ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related to biology, the hormones and chromosomal makeup of the body, and that many people do not fall into a binary of sex. However, sex and gender influence how symptoms of ADHD are identified and treated.
ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of the early years of childhood, typically before age 12. ADHD must show signs before the age of 12 and cause problems in multiple settings to qualify for a diagnoses.
1. Trouble focusing
Inattention is the root of ADHD and can affect both genders. Women may have a difficult to concentrate, particularly because symptoms may manifest differently than men.
Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and impulsive, as an example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to focus, which can lead to a lack productivity at work or home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and skip appointments with doctors.
The hormones that women experience as well as these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. The female hippocampus is larger, which aids in memory and learning. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopausal changes can also affect brain function.
In the end, women who do not have a diagnosis of ADHD may face major difficulties in relationships at school, in their relationships and at work. They could also struggle with a myriad of comorbid disorders, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.
adult add women is important that health professionals are aware of the many clues females with ADHD exhibit. They should rethink their strategies for diagnosing and treating females suffering from ADHD in order to account for hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. These patients can then finally receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is especially true when they are interacting with other people. This can lead to emotional dysregulation, which is a major component of ADHD symptoms and is associated with many negative life consequences. This can include low self-esteem, anxiety and depression, problematic romantic relationships, which can lead to conflict between partners, issues with friendships, a messy house or personal space, inability to manage time or money, and a messy house.
Gender stereotypes can also affect how women with ADHD are treated. They might be misunderstood since they are viewed as being more sensitive or prone to mood swings. This can exacerbate their frustrations about living with untreated ADHD.
People with ADHD have a reduced ability to control impulses Also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means that they are more prone to making decisions and executing with their intentions. This makes it difficult to resist the urge to eat a second piece of cake or blurt out an inappropriate statement in public.
For adults with ADHD, medication can help to improve their ability to control their impulsivity. Stimulants such as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can reduce the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine can also be effective. Behavioral therapy can also be suggested, which can help people with ADHD change their thinking patterns and develop better ways to cope with stress.
Sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet, and practicing meditation can also help to control the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It's also a great idea to track their symptoms throughout the day, and share the information with their doctor to determine whether or not their treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a frequent issue for people suffering from ADHD and can have a negative impact on their personal and professional life. It may take them longer to complete tasks and decrease their efficiency. They could also miss deadlines or feel overwhelmed each day.
An absence of organization could make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They might forget important dates or lose possessions such as keys or purses. They may feel lonely and isolated as a result. Friends and family members may be confused about their feelings. The disorder can become more severe in menopausal or perimenopausal women, when hormones change and symptoms increase.
Women often hide their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being considered a failure. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. It can also be a reason why women and girls are often not diagnosed with ADHD, particularly during adolescence, when symptoms are more evident.
As a result, women with untreated ADHD might experience poor work or school performance. This can impact their work, grades or overall standing. It can also create problems in their personal life including issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family members and friends members.
Women with chronic disorganization could get help one-on-one from a nonjudgmental support person. They can help women learn to stay organized by making an agenda and establishing reminders. A licensed mental health professional may also suggest medication and lifestyle changes that can reduce ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to ensure steady energy levels, and avoiding caffeine which can increase the negative effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness can affect decision-making in many aspects of life. There are a variety of instruments that have been created to measure indecisiveness, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also associated with neuroticism and the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret ambiguous circumstances as being dangerous. It has also been found to be correlated with the fear of being wrong, which may be the reason why it is common for people with adhd to have trouble making decisions.
In the qualitative study of women who have adhd in their adult lives, interviewees described being unable to make decisions in their personal and professional lives. They found it hard to manage their finances and relationships, and had trouble finding a job that they liked. They often waited for others to take decisions, or were unable to complete tasks like arranging childcare. They often felt like they were being restricted by their ADHD symptoms, for example, difficulty with starting or staying focused and impulsive.
They had a difficult time keeping friendships and had difficulty relaxing which led to issues with their mental health. They described stress and anxiety, as well as a sleep deprivation and poor nutrition. adhd in women adult described feeling stigmatized by adults and the media. They were able to articulate their struggles with ADHD, which helped them boost their self-esteem as they weren't blaming others. They also had access to appropriate treatments.
The interviews revealed that the women had a number of positive characteristics, but they struggled to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on a variety of aspects of their life. These included a lack romantic or career opportunities and difficulties in maintaining relationships. an unclean home.
5. Lack of Self-Esteem
Some of the symptoms that comprise ADHD are considered to be less acceptable socially for women and girls than they are for men and boys and so women may hide their hyperactivity, impulsivity and disorder. Women may internalize their ADHD and develop coping strategies like self-harming (cutting or burning). This can result in low self-esteem, which can cause depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A high sense of inner worth is the foundation for more positive relationships and an optimistic outlook on life. When people lack a strong sense of self-worth, they tend to seek outside things - like relationships, careers, wealth, and power - to feel worthy. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, says that this can also result in the lack of communication in a relationship.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel they are not worthy of good things in life. These feelings can manifest themselves as a desire for others to "keep up" or to please. This can lead to toxic work cultures, a negative self-image, and an addiction to substance or food.
Despite these difficulties, women who took part in this study discovered a number of positive aspects to living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as either positive or negative according to the way they perceive their ability to manage it. A few of them also point out their own strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD, including the ability to be creative, high energy determination and the ability to become easily interested in new subjects. They also discuss their unique struggles in the context of a larger picture that includes gender and biological differences, as well cultural and family issues.