ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that sex and a gender are determined by biology, including the body's chromosomal makeup as well as hormones. A lot of people do not fall into an unisexual sexuality. Genre and gender can influence the way ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and cause problems in multiple environments to be able to receive a diagnosis.
1. Trouble focusing
Inattention is at the core of ADHD and can affect both men and women. Women may have a tougher to concentrate, particularly because symptoms can manifest differently than in males.
Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and impulsive, as an example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally afflicted and have a difficult time putting things in perspective. These problems can lead to an inability of concentration which can lead to an absence of productivity at home or work. They're also more likely to skip doctor appointments and forget to take their medications.
In addition to these innate gender differences, hormones of women can make ADHD symptoms more severe. The female hippocampus is larger which helps in learning and memory. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal cycles can affect brain function.
This is why women who do not have a diagnosis of ADHD might have a difficult time in relationships at school, in their relationships, and at work. They could also struggle with a host of co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.
In these circumstances, it's critical for health care professionals to be aware of the numerous indications that females with ADHD frequently exhibit. They should rethink their strategies to diagnose and treat females suffering from ADHD in order to take into account hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. In this way, these patients can finally get the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Females suffering from ADHD tend to have difficulty controlling their emotions, particularly when they interact with other people. This can cause to emotional dysregulation that is a component of ADHD symptoms. It can also be associated with negative outcomes in life. This can include low self-esteem, anxiety and depression as well as problematic relationships with loved ones which can lead to violence between partners, problems with friendships, a messy home or personal space, an inability to manage time or money, and a messy house.
Gender stereotypes may also impact how women who suffer from ADHD are treated. They could be misunderstood as they are viewed as being more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings. This can cause them to feel more frustrated about living with untreated ADHD.
Individuals with ADHD suffer from impaired impulse control Also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have a harder time making decisions and executing their intentions. This makes it difficult to resist the temptation to eat a second piece of cake or make an inappropriate statement in public.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications that help them control their impulses. Stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can aid in decrease the impulsive behavior while nonstimulant medicines like the guanfacine and clonidine are effective as well. Behavioral therapy may also be advised, which will help those suffering from ADHD alter their thinking patterns and learn better ways to cope with stress.
Meditation, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can all help to control anxiety and impulsiveness among people suffering from ADHD. It is also a great idea to track their symptoms throughout the day, and to share this information with their physician to determine whether their treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization can be a major issue for people with ADHD and affect their professional and personal life. They may find it difficult to complete their tasks and their efficiency may be reduced. They could also miss deadlines or feel overwhelmed each day.
A lack of organization can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. People may not remember important dates or even lose things like keys or purses. Consequently, they may feel lonely and alone. They may also feel that they are not understood by family members and friends. Disorders are more common during perimenopause or menopause when hormones are changing and symptoms increase.
Women often cover up their ADHD symptoms to conform to social norms or to avoid being judged. adhd test for women can cause women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. This could also be the reason women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly true in adolescence, when symptoms become more obvious.
In the end women suffering from untreated ADHD might have poor work or school performance. This can affect their work, grades or their overall image. It can also create problems for their personal life. For instance it can cause difficulties with romantic partners or strained relationships with family and friends.
Women who are constantly disorganized could benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental friend. They can teach them strategies to get and stay organized, such as making a list of daily tasks and setting reminders for them. A licensed mental health professional can also recommend medication and lifestyle changes that can reduce ADHD symptoms. This can include eating small frequent meals to keep energy levels up and avoiding caffeine which can trigger side effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a trait that can affect decision-making in a variety of areas of our lives. signs of adhd in women of instruments have been developed to measure indecisiveness, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also correlated with neuroticism, and the tendency to use worst case scenario thinking, which is where people perceive ambiguous situations as dangerous. It has also been proven to be linked with the fear of being wrong, which may help explain why it is common for people suffering from adhd to have difficulty making decisions.
In the study of qualitative research on adult women with adhd interviewed the participants said they were not able to make decisions regarding their professional and personal lives. They had a difficult time finding an occupation they enjoyed or stayed in, and were difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships and health. They often were dependent on others to make decisions, or were unable complete projects like scheduling childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms such as inattention and impulsivity or difficulty getting started on projects was preventing them from completing.
They struggled to maintain relationships and had trouble relaxing which led to issues with their mental health. They reported having high levels of stress and anxiety and a lack of sleep and a poor diet. They also felt stigmatized by adults and the media. The diagnosis of ADHD provided them with a reason for their difficulties, which was helpful for self-esteem because it meant they weren't blamed for their condition. They also had access to treatment strategies that were appropriate.
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 reported the absence of a job or romantic opportunities, difficulties maintaining relationships, and a messy house.
5. Lack of Self-Esteem
Women can hide their hyperactivity and impulsivity because they feel that their behavior is less acceptable than for boys and men. They may also be able to internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping strategies such as self-harm (cutting or burning, or scratching). This can result in low self-esteem, which could contribute to depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
Being able to identify your inner worth is a key factor in healthier relationships and a positive outlook on life. If people do not have a strong sense of self-worth they tend to look for outside things - like relationships, careers as well as wealth and power to feel a sense of worthiness. Therapist licensed Cheryl Clarke says this can cause an absence of communication in the relationship, which could eventually end it.
Women with ADHD may also feel they don't deserve the best things in life. These feelings can manifest 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.
While these are major challenges however, the women who took part in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They described ADHD as an advantage or a disadvantage depending on the way they perceive their ability to control it. Some have identified strengths they believe are a result of to their ADHD. They have the ability to be creative, energetic and determination as well as the ability to effortlessly become interested in new topics. In addition, they describe their unique struggles as part of a bigger picture that encompasses family and cultural issues, as in addition to gender and biological differences.