Five Things You Don't Know About ADHD Traits In Women
ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related to biology, the hormonal makeup of the body and its chromosomal makeup. It also acknowledges that many people do not fall into a binary of sex. Gender and sexes can impact how ADHD symptoms are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is diagnosed in childhood, usually before the age of 12. ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and cause problems in more than one environment to qualify for a diagnoses.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is the core of ADHD and is a problem for all genders. Women may have a difficult focus, particularly since symptoms can appear differently than in men.
Women are more likely than men to be unorganized and impulsive, as an example. They also are more likely to experience emotional stress and struggle to put things in perspective. These problems can lead to an inability to focus which can lead to an absence of productivity at work or at home. They're also more likely to miss doctor appointments and neglect to take their medications.
In addition to these innate differences, women's hormones can make ADHD symptoms more severe. Females have a larger hippocampus, which aids in learning and memory, as well as hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles and during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause can affect their brain function.
As a result, women who do not have a diagnosis of ADHD can have major struggles in relationships at school, in their relationships, and at work. They might also struggle with a host of comorbid conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.
It is crucial that health professionals understand the many signs females suffering from ADHD display. They need to rethink their methods to diagnose and treat females with ADHD to recognize emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. This way, patients will receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This is especially true when they interact with other people. This can lead emotional dysregulation which is a major cause of ADHD symptoms. It is also associated with negative life outcomes. These include poor self-esteem, co-occurring depression and anxiety, difficult relationships that can result in intimate partner violence, trouble with friendships and a messy home or personal space, and a failure to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can affect the way women with ADHD are treated. They might be misunderstood since they are thought to be more sensitive or prone to mood swings. This can cause them to feel more frustrated about being a victim of untreated ADHD.
The part of the brain that controls impulses the brain, also known as the prefrontal cortex, is impaired in individuals with ADHD. This means they have a difficult time making decisions and following up with their intentions. This could cause you to want to indulge in more cake or make a snide comment.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from medications that help to control their impulses. The use of stimulants such as amphetamine or dextroamphetamine can reduce impulsive behavior. Nonstimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine are also effective. People suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a behavioral therapy, which can help them alter their thinking patterns and develop better coping techniques.
adult adhd in women and eating a balanced, healthy diet and getting enough rest can all be helpful in reducing restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It is important to track their symptoms throughout the day and share this data with their doctor to assess whether the treatment regimen is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization can be a major issue for people with ADHD and impact their personal and professional lives. It may take them longer to complete their tasks and decrease their productivity. They may also be late or overwhelmed every day.
Lack of organization can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They might miss important dates or misplace things like purses or keys. They might feel lonely and isolated because of this. Friends and family members may be confused about them. Disorganization is more common in menopausal and perimenopausal women when hormones are changing and symptoms are increasing.
Women often mask their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to social norms or to avoid being thought of as a problem. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. This could be a reason why girls and women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD especially during adolescence, when symptoms are more obvious.
Women who are not treated for ADHD may not perform as well at school or at work. This could have a negative impact on their job, grades or even their reputation. It can also create problems for their personal life. For example, it may lead to issues with romantic partners or strain relationships with family and friends.
Women who are chronically disorganized could benefit from the one-on-one assistance of a non-judgmental individual. They can assist women in learning to stay organized by creating a list and setting reminders. Additionally, a certified mental health professional can suggest medication and lifestyle changes to help minimize ADHD symptoms. This could include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain a steady energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can increase the negative effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness can affect decision-making in many aspects of our lives. Indecisiveness can be measured with various instruments, such as the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the Indecisiveness scale. Indecisiveness is also correlated with neuroticism, and the tendency to employ worst-case scenario thinking, where people interpret uncertain situations as threatening. It has also been proven to be associated with a fear of being wrong, which may help explain why it is common for people with adhd to have trouble making decisions.
In the qualitative study on adult women suffering from adhd who were interviewed they said they were not able to make decisions regarding their professional and personal lives. They found it hard to manage their finances and relationships, and had trouble finding an occupation they liked. They often had to wait for others to make decisions for them, or were unable to finish projects like arranging childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and difficulty focusing or starting projects were preventing them from progressing.
They had a difficult time in establishing and maintaining friendships which led to mental health problems. They reported anxiety and stress, sleeping insufficiently and having poor nutrition. They also felt stigmatized by media and adults. The diagnosis of ADHD gave them a reason for their struggles, which was helpful for self-esteem because it meant they weren't blamed for their condition. It also provided them with access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews revealed that the women were very optimistic and able to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects of their lives. The women reported an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships, and a messy house.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Women might hide their hyperactivity and impulsivity because they believe their behavior is less acceptable than for boys and men. Women might internalize their ADHD and develop coping strategies like self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can result in lower self-esteem and could cause depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A high self-esteem is a precursor to healthier relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who do not have a strong self-worth are more likely to look outside themselves for validation, such as relationships, careers, money, and power. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, says that this can also result in an absence of communication within a relationship.
Women suffering from ADHD might also feel they do not deserve good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire for others to "keep up" or to please. This can lead to toxic work cultures as well as a negative self-image and a dependence on substances or food.
Although these are significant challenges, the women who participated in this study also discovered a number of positive aspects of living with ADHD. They described ADHD as an advantage or a disadvantage depending on the way they perceive their ability to control it. A few of them also point out their own strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD such as the ability to be creative, high energy, determination, and the ability to get easily interested in new topics. They also discuss their unique struggles as part of a bigger picture that includes cultural and family issues as well as biological and gender differences.