Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often subjected to different expectations from society regarding how they should manage careers, families and their home lives. This can lead to feelings of shame and frustration when your symptoms are causing you to get impeding your progress.
Research has shown that girls and women are frequently under-diagnosed for ADHD compared to boys and men. This could be due to the fact that they conceal their symptoms or develop strategies to conceal them.
1. Inattentiveness
Being unable to pay attention at work or school is among the most common symptoms of adhd. Women with this condition often forget important meetings, fall behind on assignments or are confused when trying to follow directions. They might also have difficulty focusing or concentrate in situations that are noisy or busy. People with ADHD may exhibit what's known as "thousand-yard stares" and zone out during conversations. These symptoms can cause problems at work or with relationships.
Girls and women can be especially susceptible to being diagnosed with ADHD particularly as they age. They typically develop coping strategies that hide their symptoms and continue to utilize these methods of coping until they reach adulthood. They might even begin to view their symptoms as personal traits, which can make them less likely to seek help.
A lot of teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations as often for girls as they do for males. However it is important to note that if a girl's ADHD symptoms are causing a negative impact on her school performance and social interactions, she should speak to a health care professional.
Being a bit inattentional ADHD can lead to an abundance of emotional stress. It can be difficult to feel as if you're not capable of meeting the expectations of your friends, co-workers and family members. It can also be frustrating when you feel you are not able to get along with your children or siblings. Inattention and impulsivity can cause anxiety and depression in some people suffering from ADHD. In addition to seeking assistance there are some things you can do to lessen the effects of these symptoms. Regular exercise can help release neurotransmitters that boost concentration and attention. It also helps reduce anxiety, mood swings and other symptoms that are common among people suffering from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
The unpredictable symptoms of ADHD can be a challenge to manage. You may say things that you shouldn't or purchase items on impulse. You may also end up in trouble with the law enforcement because of your actions. The urge to be impulsive can make it difficult to control your thoughts and emotions. This can lead to self-injury like cutting, burning or scratching yourself. This could also cause alcohol or drug dependence.
People with impulsivity can have problems with their relationships, work or school performance. You can manage your impulsivity using medications prescribed by your doctor. You can improve your impulse-control by taking medications such as amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methylphenidate. Non-stimulant medications like clonidine or Guanfacine can improve your ability to control yourself.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. However, this type of ADHD is harder to notice and can lead to underdiagnosis. Women may hide symptoms to conform to societal norms and expectations. This masking is especially problematic in adolescence and early adulthood. Women may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, to cover up their ADHD challenges.
Women who suffer from high functioning ADHD may mask their symptoms by having the success they desire in certain areas of their lives like at school or at work. This could make you believe that everything is going well and make you feel overwhelmed. Consult your doctor for accommodations at school or at work that will assist you in managing your ADHD symptoms. This is an excellent opportunity to create awareness with your coworkers or professors about the challenges you may face.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD you may be late for appointments or showing up late to work, forgetting dates, or snoring during conversations can lead to frustration and leave others feeling ignored or offended. The condition can also make it difficult to manage finances, keep track of schedules and keep track of tasks. For instance, if have trouble remembering what you need to buy for groceries, you might miss out on meals or overspend on unnecessary things.
Women suffering from ADHD often have a hard to keep track of their everyday chores, homework and bills. The disorder may also contribute to messy workspaces, messy homes and a tendency to hoard. The "time blindness" that ADHD patients have makes it difficult for them to know how long has passed or how long they've worked on a specific task. Problems with time management can lead to feelings of guilt or shame when combined with difficulty staying organized.
Research has shown that girls, women, and boys are more likely than men to suffer from ADHD. However, symptoms can be misdiagnosed or masked. Many women are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. Social stigma and stereotypes can hinder women to access the treatment and support they need.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to manage your ADHD symptoms. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine increase and balance neurotransmitters - the brain chemicals that communicate. Nonstimulant medications such as antidepressants and atomoxetine are also used to treat ADHD however, they perform slower than stimulants. Your doctor could refer you to an expert in mental health who can help create a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
4. Impulsiveness
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult managing their emotions and are often more vulnerable to rejection. adhd traits in women is because the communication trail between brain regions that regulate emotional reactions and interpret what to do with those feelings is disrupted by the chemical imbalance that's connected to ADHD.
Moodiness and depression are common for those with ADHD, and the combination of these with difficulties in managing obligations can cause problems with relationships with loved ones and family. Women with ADHD might also suffer from low self-esteem, and may have difficulty forming relationships and navigating social situations. They might go on tangents in conversations or have difficulty understanding what others are saying, which could make it difficult for them to determine their place in a group.
Women suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to keep themselves motivated to complete simple or boring tasks like washing dishes cleaning, and doing laundry. This can cause unhealthy coping habits like binge-watching television shows or consuming substances. These habits can be particularly risky for young girls and teens with ADHD who are more likely to engage in sexually risky behavior, such as early beginning of sexual activity, fewer protected sex partners, and more casual sexual activity than their peers.
As adults, women with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed than men because they tend to have inattentive symptoms instead of hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms. In addition, many women hide their ADHD symptoms due to the multitude of expectations society places on them (managing the family home and household for instance). It isn't always easy for doctors to recognize that there is a problem, as the symptoms are easy to recognize in both boys.
5. Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD can find it difficult to manage their daily tasks. They may struggle with organizing their lives, paying bills on time and juggling appointments or school/work obligations. Additionally, emotional signs such as mood swings and difficulties controlling their emotions, can make it hard to connect with others and can cause difficulties in personal relationships.
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to pick social cues or reading body language. They might have trouble following a conversation or go off on a tangent, creating issues at school or at work and causing stress in relationships. They can also have difficulty making new friends or achieving the right balance between their home, work, and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary throughout the day and can be affected by hormone levels, like those during menstruation or pregnancy, or as they transition through perimenopause (the menopausal phase). This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis or the wrong type of medication being prescribed.
There are certain signs and symptoms that are common to ADHD that can help you or a loved-one identify the disorder. Being aware of these symptoms is a good first step towards getting the support and treatment you need to manage your symptoms effectively.
It is important to remember that ADHD doesn't mean you are free of other physical or mental disorders. Your doctor or therapist must conduct a thorough examination. They'll have to ask questions about your current and past actions and experiences, look at any medical history, and talk with you about how your symptoms impact your life in a variety of situations.