inability to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can affect the way women with ADHD will be treated. They could be misunderstood as they are thought to be more sensitive or prone to mood swings. This can lead to their frustration at being a victim of untreated ADHD.
People with ADHD suffer from impaired impulse control Also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have more trouble making decisions and executing with their goals. This can make it hard to resist the urge to eat another piece of cake or make an inappropriate statement in public.
For people who suffer from ADHD medication can assist to enhance their ability to manage their behavior. Stimulants like amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help to reduce the impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medicines like Guanfacine and clonidine can be effective too. Behavioral therapy is also suggested, which can help people with ADHD modify their thinking patterns and learn more effective ways of coping.
Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet and getting enough rest can all be helpful in reducing the impulsiveness and restlessness of people suffering from ADHD. It is also a good idea to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and to share this data with their doctor so they can assess whether their treatment plan is effective.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization can be a problem for people suffering from ADHD and impact their professional and personal life. They may have trouble to complete their tasks and their efficiency may be reduced. They might also miss deadlines and become overwhelmed on a daily basis.
A lack of organization can cause problems to maintain healthy relationships. People may forget important events or lose possessions such as keys or purses. This can cause them to feel lonely and alone. Friends and family members may be confused about their feelings. adhd symptoms women is more prevalent during perimenopause or menopause when hormones are changing and symptoms become more severe.
It is not unusual for women to hide their ADHD symptoms to conform with society's norms and avoid being considered a failure. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. It could be a reason why women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly evident in adolescence when symptoms are more apparent.
Women with untreated ADHD might have a poor performance at school or at work. This can affect their career, grades, or reputation. It can also create problems in their personal lives like issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with friends and family members.
Women who are chronically disorganized can receive one-on-one assistance from a non-judgmental, supportive person. They can assist women in learning to stay organized by making lists and establishing reminders. Additionally, a certified mental health professional can recommend medication and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. This could include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain a steady energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can worsen the adverse effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a characteristic that influences decision-making in many areas of our lives. Indecisiveness is measured by several instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale for Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness is also associated with neuroticism, and the tendency to employ worst case scenario thinking, where people perceive ambiguous situations as threatening. It was also found to be linked to the fear of making a mistake, which could help explain why people with adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women suffering from adhd the participants said they were not able to make decisions regarding their work and personal lives. They had a difficult time finding the job they wanted or to stay in, and also found it difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships, and health. They often had to wait for others to take decisions, or were unable to complete tasks like arranging childcare. They often felt like they were being held back by their ADHD symptoms, such as difficulties in starting, staying focused and impulsivity.
They had difficulty finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive, which led to mental health issues. They reported anxiety and stress, lack of sleep and poor nutrition. They also reported feeling stigmatized by adults and the media. The diagnosis of ADHD gave them a reason for their difficulties which was beneficial to their self-esteem since it meant they were not blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to appropriate treatments.
The interviews revealed that the women were extremely positive and able to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects of their lives. The women complained of the absence of a job or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships and a messy home.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Certain of the symptoms that comprise ADHD are seen as less acceptable socially for girls and women than they are for boys and men, so some women are able to hide their impulsivity, hyperactivity and disorder. Women who suffer from ADHD might internalize their ADHD and develop strategies to cope, such as self-harming (cutting or burning). This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem which can lead to anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
A strong sense of self-esteem and worth is the basis for better relationships and an optimistic outlook on life. People who lack self-worth tend to look beyond themselves for validation, such as jobs, relationships as well as money and power. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can also lead to an absence of communication within the relationship.
In addition to a lack of self-worth, women who have ADHD often struggle with a feeling that they don't have enough of the good things happening in their lives. These feelings can manifest themselves as a desire for others to "keep up with" or to please. This can result in toxic workplace cultures, a negative self-image, and a dependence on substances or food.
Despite these major difficulties, women who took part in this study discovered a number of positive aspects of living with ADHD. They generally identify their ADHD as a gift or a curse, based on whether they feel they can control it. Several of them also identify their own strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD which include high energy, creativity, determination and the ability to be easily interested in new subjects. They also discuss their unique struggles in the context of an overall picture that includes biological and gender differences, as well cultural and family issues.