ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that gender and sex are based on biology, including the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones. A lot of people do not fit neatly into the binary sexuality. However, gender and sex can influence how symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is diagnosed in the early years of childhood, typically before age 12. ADHD must present symptoms before 12 years of age and cause problems in multiple environments to be able to receive a diagnosis.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Inattention is at the heart of ADHD, and it's an issue for everyone. But women may find it more challenging to get the focus they need particularly since symptoms typically appear in different ways than for men.
Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and indecisive, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally afflicted and struggle to put things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to focus on work, resulting in an inability to perform at work or at home. They are also more likely to not attend doctor appointments or forget to take their medication.
Women's hormones along with these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is larger, which aids in learning and memory. Hormone fluctuations during menstruation or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopausal cycles can affect brain function.
This is why women with undiagnosed ADHD may face major difficulties in relationships at school, in their relationships, and at work. They could also struggle with a variety of comorbid disorders, including depression, anxiety eating disorders, bipolar disorder.
It is essential that health professionals understand the many signs females suffering from ADHD display. They should rethink their approaches to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations and other factors that influence the severity of symptoms. This way, patients can finally get the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is especially true when they are interacting with others. This can cause emotional dysregulation which is a key component of ADHD symptoms and is associated with a range of negative life outcomes. This includes low self-esteem coexisting depression and anxiety as well as problematic relationships with loved ones that can result in conflicts between partners, problems with friendships, a messy house or personal space, an inability to manage time or money, and a messy house.
Gender stereotypes may also impact the way women who suffer from ADHD are treated. They may be misunderstood because they are thought to be more sensitive or prone a mood swings. This can cause them to feel more frustrated about being a victim of untreated ADHD.
People suffering from 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 following through with their goals. This makes it difficult to resist the temptation to eat another piece of cake or make an inappropriate comment in public.
For adults with ADHD medication can assist to increase their ability to control their behavior. The use of stimulants such as amphetamine or dextroamphetamine may reduce the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulants like clonidine and Guanfacine are also effective. People suffering from ADHD might also benefit from behavioral therapy, which helps them alter their mental patterns and develop healthier coping techniques.
Meditation, eating a balanced diet and getting enough rest can all help control restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It's also a great idea to monitor their symptoms throughout the day, and share the information with their doctor in order to assess whether their treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a typical issue for people suffering from ADHD and can have a negative impact on their work and personal lives. It can take them longer to complete tasks, and decrease their efficiency. Keep Reading could also fail to meet deadlines and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis.
Inability to organize can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They might not remember important dates or even lose things like purses or keys. In the end, they might feel lonely and isolated. Family and friends may also misunderstand them. The disorder can become more severe in menopausal or perimenopausal women as hormones alter and symptoms increase.
Women often cover up their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being judged. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. This could be the reason girls and women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD especially during adolescence, when symptoms are more evident.
In the end, women with untreated ADHD may have trouble with their work or school performance. This can impact their career, grades or overall standing. This can also cause problems in their personal lives. For example it could lead to problems with their romantic partners or strained relationships with family members and friends.
Women with chronic disorganization can receive one-on-one assistance from a non-judgmental, supportive person. They can teach women how to stay organized by making a list and setting reminders. A licensed mental health professional could also suggest medication and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain stable energy levels, and avoiding caffeine which can cause an increase in the side effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a characteristic that affects decision making in many areas of life. Several instruments have been developed 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 imagine worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret ambiguous circumstances as being threat. It was also found to be associated with the fear of making a mistake which could be the reason people suffering from adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study of women who have adhd in their adult lives participants, they reported being unable to make decisions in their personal and professional lives. They had difficulty to manage their finances and relationships, and had trouble finding an occupation they liked. They frequently had to wait for others to make decisions or were unable to complete projects on their own, for example, organizing childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms, such as the inability to focus and impulsivity, or getting started on projects were preventing them from progressing.
They had trouble finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive, which led to mental health problems. They described stress and anxiety, as well as a sleeping insufficiently and having inadequate nutrition. They also expressed feeling devalued by other adults and by the media. The diagnosis of ADHD provided them with a reason for their struggles which was beneficial for self-image because it meant they weren't blaming themselves. They also had access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews revealed that women had a number of positive characteristics but struggled to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on a variety of aspects of their life. These included a lack of romantic or career opportunities as well as difficulties maintaining relationships. a messy home.
5. Self-esteem issues
Some of the symptoms that comprise ADHD are viewed as less socially acceptable for girls and women than they are for males and females and so women may conceal their impulsivity, hyperactivity and disorder. 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 that can cause depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.
Having high inner worth is a precursor to healthier relationships and a better outlook on life. People who lack self-worth are more likely to look outside themselves to find validation, including careers, relationships as well as money and power. Licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can also cause an absence of communication within the relationship, which could eventually end it.
Women suffering from ADHD may also feel they are not worthy of good things in life. These feelings may manifest as a desire to "keep up" or to please. This can result in toxic workplace cultures as well as a negative self-image and a dependence on substances or food.
Despite these major challenges, women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. Most of them identify their ADHD as a gift or a curse, depending on whether they feel they have control over it. Some have identified personal strengths they believe are a result of to their ADHD. They have high energy, creativity and determination and the ability to quickly become interested in new topics. They also discuss their own struggles within the context of a larger picture that includes gender and biological differences, as well as cultural and family issues.