ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that sex and a gender are based on biology, including the body's chromosomal make-up and hormones. Many people do not easily fit into an unisexual sex. However, sex and gender can influence how symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of early childhood, typically before the age of 12. ADHD symptoms must be present before 12 years of age and cause problems in more than one environment to be eligible for a diagnosis.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Inattention is at the heart of ADHD and can affect both women and men. Women may have a difficult time focusing, especially since symptoms can appear differently than they do in males.
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 problems can create an inability to focus on work, which can lead to a decrease in productivity at work or at home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and skip doctor's appointments.
Women's hormones as well as these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is larger which helps in learning and memory. Hormone fluctuations during menstruation or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopausal cycles can influence brain function.
Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD might struggle with their relationships, at school and at work. They might also struggle with a myriad of comorbid disorders, including anxiety, depression eating disorders, bipolar disorder.
This is why it is essential for health care professionals to be aware of the numerous clues that females with ADHD often show. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations and other variables that affect the severity of symptoms. This way, patients can finally get the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Females who suffer from ADHD are often unable to controlling their emotions, particularly when they interact with other people. This can result in emotional dysregulation which is a key component of ADHD symptoms and is associated with a range of negative life results. These include poor self-esteem, depression that is co-occurring with anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones which can lead to violence between intimate partners, issues with friendships as well as a messy home or personal space, and a failure to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can also influence the way women with ADHD will be treated. They might be misunderstood since they are viewed as being more sensitive or prone to mood swings. This can increase their frustration over 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 people suffering from ADHD. This means that they have a difficult time making decisions and following up with their intentions. This can make you want to take a bite more cake or to make a rude comment.
For adults with ADHD medication can assist to increase their ability to manage their behavior. Stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can aid in reduce the impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medications such as Guanfacine and clonidine can be efficient too. Behavioral therapy may also be advised, which will aid people suffering from ADHD modify their thinking patterns and develop more effective ways of coping.
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 important to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and share this data with their doctor to determine if their treatment regimen is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a frequent issue for people suffering from ADHD and can have a negative impact on their professional and personal lives. It may take longer to complete their tasks and reduce their productivity. They might also miss deadlines and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis.
An absence of organization could also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose possessions such as keys or purses. In the end, they might feel isolated and lonely. Family and friends may also be confused about them. Disorganization is more common during perimenopause or menopause when hormones are changing and symptoms are increasing.
It is not uncommon for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms to fit in with the norms of society and avoid being considered a failure. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It can also be a reason why girls and women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD, particularly in adolescence when symptoms become more apparent.
In the end women suffering from untreated ADHD may have trouble with their work or school performance. This can affect their work, grades, or even their reputation. It can also cause problems in their personal lives including issues with romantic partners, or strained relationships with friends and family members.
Women who are constantly disorganized will benefit from the one-on-1 support of a non-judgmental person. They can provide strategies to get and remain organized, for example, making lists of daily tasks and creating reminders for them. Additionally, a certified mental health professional may recommend medication and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. This can include eating small frequent meals to keep energy levels up and avoiding caffeine, which can cause adverse effects from stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness can affect decision-making in many aspects of our lives. Indecisiveness is measured by several instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the Indecisiveness scale. Indecisiveness is also correlated with neuroticism and the tendency to use worst-case scenario thinking, where people perceive ambiguous situations as potentially dangerous. It was also discovered to be linked to a fear of making a mistake, which could be the reason people with adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women suffering from adhd who were interviewed the participants said they were not able to make decisions about their professional and personal lives. They struggled to find an occupation they enjoyed or to stay in, and found it difficult to manage their finances, relationships and health. They often had to wait for others to make decisions or were unable complete projects themselves, such as organizing childcare. They often felt that they were held back by their ADHD symptoms, like difficulties in starting, staying focused and impulsive.
They struggled to maintain relationships and had trouble relaxing and recharging their mental health. They described having high levels of anxiety and stress as well as an inability to sleep and a poor diet. They also reported feeling snubbed by adults and the media. The diagnosis of ADHD gave them a reason for their difficulties which was beneficial for self-esteem because it meant they were not blamed for their own problems. adhd in women uk had access to treatment strategies that were appropriate.
The interviews revealed that the women had many positive qualities, but they struggled to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on different aspects of their life. The women complained of a lack in career or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships, and a messy house.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Women may hide their hyperactivity and impulsivity because they believe these behaviors aren't as acceptable than for boys and men. Women may be able to internalize their ADHD and develop coping strategies like self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can result in feelings of self-esteem issues that can cause anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
A strong sense of self-esteem and worth is the precursor to better relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who lack self-worth tend to look outside themselves for validation, such as jobs, relationships, money, and power. adhd symptoms in women adults , a licensed therapist, says that this can also result in the lack of communication in a relationship.
Alongside a feeling of lack of self-worth, women who have ADHD frequently struggle with a feeling that they don't deserve the good things in their lives. These feelings may manifest as a desire to please or "keep up" with others. This can result in a toxic work culture as well as a negative image of one's body and an addiction to food or other substances.
While these are serious issues, the women who participated in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They generally identify their ADHD as a gift or a curse, depending on whether they believe they can control it. Some of them have identified strengths they believe are a result of to their ADHD. They have high energy, creativity and determination and the ability to easily get interested in new topics. They also discuss their individual struggles in the context of a larger picture that includes gender and biological differences, as well cultural and family issues.