ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that gender and sex are determined by biology, including the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones. A lot of people do not easily fit into an unisexual gender. However, gender and sex can affect the way symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. Symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause difficulties in more than one setting to be eligible for a diagnosis.
1. Trouble focusing
Inattention is at the heart of ADHD and affects both genders. Women may find it more challenging to achieve the attention they require due to the fact that symptoms usually manifest in different ways in men.
Women are more likely than men to be unorganized and impulsive, as an example. They are also more likely to be emotionally triggered and have trouble putting things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability to focus on work, resulting in an inability to perform at work or home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and skip doctor's appointments.
The hormones that women experience, in addition to these innate differences can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. The female hippocampus is larger, which aids in learning and memory. Hormone fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal cycles can affect brain function.
Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD may struggle in their relationships, at school and at work. They may also be struggling with a myriad of co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety eating disorders, bipolar disorder.
In these circumstances, it is crucial for health care professionals to recognize the many indicators that females suffering from ADHD often exhibit. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnose and treat females suffering from ADHD to account for emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. These patients can then finally receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This is especially the case when they interact with others. This can lead to emotional dysregulation, which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It can also be linked to negative life outcomes. These include low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, difficult relationships that can result in intimate partner violence, trouble with friendships as well as a messy home or personal space, and the inability to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can affect the way women who suffer from ADHD are treated. They might be misunderstood since they are thought to be more sensitive or prone to mood swings. This can increase their frustration over being diagnosed with ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD suffer from impaired impulse control Also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means that they are more difficult to make decisions and following up with their intentions. This could cause you to want to indulge in more cake or make an inappropriate comment.
undiagnosed adhd in women suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication that helps to control their impulsivity. Stimulants like amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help to reduce impulsive behavior, and non-stimulant drugs like Guanfacine and clonidine can be effective too. Behavioral therapy can also be advised, which will help people with ADHD alter their thinking patterns and develop healthier coping skills.
Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and practicing meditation can also help to control restlessness and impulsiveness in those with ADHD. It is important to track their symptoms throughout the day and share the information with their doctor so they can assess whether their treatment plan is effective.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization can be a problem for those suffering from ADHD and affect their work and personal lives. They may find it difficult to complete tasks, and their productivity may be reduced. They may also be late and feel overwhelmed on a daily basis.
Inability to organize can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose possessions such as keys or purses. They may feel lonely and unloved because of this. They may also feel that they are not understood by their family and friends. Disorders are more common in menopausal and perimenopausal women when hormones change and symptoms increase.
It is not uncommon for women to mask their ADHD symptoms to fit in with the norms of society and avoid being considered a failure. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. This could also be the reason women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly evident in adolescence when symptoms are more evident.
Women with untreated ADHD may not perform as well at work or in school. This can affect their career, grades or overall reputation. It can also create problems in their personal lives including issues with romantic partners, or strained relationships with friends and family members.
Women who are chronically unorganized could benefit from the one-on-one assistance of a non-judgmental individual. They can teach women how to stay organized by creating a list and setting reminders. A qualified mental health professional could recommend medication or lifestyle changes to aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. This could include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain stable energy levels, and avoiding caffeine which can increase the side effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness influences decision-making in a variety of aspects of daily life. Indecisiveness can be measured using various instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the Indecisiveness scale. Indecisiveness has also been linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is when people perceive ambiguous situations as being threatening. It was also discovered to be related to the fear of making a mistake, which could be the reason people with adhd have trouble making decisions.
In the qualitative study on adult women with adhd interviewed the participants said they were not capable of making decisions about their personal and professional lives. They struggled to find a job they liked or to stay in, and were difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships, and health. They frequently were dependent on others to make decisions or were unable to finish projects themselves, such as scheduling childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and difficulty focusing or starting projects was preventing them from completing.
They struggled to maintain friendships and were unable to relax, leading to problems with their mental health. They reported anxiety and stress, lack of sleep and poor nutrition. They also reported feeling snubbed by adults and the media. They were able to explain their struggles with ADHD which helped them boost their self-esteem as they weren't blaming themselves. It also provided them with access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews revealed that the women had many positive qualities, but they struggled to overcome the impact of their ADHD symptoms on a variety of aspects of their life. The women reported a lack in career or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships and a messy home.
5. Self-esteem issues
Women might conceal their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they feel that their behavior is less acceptable for boys and men. Women who suffer from ADHD might internalize their ADHD and adopt coping strategies such as self-harming (cutting or burning). This can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss which can lead to anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
Having high inner worth is a prerequisite for healthier relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who lack self-worth tend to look beyond themselves for validation, such as careers, relationships money, power, and relationships. Therapist licensed Cheryl Clarke says this can cause a lack of communication in relationships, which could ultimately end it.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel that they don't deserve the best things in life. These feelings can manifest as a desire to "keep up with" or to please. This can result in a toxic work culture and a negative image of the body and an addiction to foods or substances.
Although these are significant challenges however, the women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They described ADHD as positive or negative depending on the way they perceive their ability to control it. Some have identified strengths they believe are a result of to their ADHD. These include the ability to be creative, energetic and determination and the ability to effortlessly become interested in new subjects. They also describe their unique struggles as part of a bigger picture that includes cultural and family issues, as well as biological and gender differences.