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 belong to a sex binary. However, gender and sex influence how symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood, before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause difficulties in multiple settings to be able to receive an assessment.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Inattention is at the core of ADHD and can affect both women and men. simply click the following page may have a harder to concentrate, particularly because symptoms can manifest differently than men.
Women are more likely to experience indecisiveness and disorganization, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally afflicted and have a difficult time putting things in perspective. These problems can lead to an inability to focus which can lead to an inability to perform at work or home. They're also more likely miss doctor appointments and neglect to take their medications.
The hormones of women along with these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. Females have a bigger hippocampus, which helps with learning and memory, as well as hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause can affect their brain function.
This is why women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD can have major struggles in relationships, at school as well as at work. They might also struggle with a variety of comorbid disorders, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.
This is why it is essential for health care professionals to be aware of the numerous indicators that females suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit. They must recalibrate their approaches for diagnosing and treating females suffering from ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. That way, these patients will receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is particularly true when they interact with other people. This can lead to emotional dysregulation, which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It can also be linked to negative life outcomes. This includes low self-esteem anxiety and depression that coexist, problematic romantic relationships which can lead to violence between partners, problems with friendships, a messy house or personal space, inability to manage time or money, and a messy house.
Gender stereotypes can also affect how women who suffer from ADHD are treated. They might be misunderstood since they are thought to be more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings. This can cause them to feel more frustrated about being a victim of untreated ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD suffer from impaired impulse control which is also referred to as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have a harder time making decisions and following through with their intentions. This can make it difficult to resist the temptation to eat another piece of cake or to make an inappropriate comment in public.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from medications that help them manage their impulsivity. The use of stimulants such as amphetamine or dextroamphetamine are able to reduce the behavior of impulsivity. Non-stimulants like clonidine and Guanfacine can also be effective. Behavioral therapy can also be advised, which will help those suffering from ADHD change their thinking patterns and develop healthier coping skills.
Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and practicing meditation can also help in reducing impulsiveness and restlessness in people with ADHD. It's also a good idea to monitor their symptoms throughout the day, and then share this information with their doctor in order to assess whether or not their treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a typical issue in people with ADHD and can have a negative impact on their work and personal lives. They may have trouble to complete tasks and their efficiency may be reduced. They might also miss deadlines or feel overwhelmed each day.
An absence of organization could cause problems to maintain healthy relationships. They might forget important dates or lose possessions such as keys or purses. This can cause them to feel lonely and alone. Friends and family may be confused about their feelings. The disorder can become more severe during perimenopause and menopause when hormones shift and symptoms intensify.
Women often cover up their ADHD symptoms to conform to social norms or to avoid being considered a failure. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. It could also be the reason women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially evident in adolescence when symptoms are more evident.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might have a poor performance at school or at work. This could affect their job, grades, or overall reputation. It can also create problems in their personal lives like issues with romantic partners, or strained relationships with friends and family members.
Women who are chronically disorganized could benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental friend. They can teach them strategies to keep their lives organized, such as making a list of daily tasks and setting reminders for them. A licensed mental health professional can recommend medication or lifestyle changes that will reduce ADHD symptoms. This could include eating smaller, frequent meals to keep energy levels up and avoiding caffeine, which can trigger side effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness influences decision-making in a variety of aspects of life. Indecisiveness can be measured with several instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale for Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness is also correlated with neuroticism, and the tendency to employ worst-case scenario thinking, where people perceive ambiguous situations as potentially dangerous. It is also believed to be associated with the fear of being wrong, which may help explain why it's common for people with adhd to struggle with making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women suffering from adhd, interviewees reported being not able to make decisions regarding their work and personal lives. They struggled to manage their finances and relationships, and had trouble finding a job that they liked. They often had to wait for others to take decisions, or were unable to complete tasks such as organizing childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms, such as the inability to focus and impulsivity, or starting projects were holding them back.
They struggled to keep friendships and were unable to relax, leading to problems with their mental health. They reported high levels of stress and anxiety, sleeping less and a poor diet. They also reported feeling snubbed by their peers and the media. The diagnosis of ADHD provided them with a reason for their difficulties which was beneficial for self-image because it meant they were not blamed for their condition. It also provided them with access to appropriate treatments.
The interviews revealed that the women were very positive, but struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects of their lives. The women reported an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships, and a messy house.
5. Lack of Self-Esteem
Women might cover up their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe that these behaviors aren't as acceptable than for boys and men. Some women may take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop strategies to cope, such as self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can lead to low self-esteem, which could cause depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A sense of inner worth is the foundation for more positive relationships and a positive outlook on life. If people do not have a strong sense of self-worth they tend to look for external things - such as relationships, careers, wealth, and power - to feel worthy. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, says that this can also result in the lack of communication in relationships.
In addition to a lack of self-worth, women who have ADHD often struggle with the feeling that they don't deserve the good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a need to please or to "keep up" with others. This can lead to toxic work cultures, a negative self-image, and an addiction to substances or food.
Despite these significant challenges However, the women who took part in this study discovered many positive aspects to living with ADHD. They described ADHD as a blessing or a curse depending on the way they perceive their ability to manage it. Some have identified strengths they believe are due to their ADHD. They have high energy, creativity and determination as well as the ability to easily get interested in new topics. They also discuss their individual struggles in the context of the larger picture, which includes biological and gender differences, as well cultural and family issues.