ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender refer to biology--the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones--and that many people don't fit into a sex binary. Sexe and gender can affect how ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause problems in more than one setting to be eligible for a diagnosis.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Inattention is at the heart of ADHD and is a problem that affects both men and women. Women may have a difficult time focusing, especially since symptoms can manifest differently than they do in males.
Women are more likely to experience indecisiveness and disorganization, for example. They are also more likely to experience emotional stress and have difficulty putting things into perspective. These problems can create an inability to concentrate on tasks, leading to a decrease in productivity at work or home. They are also more likely to miss doctor appointments and neglect to take their medications.
The hormones of women along with these innate differences can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Females have a larger hippocampus that aids in memory and learning, and hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle as well as during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal changes can affect their brain's functioning.
Women with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school and at work. They may also have a variety of comorbid disorders like anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
In these circumstances, it's critical for health professionals to be aware of the various indications that females with ADHD often show. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnose and treat females suffering from ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. This way, patients can finally get the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Females with ADHD are more likely to have trouble controlling their emotions, particularly when they interact with others. This can result in emotional dysregulation which is a key aspect of ADHD symptoms and is linked to a variety of negative life outcomes. These include low self-esteem, co-occurring depression and anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones which can lead to intimate partner violence, problems with friendships as well as a messy home or personal space, and a failure to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes may also impact how women who suffer from ADHD are treated. Because they are typically viewed as more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they can be misinterpreted or dismissed as being emotionally prone. This can increase their frustration in living with untreated ADHD.
Individuals with ADHD have impaired impulse control which is also referred to as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have a difficult time making decisions and following through with their intentions. This can make it hard to resist the temptation to eat a second piece of cake or make an inappropriate statement in public.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from medication that helps them control their impulsivity. Stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help reduce the impulsive behavior, and non-stimulant drugs like Guanfacine and clonidine can be effective as well. Behavioral therapy is also recommended, which can aid people suffering from ADHD change their thinking patterns and develop more effective ways of coping.
Sleeping enough, eating a healthy diet, and meditating can also help to control restlessness and impulsiveness in those with ADHD. It is important to track their symptoms throughout the day and communicate this information with their physician to determine if their treatment plan is effective.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization can be a major issue for people suffering from ADHD and affect their professional and personal life. It may take them longer to complete tasks and decrease their efficiency. They might also miss deadlines and feel overwhelmed on a daily basis.
Insanity can cause problems to maintain healthy relationships. People may forget important dates or lose things like purses or keys. They might feel lonely and isolated due to this. Family and friends may also be confused about them. The disorder is more prevalent in menopausal and perimenopausal women when hormones are changing and symptoms are increasing.
It is not uncommon for women to hide their ADHD symptoms in order to conform with the norms of society and avoid being considered a failure. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. It can also be a reason for why women and girls are often not diagnosed with ADHD particularly during adolescence, when symptoms are more obvious.
Women who are not treated for ADHD may have poor performance at work or in school. This could affect their work, grades or their overall image. It can also create problems for their personal lives. For instance it can cause issues with romantic partners or strained relationships with family and friends.
Women with chronic disorganization can receive one-on-one assistance from a non-judgmental, supportive person. They can provide strategies to remain organized, for example, making lists of daily tasks and setting reminders for them. A qualified mental health professional may recommend medication or lifestyle changes that will aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain a steady energy levels, and avoiding caffeine which can increase the side effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a trait that influences decision-making in many areas of our lives. There are a variety of instruments that have been created to assess indecisiveness. These include the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also associated with neuroticism and the tendency to use worst case scenario thinking, which is where people perceive ambiguous situations as dangerous. It has also been found to be associated with a fear of being wrong, which could help explain why it's common for people suffering from adhd to have trouble making decisions.
In the study of qualitative research on adult women with adhd interviewed, they described not being in a position to make decisions regarding their professional and personal lives. They struggled to find a job they liked or stayed in, and found it difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships, and health. They often waited for others to make decisions for them, or were unable to finish projects like scheduling childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms like inattention and impulsivity or difficulty beginning projects was preventing them from completing.
They had difficulty in establishing and maintaining friendships which led to mental health problems. They reported anxiety and stress, sleep deprivation and poor nutrition. They also felt stigmatized by adults and the media. They were able explain their struggles with ADHD which helped them improve their self-esteem because they were not blaming themselves. They also had access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews showed that the women had many positive qualities, but they were struggling to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on different aspects of their lives. These included a lack of romantic or career opportunities as well as difficulties maintaining relationships. a messy home.
5. Insecurity about oneself
Some of the signs that are a part of ADHD are viewed as less acceptable socially for girls and women than they are for boys and men and so women may hide their hyperactivity, impulsivity and disorder. Some women might take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop coping strategies like self-harming (cutting or burning). This can cause feelings of self-esteem loss which can lead to depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.
Having high inner worth is a prerequisite for healthier relationships and a better outlook on life. People who lack self-worth are more likely to look outside themselves to find validation, including relationships, careers money, power, and relationships. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can lead to the lack of communication in a relationship.
add symptoms in adult women suffering from ADHD might also feel they don't deserve the best things in life. These feelings may manifest as a desire to "keep up with" or to please. This can lead to a toxic work culture, a negative body image and an addiction to foods or substances.
Despite these significant issues However, the women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They generally say that they view their ADHD as a blessing or a curse, depending on whether they feel they can manage it. Some have identified personal strengths they believe are due to their ADHD. These include high energy, creativity and determination, as well as the ability to effortlessly become fascinated by new subjects. They also discuss their unique challenges as part of a larger picture that includes cultural and family issues as also gender and biological differences.