20 Irrefutable Myths About ADHD Symptoms In Women: Busted
AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to live up to society's expectations. This includes caring for others, 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 not recognize ADHD symptoms for girls and women.
1. Lack of Focus
One of the most common symptoms of adhd in women is having trouble in concentrating. This problem can manifest in different ways, including forgetting appointments, not being able to finish tasks at the office or having trouble concentrating when talking to people. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances and often result in them missing out on job or financial opportunities.
It's possible that women are more adept at masked their ADHD symptoms, which may make it difficult to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why, however, they think it could be due to gender roles and the expectation for women and girls to be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD can lead to poor performance at work or at school and prevent them from seeking support and help.
Lack of focus can also be mistaken for other conditions such as anxiety or depression. Depression can affect concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder have difficulty concentrating because they are usually overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
inattentive adhd in women is the best method to increase your concentration. This means seeking out a therapist or a clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD both in women and girls. It's also an excellent idea to find out about accommodations that you can request your employer or school for such as flexible hours or working from home. Good sleep hygiene practices can also help you get more restful nights and become more focused during the day, including going to bed at the same time each night, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior going to bed and limiting time spent on screens.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are typically impulsive. They may be prone to interrupting others or changing topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking and taking risks that are not in their best interests. They might also have trouble reading body language or interpreting social cues. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopausal - the time prior to menopausal onset - and when hormone levels begin to decline.
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 their patients, mistakenly diagnose them, or dismiss their symptoms as anxiety or mood problems. Gender bias can also play a role as research on ADHD is predominantly focused on boys and men.
When children with ADHD are young, their parents and teachers sometimes notice impulsive behavior. It's normal for kids to be restless, impatient, or impulsive at times. However, those behaviors tend to improve as kids grow older and learn how to manage their problems.
Adults with adhd can be prone to impulsive behavior and distraction that can impact their relationships, work, and school. They can lead to procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as difficulty keeping promises. They can also make finding and keeping a job difficult and interfere with healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adult ADHD typically involves medication. Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments depending on your particular symptoms, your lifestyle, and other health conditions you might have. They may also suggest psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and change negative thoughts patterns, couples counseling when your relationship has been affected by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can help calm your brain, reduce symptoms and help you focus. This is especially true for those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities such as yoga, dancing and group workouts, like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a wide range of physical symptoms. Dizziness, headaches, palpitations and sweating are a few of the signs. They can also make someone feel like they are having a heart attack or that the world is ending. People who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart problem because of these physical symptoms. This can lead to lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root of the issue. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in combination with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically can help someone develop new ways of thinking or responding to situations that can reduce anxiety.
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 have mixed subtypes. Women should discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor and will ask them questions about the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty getting the right diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Additionally, women often try to hide their symptoms to fit into society. As a result, they could be overlooked and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurse, can diagnose ADHD. The professional will make use of an in-depth medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to determine the severity of a patient's symptoms and determine if other conditions might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD can experience disorganization. This is a persistent issue that can cause disruptions in work and schoolwork emotional stress, strain relationships, and financial problems. Disorganization can be caused by a lack of organization for example, not paying bills or keeping appointments, or difficulties in making decisions. Disorganization can be caused by other factors such as anxiety, a traumatizing event in life, or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Some women with ADHD have a high level of functioning, and their symptoms don't have a significant impact on their daily activities and relationships. This condition is called "high-functioning ADHD." However it doesn't mean they don't have the typical symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating and paying attention to tiny details.
For some, disorganization is a constant battle and it's not uncommon for people suffering from ADHD to spend time searching for lost items or putting off important tasks. It can also cause low productivity and stressed relationships. It can also lead to various health issues, including anxiety and sleep disorders.
Another factor that can exacerbate the disorder in women with ADHD is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation, the middle of menstruation and at the end of, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
It's possible, though biological differences can be a factor, a portion of the disorganization 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 not be able to hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women often find it easier to hide their attention issues than men which can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. They may think that they're better at time management and concentration than they are. In reality, these people are likely to lose things and forget appointments, or not pay bills on time. They also have trouble with problems with organization at work and at home.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to develop the inattentive subtype 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 can also experience trouble staying quiet and may speak to themselves continuously or speak nonsensical phrases or sounds, though they're less likely to exhibit these symptoms than men are.
Medication is the primary treatment option for many adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that target the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also possible. These include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you recognize the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you healthy ways to control your mood and behavior. Exercise and a healthy diet in addition to medications can help manage ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity and disorientation. To boost your energy levels, try activities like dancing, yoga, group classes like aerobics or swimming and biking. Try to exercise for at the very least four to five sessions every week, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. To boost your mood and concentration take a varied diet of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.