ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that gender and sexuality are dependent on biology, which includes the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones. Many people do not fall into an unisexual sexuality. Genre and gender can influence how ADHD symptoms are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is diagnosed in childhood, usually before the age of 12. ADHD must show signs before 12 years of age and cause problems in multiple environments to qualify for a diagnoses.
1. Trouble focusing
Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD and it's an issue for everyone. But adhd in adult women symptoms may have more difficulty to get the focus they need, especially because symptoms often manifest differently in men.
Women are more likely than men to be unorganized and impulsive, for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotional and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability of concentration which can lead to an inability to perform at work or home. They are also more likely to skip doctor appointments and neglect to take their medications.
In addition to these innate differences, women's hormones can make ADHD symptoms worse. The hippocampus of females is larger which helps in learning and memory. Menstrual hormone fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause may also affect brain function.
As a result, women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD can have major struggles in relationships at school, in their relationships as well as at work. They may also be struggling with a variety of comorbid conditions, including depression, anxiety eating disorders, bipolar disorder.
It is important that health professionals are aware of the many signs females suffering from ADHD show. They need to rethink their approach to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to account for hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation and other factors that influence the severity of symptoms. That way, these patients will receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Females with ADHD are more likely to have trouble managing their emotions, particularly when they interact with other people. This can lead emotional dysregulation which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It is also associated with negative life outcomes. This can include low self-esteem, coexisting depression and anxiety as well as problematic relationships with loved ones that can result in conflict between partners, issues with friendships, a messy home or personal space, an inability to manage time or money, and a messy house.
Gender stereotypes can also affect how women with ADHD are treated. Because they are frequently considered to be more sensitive or prone to mood swings, they may be misinterpreted or dismissed as emotionally unstable. This can lead to their frustration in being a victim of untreated ADHD.
The portion of the brain that controls impulses the brain, referred to as the prefrontal cortex, is impaired in individuals with ADHD. This means they are more difficult to make decisions and following through with their intentions. This makes it difficult to resist the urge to eat another piece of cake or blurt out an inappropriate statement in public.
For those who suffer from ADHD, medication can help to improve their ability to manage their impulses. The use of stimulants such as amphetamine or dextroamphetamine are able to reduce the behavior of impulsivity. Non-stimulants such as clonidine or Guanfacine can also be effective. Patients with ADHD may also benefit from a treatment called behavioral therapy, which helps them alter their mental patterns and develop better coping techniques.
Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can all be helpful in reducing anxiety and impulsiveness among people with ADHD. It's also a good idea to track their symptoms throughout the day and communicate the information with their doctor so they can assess whether their treatment regimen is effective.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a common issue for people suffering from ADHD and affect their professional and personal life. It can take longer to complete tasks, and reduce their efficiency. They may also fail to meet deadlines and feel overwhelmed on a daily basis.
Insanity can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. People may forget important events or lose belongings like keys or purses. They may feel lonely and isolated as a result. Friends and family may misunderstand their feelings. Disorganization can be worse during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when hormones shift and symptoms intensify.
Women often hide their ADHD symptoms to conform to social norms or to avoid being judged. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. It may be a reason why women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially true in adolescence, when symptoms are more apparent.
As a result women who are not treated for ADHD may have trouble with their academic or work performance. This can affect their work, grades or overall standing. This can also cause problems in their personal lives. For instance it could lead to issues with romantic partners or strained relationships with family members and friends.
Women who are constantly disorganized could benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental friend. Link Website can teach women how to stay organized by creating lists and establishing reminders. Additionally, a certified mental health professional may recommend medication and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. This may include eating small frequent meals to keep energy levels up and avoiding caffeine, which can trigger side effects from stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a characteristic that affects decision making across a wide range of 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 linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret ambiguous circumstances as dangerous. It was also discovered to be associated with a fear of making a mistake which could be the reason people with adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the study that was qualitative of women who have adhd in their adult lives the participants said they were unable to make decisions regarding their work and personal lives. They had a difficult time finding a job they liked or stayed in, and found it difficult to manage their finances, relationships and health. They often were dependent on others to take decisions, or were unable to complete tasks like scheduling childcare. They often felt like they were being held back by their ADHD symptoms, like difficulties with getting started or staying focused and impulsive.
They had a difficult time keeping relationships and had trouble relaxing and recharging their mental health. They reported high levels of anxiety and stress, sleeping insufficiently and having poor nutrition. They also felt stigmatized by adults and the media. They were able explain their struggles with ADHD, which helped them improve their self-esteem because they were not blaming themselves. It also provided them with access to appropriate treatments.
The interviews revealed that women were extremely positive and able to overcome the effects of ADHD on various aspects of their lives. The women complained of an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships, and a messy house.
5. Lack of Self-Esteem
Women may cover up their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe that these symptoms are less acceptable than for boys and men. Women may be able to internalize their ADHD and adopt coping strategies such as self-harming (cutting or burning). This can cause feelings of self-esteem issues which can lead to depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
Having high inner worth is a precursor to healthier relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who lack a strong self-worth tend to look outside themselves for validation, such as careers, relationships money, power, and relationships. A licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can result in an absence of communication within the relationship, which could eventually end it.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel that they are not worthy of good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or "keep up" with others. This can lead to an unhealthy work environment and a negative image of the body and a dependence on food or other substances.
Despite these major difficulties, women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They generally say that they view their ADHD as a gift or a curse, depending on whether they believe they have control over it. Several of them also identify their own strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD, including the ability to be creative, high energy, determination and the ability to be easily interested in new topics. They also talk about their unique struggles in the context of a larger picture that includes gender and biological differences, as well as cultural and family issues.