AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often challenged to meet the expectations of society in many ways. Women with ADHD typically struggle to live up to expectations of society that include caring for others as well as balancing work and home life, and managing relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. A bias based on gender can cause health professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd in women is difficulty in concentrating. The problem can manifest in different ways, such as missing appointments, not being able complete tasks at work or being unable to concentrate when talking to others. It's also a typical symptom that can make it difficult for women to manage their finances, and it's often the reason why they miss out on jobs or financial opportunities.
Women are more adept in masked ADHD symptoms than others, making it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why, but they believe it could be due to gender roles and the expectation of girls and women to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD can result in poor performance at work or in school, and hinder them from seeking support and help.
Focus issues are also a common symptom and can be confused with other illnesses, including depression and anxiety. Depression can affect concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People with generalized anxiety disorder usually have difficulties focusing because they are more likely to become overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to increase your concentration is to manage your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. That means finding a clinician or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls. It's also a good idea to learn about the kinds of accommodations you can ask your employer or educational institution for such as flexible hours or working from home. A healthy sleeping routine can help you to have more restful nights, and to be more focused throughout the day. This includes getting to bed every night at the same time, while listening to relaxing music or an audiobook, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD frequently exhibit impulsivity signs. They might interrupt others or change topics during the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without considering the consequences and make decisions that are not in your best interest. They might also have trouble understanding body language or social cues. The signs of impulsivity tend to get worse during perimenopausal, the period that comes before menopause and after which 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 can lead to health care professionals missing ADHD in girls and women and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as being a mood or anxiety problem. The gender bias could also play a role, because research on ADHD is predominantly focused on men and boys.
Teachers and parents might notice an impulsive behavior among children with ADHD. It's not unusual for children to be irritable or irritable at times. However, those behaviors tend to improve as children grow up and learn to manage their issues.
Adults with adhd may experience impulsive behavior and distraction which can affect their work, relationships, and school. They can lead to procrastination, inattention, as well as problems following through with commitments. They can make locating and maintaining a job difficult and interfere with healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is usually treated by medication. Your doctor may recommend an individualized treatment based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and any other health issues. They may also recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which assists you to recognize and change negative thinking patterns, couples counseling, if your relationship is affected by ADHD or other issues, or even family therapy. Exercise can also help to calm your mind and reduce symptoms, particularly when it comes to disorientation and impulsivity. Try activities such as yoga, dancing and group workouts, like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can trigger various physical symptoms. The feeling of dizziness, headaches and palpitations and sweating are just a few of the signs. These symptoms can cause a person to think they are having stroke or that the world is going to end. People who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart problem due to these physical signs. This can result in an extended journey of medical treatment that fails to address the root cause. Psychotherapy is effective for the majority of anxiety disorders, whether used on its own or when combined with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone develop new ways of thinking and reacting that may help them feel less anxious.
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 have a mixed subtype. Women should discuss their ADHD symptoms and their doctor will ask them detailed questions regarding the disorder.
Women with ADHD might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis because many of the diagnostic tools used to diagnose the disorder are skewed toward male behavior. Women might also hide their symptoms to fit with society. This means that they might be underdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurse, can identify ADHD. The doctor will take a thorough background, physical examination, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to assess a person's symptoms and determine if they have other conditions contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD might experience disorganization, which is an ongoing problem that can disrupt the routine of school and work, cause emotional stress and strain relationships and contribute to financial problems. Disorganization can be caused by a poor organizational skill like not paying bills or keeping appointments, or difficulties in making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other issues like anxiety, a traumatizing event in life or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD can perform at a high degree and their symptoms do not significantly affect their daily life or relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However it doesn't mean they don't have the usual symptoms. This includes difficulty in paying attention or concentrating on details, feeling restless, and being in a state of forgetfulness.
For some, disorder is a daily struggle and it's not uncommon for people with ADHD to spend a lot of time looking for lost objects or putting off important tasks. The disorder can affect the quality of their work, and could cause tension in relationships. It can also lead to various health issues such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Hormone fluctuations can also contribute to the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation, the middle of menstrual cycles and at the end of when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, while biological differences can play a part, some of the impulsivity or disorganization in women suffering from ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls may be conditioned to be reserved and quiet and this can cause them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention!
Women tend to find it easier to conceal their attention issues than men do and can result in undiagnosed problems and delayed treatment. They may think that they're more adept at managing time and concentration than they are. In reality, they're likely to lose things or forget appointments, pay bills on time and have trouble coordinating their work and 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 might also have difficulty staying silent and speak to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than males.
For many adults with ADHD, the first line of treatment is medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are usually prescribed, but nonstimulant medications that target the way that neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. They include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also beneficial for women with ADHD. These treatments can help you recognize thoughts that are irrational or automatic and teach you how to manage your emotions and behaviors. Exercise and a healthy diet along with medication can help you manage ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities like yoga, dancing and group classes such as swimming or aerobics, as well as biking to increase your energy levels. Try to get at least 4 to 5 hours of exercise each week of about 30 minutes per session. To boost adhd women uk and focus, eat a variety vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.