The Hidden Secrets Of ADHD Traits In Women
adhd in adult women symptoms in Women Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that sex and a gender are dependent on biology, which includes the body's chromosomal make-up and hormones. Many people don't fall into a binary sexuality. However, gender and sex influence how symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed and treated. ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood prior to the age of 12. ADHD must present symptoms before the age of 12 and cause problems in multiple environments to be eligible for a diagnosis. 1. Problems with Focusing Inattention is at the heart of ADHD and can affect both women and men. Women may have a tougher focus, particularly since symptoms can manifest differently than they do in men. Women are more likely than men to be unorganized and impulsive, as an example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and struggle to put things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to concentrate on work, resulting in a lack of productivity at work or at home. They're also more likely to miss doctor appointments and forget to take their medications. The hormones of women, in addition to these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is bigger which helps with memory and learning. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal cycles can influence brain function. Women with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school, and at work. They might also suffer from multiple comorbid disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. This is why it's critical for health professionals to be aware of the various indicators that females suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnosing and treating women with ADHD to account for hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation and other factors that affect the severity of symptoms. Patients can then receive the treatment they need. 2. Impulsivity Females with ADHD tend to have difficulty controlling their emotions, especially when they interact with other people. This can lead emotional dysregulation which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It is also linked to negative life outcomes. These include poor self-esteem, depression that is co-occurring with anxiety, difficult relationships that can result in intimate partner violence, trouble with friends as well as a messy home or personal space, and an inability to manage time or money. The gender stereotypes of women can influence the way women who suffer from ADHD are treated. They might be misunderstood since they are perceived as more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings. This can cause them to feel more frustrated over living with untreated ADHD. The portion of the brain that controls impulses the brain, known as the prefrontal cortex, is impaired in individuals with ADHD. This means they have more trouble making decisions and executing with their intentions. This can make it hard to resist the urge to eat a second piece of cake or make an inappropriate comment in public. Adults with ADHD can benefit from medication that helps them manage their tendency to be impulsive. Stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help decrease the impulsive behavior while nonstimulant medicines like clonidine and guanfacine can be effective too. Patients with ADHD might also benefit from a behavioral therapy, which helps to change their mental patterns and develop better methods of coping. A good night's sleep and eating a balanced diet, and practicing meditation can also help to control restlessness and impulsiveness in those with ADHD. It is also a great idea to monitor their symptoms throughout the day and then share this information with their doctor to determine whether or not their treatment is working. 3. Disorganization Disorganization can be a major issue for those suffering from ADHD and can affect their work and personal lives. It can take longer to complete tasks, and decrease their productivity. They may also be late and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis. Insanity can cause problems to maintain healthy relationships. They may not remember important dates or even lose things like purses or keys. This can cause them to feel lonely and isolated. They can also feel misunderstood by family members and friends. Disorders are more common in menopausal and perimenopausal women when hormones are changing and symptoms are increasing. Women often cover up their ADHD symptoms in order to fit into societal norms or to avoid being considered a failure. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. This could be a reason for why girls and women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD particularly in adolescence where symptoms become more apparent. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may not perform as well at work or in school. This can affect their work, grades or their overall image. It can also create problems in their personal life like issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family and friends members. Women who are constantly disorganized can benefit from the one-on-one assistance of a non-judgmental individual. They can teach them strategies to get and keep their lives organized, such as making lists of daily tasks and setting reminders for them. In addition, a qualified mental health professional may recommend medications and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to ensure steady energy and avoiding caffeine, which can worsen the adverse effects of stimulant medications. 4. Indecisiveness Indecisiveness can affect decision-making in many aspects of life. Indecisiveness is measured by various instruments, such as the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale of Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness has also been linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret uncertain situations as threat. It has also been found to be linked with anxiety about being wrong, which could help explain why it's common for people suffering from adhd to have difficulty making decisions. In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd interviewed the participants said they were not in a position to make decisions about their personal and professional lives. They struggled to find the job they wanted or stayed in, and also found it difficult to manage their finances, relationships and health. They often had to wait for others to make decisions for them, or were unable to complete tasks such as organizing childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms like inattention and impulsivity or difficulty getting started on projects was preventing them from completing. They had trouble in establishing and maintaining friendships, which led to mental health problems. They described high levels of anxiety and stress, lack of sleep and inadequate nutrition. They also expressed feeling devalued by adults and the media. They were able to explain their struggles with ADHD and helped improve their self-esteem because they weren't blaming themselves. They also had access to treatment strategies that were appropriate. The interviews revealed that women had a lot of positive qualities but were struggling to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on a variety of aspects of their life. The women complained of an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships, and a messy house. 5. Self-esteem issues Some of the signs that comprise ADHD are seen as less socially acceptable for women and girls than they are for males and females and so women may conceal their impulsivity, hyperactivity and disorganization. Some women may take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop strategies to cope, such as self-harming (cutting or burning). This can lead to feelings of self-esteem issues that contribute to anxiety, depression, or eating disorders. A high sense of inner worth is the basis for more positive relationships and an optimistic outlook on life. People who lack self-worth tend to look outside themselves for validation, such as relationships, careers, money, and power. Licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can cause an absence of communication within the relationship, which could eventually end it. Women suffering from ADHD may also feel that they are not worthy of good things in their lives. These feelings may manifest as a desire for others to “keep up with” or to please. This can result in an unhealthy work environment, a negative body image and an addiction to food or other substances. Despite these difficulties the women who participated in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They generally describe their ADHD as a blessing or a curse, based on whether they feel they can control it. Some have identified their own strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD. They have high energy, creativity and determination and the ability to quickly become fascinated by new subjects. They also talk about their unique struggles in the context of the larger picture, which includes gender and biological differences, as well cultural and family issues.