AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to meet society's expectations. This includes taking care of others as well as balancing work and family life, and managing 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 women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most common symptoms of adhd among women. It's a condition that can show up in many different ways, from forgetting appointments or not being able to finish tasks at work to zoning out during conversations, making people feel disregarded. It's also a frequent symptom that can make it hard for women to keep track of their finances. It's often the reason why they miss out on jobs or financial opportunities.
Some women may be better at masking ADHD symptoms than other women and this makes it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they theorize that it could be related to gender stereotypes and the belief that women and girls should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can lead to being under-performing at school or at work, and it might hinder them from seeking the help and assistance they require.
Focus issues are also an atypical symptom that could be confused with other conditions such as anxiety and depression. Depression can affect concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People with generalized anxieties trouble concentrating as they are usually overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best way to increase your concentration is to control your ADHD symptoms through treatment. That means finding a clinician or therapist with experience in ADHD for both girls and women. It's also a good idea to learn about any accommodations you could request your employer or educational institution for such as flexible hours or working from home. Good sleep hygiene practices can also help you get more restful nights and be more focused throughout the day. This includes going to bed at the same time every night, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior sleeping and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are typically impulsive. These can include interrupting others or switching topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking and taking risks that aren't beneficial to their health. They may also have trouble understanding body language or picking up on social cues. Symptoms of impulsivity often get worse during the perimenopausal 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 cause health professionals to overlook ADHD in these individuals, or not diagnosing them correctly or ignore their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood issues. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on men and boys. This may result in a gender bias.
When children with ADHD are young, teachers and parents occasionally observe impulsive behavior. It's not unusual for children to be restless or irritable at times. These behaviors tend to improve as children get older and learn to manage their symptoms.
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 staying on track with commitments. They can also make locating and maintaining a job difficult and interfere with healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication. Your doctor may suggest a combination treatment depending on your symptoms, lifestyle, and any other health conditions. Psychotherapy may also be recommended that includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and change negative thinking patterns, couples counseling when your relationship has been affected by your ADHD, or family therapy. Physical exercise can also aid in calming your brain and lessen symptoms, particularly in the case of disorientation and impulsivity. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group workouts, like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide range of physical symptoms. Palpitations, headaches, dizziness and sweating are just a few of the symptoms. They can also make a person feel as if they are suffering from an attack of the heart or that the world is coming to an end. Due to these physical signs, people who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed with heart disease. This can lead to a long odyssey of medical treatment that fails to treat the root cause. Fortunately, most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in conjunction with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help a person discover new ways of thinking and reacting that could make them 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 are also more likely to suffer from mixed subtypes. It's important for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out an exhaustive physical exam and ask detailed questions about how the disorder affects their lives.
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools used to diagnose the disorder are biased towards male behavior. In addition, women often attempt to hide their symptoms to fit in with society. This means that they could be overlooked and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take thorough medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate a person's symptoms and determine if they have other conditions that could be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD can experience disordered behavior. This is a persistent issue that can cause interruptions in school and work and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization is often characterized by a poor organizational skill like not paying bills on time or make appointments, and difficulties in making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, such as anxiety, traumatizing life event, or depression and is often difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a high level of functioning and their symptoms don't significantly impact their daily interactions and relationships. This condition is called "high-functioning ADHD." It doesn't mean they do not experience certain symptoms. These include difficulty paying attention or concentrating on details, feeling restless and unfocused.
Many people experience disorganization every day. They might spend their time searching for lost items or putting off important tasks. visit my web site can also cause poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also cause various health issues like anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another issue that can cause disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lower when ovulating, during the middle of menstruation and at the end of when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, while biological differences can play a part, some of the disorder or impulsivity in women suffering from ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women are typically viewed as quiet and reserved, which is why they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to mask their attention issues, which can lead them to be misdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment. They may even think they're better at time management and concentration than they are. In reality, they're more likely to misplace things and forget appointments, or not pay bills on time and struggle with disorganization at home and at work.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to develop the inattentive type 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 people suffering from ADHD the first option for treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are typically prescribed, but nonstimulant medications that target the way that neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine and Guanfacine.
Women with 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 mood and behavior. In addition to medications, exercise and healthy eating habits can help control ADHD symptoms like disorientation, impulsivity and restlessness. To boost your energy levels try activities such as yoga, dancing, or group classes such as aerobics or swimming and biking. Make sure to exercise at minimum four to five times per week, each lasting about 30 minutes. To improve your mood and focus take a varied diet of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.