10 Key Factors About ADHD Symptoms In Women You Didn't Learn In The Classroom
AdHD Symptoms in Women Women who suffer from ADHD are often challenged to meet the various expectations of society. This includes taking care of others while juggling work and home life, and navigating relationships. Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. A bias based on gender can cause health care professionals to not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them. 1. Inattention and lack of Focus Being unable to concentrate is one of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd among women. This issue can manifest in many ways, including forgetting appointments, being unable to finish work or having trouble concentrating when talking to people. It's also a typical symptom that can make it difficult for women to keep up with their finances, and is often the reason why they do not get jobs or financial opportunities. Some women may be better at masking ADHD symptoms than other women which makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why, but they believe it could be due to gender roles and the expectation of women and girls to be more “restrained.” The act of masking ADHD can lead to poor performance at work or in school, and hinder those with ADHD from seeking out support and assistance. Focus issues are also a common symptom and can be confused with other conditions, including depression and anxiety. For instance, depression may affect your focus by making you less attentive and irritable. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder usually have trouble focusing because they are more likely to become overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions. The best way to increase your ability to concentrate is to manage your ADHD symptoms through treatment. This means you should find a therapist or therapist with experience in ADHD for both girls and women. It is also important to know about the options for accommodations from your school or employer for example, flexible working hours or working at home. A healthy sleeping routine can aid you in having more restful nights and help you to stay focused throughout the day. This means going to bed each night at the same time, listening to relaxing music or an audiobook and limiting screen time. 2. Impulsivity Women with ADHD tend to be impulsive. They can interrupt other people or change topics during a discussion, make quick decisions without considering the consequences, and take risks that aren't in your best interest. They might also have trouble understanding body language or social signals. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopausal, the period prior to menopausal symptoms – and also 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 could lead to health care professionals missing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing their symptoms, or dismissing their symptoms as anxiety or a mood issue. Research on ADHD focuses mainly on males and females. This can cause a gender bias. Teachers and parents may observe the impulsive behavior of children who suffer from ADHD. It's normal for kids to be restless, impatient or even impulsive in certain instances. However, those behaviors tend to improve over time as kids grow older and learn how to manage their issues. In adults, impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can negatively impact work, school and relationships. They can lead to delays or forgetfulness and difficulty following through on commitments. They can also make finding and keeping a job difficult and can hinder healthy eating habits. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication. Your doctor may suggest an individualized treatment based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and any other health conditions. Psychotherapy may also be recommended that includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change negative thoughts patterns or couples counseling in the event that your relationship has been impacted by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can calm your brain and reduce symptoms, as well as assist you in staying focused. This is especially important for those who are prone to impulsivity and disorientation. You can take on activities such as yoga, dancing, and group workouts such as swimming and running. 3. Anxiety Anxiety disorders are common and cause a variety of physical symptoms. The feeling of dizziness, headaches and palpitations and sweating are a few of the signs. These symptoms can make someone think they are having an attack or that the world is close to ending. People who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart issue due to these physical signs. This could result in a long medical treatment without addressing the root of the issue. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in conjunction with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy can help people discover new ways of thinking and reacting that can help them feel less anxious. 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 may also be more likely to have an uniform subtype. Women should talk to their doctor about their ADHD symptoms with their doctor and will ask them questions regarding the disorder. Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty getting the right diagnosis, as the majority of diagnostic tools are geared towards male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms to fit in with society. They could be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment may be delayed. A trained professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced registered nurses may be able to diagnose ADHD. The provider will use an extensive history, a physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to assess the symptoms of a patient and determine if any other medical conditions could be contributing. 4. Disorganization Women with ADHD may experience disorganization, which is a constant issue that can disrupt the way they work and school which can cause emotional stress and strain relationships and contribute to financial problems. Disorganization can be caused by a lack of organizational skills like not paying bills or keeping appointments, or difficulties in making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, like anxiety, traumatizing life incident, or depression and can be difficult to treat. Some women with ADHD have a high level of functioning and their symptoms do not significantly impact their daily activities and relationships. This condition is referred to as “high-functioning ADHD.” This does not mean that they don't suffer from some of the symptoms. This includes difficulty in concentrating or paying attention to things, feeling anxious, and being forgetful. For some, a lack of organization is a constant struggle, and it's common for people suffering from ADHD to spend time searching for lost items or put off important tasks. The disorder also affects the quality of their work and can result in strained relationships. It can also cause various health issues, such as anxiety or sleep disorders. Another cause of disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormone fluctuations. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, in the middle of menstruation and at the end of, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms. Although biological differences between genders may play a part, it's also possible that some of the disorder and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is related to social “norms.” Young women and girls are often socialized to be quiet and reserved, which is why they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms. 5. Inattention Women are often able to mask their attention problems than men do, which can lead to being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment. They may even think they're better at managing their time and concentration than they are. In reality, they tend to lose things and miss appointments, or pay their bills on time. They also struggle with issues with organization both at work and at home. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to develop the inattentive form 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. treatment for adhd in women might also have difficulty speaking to themselves or make nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than males. For many adults suffering from ADHD the first method of treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are typically prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that target the way neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. They include atomoxetine and the guanfacine. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial for women with ADHD. These therapies can help you identify thoughts that are irrational or automatic and teach you how to control your emotions and behaviors. In addition to medication, exercise and a balanced diet can help you manage ADHD symptoms like disorientation, impulsivity and restlessness. To boost your energy levels, try activities like yoga, dancing, or group classes like cycling or swimming, and aerobics. Try to exercise for at least four to five sessions per week, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. To support your mood and focus consume a variety of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.