Be On The Lookout For: How ADHD Symptoms In Women Is Taking Over And What To Do About It
AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD often struggle to meet the expectations of society in many ways. This includes caring for others, balancing work and home life, and managing relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Gender bias may also lead health care professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms for girls and women.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of in concentrating. It's a condition that can show up in many different ways, from not remembering appointments to not being able to complete tasks at work, or snoring when talking to others and making them feel disregarded. It can also make it difficult for women to manage their finances and can result in them not being able to take advantage on financial or job opportunities.
It's possible that some women are more adept at masked their ADHD symptoms, which may make it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why, but they think it may be due to gender roles and the expectation for girls and women to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD could lead to underperformance at work or at school, and hinder those with ADHD from seeking out support and assistance.
In addition, lack of focus is a common symptom that can be confused with other ailments such as anxiety and depression. Depression can affect concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder often experience difficulties focusing because they are more likely to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
The best way to improve your ability to concentrate is to manage your ADHD symptoms with treatment. This involves hiring a professional or therapist who has experience with ADHD in girls and women. It's also an excellent idea to find out about the kinds of accommodations you can ask your employer or educational institution for like flexible hours or working at home. A healthy sleeping routine can help you to have more peaceful nights and help you to stay focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping each night at the same time, while listening to soothing music or an audiobook, and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are often highly impulsive. They may be prone to interrupting others or changing topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking and taking risks that aren't in their best interests. They may also have difficulty understanding the body language of others or recognizing social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during perimenopausal, the period before menopausal, and then when hormone levels begin to decline.
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have inattentive-type symptoms, which can be harder to notice than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This can cause health professionals to miss ADHD in their patients, misdiagnose them, or dismiss their symptoms as mood or anxiety issues. Research on ADHD is primarily focused on men and boys. This can result in an imbalance in gender.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers sometimes observe the impulsive behavior of children. It's not unusual for children to be restless or impatient at times. However, those behaviors tend to improve over time as they grow older and learn to manage their problems.
Adults with adhd can be prone to impulsive behavior and distraction that affect their relationships, work and school. They can lead to procrastination and forgetfulness as well as difficulty following through with commitments. They can make locating and maintaining a job difficult and interfere with healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated by medication. add adult women may suggest a combination of treatments based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and any other health conditions. They may also suggest psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists you recognize and alter negative thought patterns, couples counseling, when your relationship is impacted by ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain and help reduce symptoms. It can also aid in focusing. This is especially true for those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group exercises, such as running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger various physical symptoms. Dizziness, headaches, palpitations and sweating are just a few of the symptoms. These symptoms can make a person believe they are suffering from an attack or that the world is going to end. People who suffer from anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart problem due to these physical signs. This can result in a long medical treatment without addressing the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is effective for most anxiety disorders, whether employed on its own or in conjunction with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help someone develop 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 are also more likely to be diagnosed with mixed subtypes. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms with their doctor and will ask them detailed questions about the disorder.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty getting the right diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are designed toward male behavior. Women may also hide their symptoms to fit in with society. This means that they may not be diagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The provider will use a thorough background, physical examination, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to assess the symptoms of a person and determine if they have other conditions that could be the cause of their symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD can experience disordered behavior. This is a constant issue that can lead to disruptions in school and work and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization is often characterized by a lack of organizational skills for example, not paying bills on time or keeping appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. Disorganization can be caused by other issues like anxiety, a traumatizing event in life or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Some women who suffer from ADHD have a high level of functioning and their symptoms do not have a significant impact on their daily activities and relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this does not mean they don't experience some of the symptoms. They may experience forgetfulness, trouble in concentrating and paying attention to tiny details.
Many people experience disorganization every day. They may spend time looking for lost items or putting off important tasks. It can also cause low productivity and stressed relationships. It can also cause a number of health problems like sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another issue that can cause disorder in women suffering from ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen is lower when ovulating and in the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone levels are higher and these fluctuations can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Although biological differences between sexes can play a role but it's also possible some of the disorder and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is due to social "norms." Young women and girls can be socialized to be reserved and quiet and can cause them to suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which could result in them being wrongly diagnosed and receive delayed treatment. They may think that they are more adept at managing time and concentration than they are. In reality, they are likely to lose things, miss appointments, or pay bills on time. They also have trouble with issues with organization both at work and at home.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to develop the inattentive version 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 may also have issues being silent, and may even talk to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men.
For many people suffering from ADHD, the first option for treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with your brain may also be a possibility. These include atomoxetine and the guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD also may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you recognize the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you how to manage your moods and behaviors. A healthy diet and exercise, in addition to medication, can help control ADHD symptoms such as restlessness, impulsivity, and distractibility. Try activities such as dancing, yoga or group classes such as swimming or aerobics, as well as biking to boost energy levels. Make sure you get four to five sessions of exercise every week for around 30 minutes each session. Be sure to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and protein to boost your focus and mood.