Keep An Eye On This: How Signs And Symptoms Of ADHD In Women Is Gaining Ground, And What You Can Do About It
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women suffering from ADHD are often subjected to different expectations from society about how they should handle their families, careers, and home life. This can lead you to be embarrassed and frustrated when your symptoms cause problems.
Research shows that women and girls are frequently under-diagnosed for ADHD as compared to boys and men. This could be due to the fact that they mask their symptoms or use strategies to cope with the signs, for example:
1. Inattentiveness
Having trouble paying attention at school or work is one of the main symptoms of adhd. Women with adhd often forget important meetings or projects or are misled by directions. They may also have difficulties concentrating in noisy or crowded environments. People who suffer from ADHD are prone to what's called "thousand-yard stares" and can become distracted during conversations. These symptoms can lead to issues at work or in relationships.
Females and females are particularly susceptible to undiagnosed ADHD, especially as they age. They develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms, and continue to do so until adulthood. They might even begin to see their symptoms as particular to them, which could make it harder for them to seek help.
In addition, a lot of teachers don't suggest ADHD assessments for girls as frequently as they do for males. If a girl's lack of attention to ADHD is affecting her school performance or social interactions then she should speak to a medical professional.
Inattentive ADHD is a typical cause of emotional stress. adhd in young women can be a frustrating experience when you feel that you're not able to meet the expectations of your friends, family members and co-workers. It can be a bit upsetting when you feel you are unable to get along with your children or siblings. Inattention and impulsivity can cause depression and anxiety in some people suffering from ADHD. In addition to seeking help, there are things that you can do to lessen the effects of these symptoms. Regular exercise can help release neurotransmitters that improve attention and concentration. It can also reduce anxiety and mood swings which are common in people who suffer from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
The impulse-driven symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to manage. You may say things you shouldn't or buy something on impulse. You may also end up arrested by the police because of your behavior. It can also make it difficult to control your emotions and feelings. This can lead to self-injury such as burning, cutting, or scratching yourself. This can cause alcohol or drug dependence.
People with impulsivity can have difficulties with their relationships, their work or school performance. You can control your impulsivity using medications prescribed by your physician. Drugs like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall Ritalin, Adderall) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can help you improve your impulse control. Nonstimulant medications like clonidine or guanfacine may also help you to better control your impulses.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. But this type of ADHD is harder to notice, which can result in underdiagnosis. Women may conceal their symptoms to conform to social expectations and standards. This type of masking can be particularly problematic in the adolescent years and early adulthood. Women may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms that include excessive drinking and drug abuse to hide their ADHD challenges.
Women who suffer from high functioning ADHD can mask their symptoms by having the success they desire in certain areas of their life like at school or at work. This can lead to feeling unsecure and can cause you to feel overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life. Consult your doctor about accommodations at school or work that can assist you in managing your ADHD symptoms. This is an excellent way to increase awareness with your coworkers or professors of the challenges you may encounter.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD then avoiding appointments, arriving late for work, forgetting dates and not paying attention to conversations can cause anger and make others feel ignored or offended. The condition can make it difficult to stay on top of tasks, manage finances and schedules. If you don't know what you need to get for groceries, then you could be unable to eat or spend too much on unnecessary things.
Women suffering from ADHD typically have a difficult time keeping track of everyday chores, homework and even paying bills. The disorder can also lead to messy workspaces, unorganized homes and a propensity to hoard. The "time blindness" that ADHD sufferers are prone to makes it difficult to determine how long has been spent or how long they've worked on a specific task. Time management issues can trigger feelings of guilt or shame when they are combined with a struggle to stay organized.
While research has shown that girls and women are more likely to have ADHD than boys and men the symptoms can be hidden and underdiagnosed. Women are often not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. Social stigma and stereotypes can make it difficult for women to access the treatment and assistance they require.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to manage your ADHD symptoms. stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine can increase and balance levels of neurotransmitters. These are the brain chemicals that communicate with each other. Nonstimulant medications such as antidepressants and atomoxetine are also used to treat ADHD, but they work slower than stimulants. Your doctor might also refer you to a mental health specialist who will help you develop an individual treatment plan that is tailored to your particular requirements.
4. Impulsiveness
Women with ADHD may have a difficult time controlling their emotions and often feel more vulnerable to rejection. The chemical imbalance associated with ADHD interferes with communication between brain areas that regulate emotions and interpret how to deal with them.
People with ADHD are prone to depression and moodiness. This, in conjunction with the difficulty managing their obligations can lead to problems with family and romantic relationships. Women with ADHD may also have a low self-esteem and have difficulty forming relationships and navigating social situations. They may wander off on tangents in conversations or have difficulty understanding what others are saying, which can make it difficult for them to determine their place in groups.
Women suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to motivate themselves to complete mundane or boring tasks such as washing dishes, cleaning, and washing laundry. This can cause them to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-watching TV shows or abusing substances. These habits can be particularly risky for girls in their teens and teens with ADHD who are more likely to engage in sexually dangerous actions, such as early initiation of sexual activity, having fewer protected sex partners and more casual sex than their peers.
As adults, women with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed than men because they tend to have inattentive symptoms instead of hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms. Many women hide their ADHD due to the many expectations set by society (managing the household and children for example). It can be difficult for doctors to determine if there is a problem, as the symptoms are easy to detect in men and males.
5. Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may struggle to handle their daily tasks. They may have difficulty organizing their lives, paying bills on time, and keeping up with appointments or school/work obligations. Emotional symptoms, like mood swings and difficulty regulating emotions, can also make it difficult to connect with other people and cause problems in personal relationships.
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to pick social cues or understanding body language. They may struggle to follow conversations or wander off on a tangent, which can cause difficulties at school or at work and straining relationships. They may also have difficulty making new friends, or finding a balance between work, home, and social life.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary throughout the day and can be influenced by hormone levels, for instance those during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or when they progress through perimenopause (the menopausal phase). This could lead to misdiagnosis or the wrong types of medications being used.
Although everyone faces different difficulties when dealing with ADHD there are a few typical symptoms and signs that can help you recognize the disorder for yourself or a loved one. Being aware of these symptoms is a good first step to getting the help and treatment you need to manage your symptoms effectively.
It is important to understand that ADHD does not mean that you are immune to other mental or physical conditions. Your therapist or doctor should perform a thorough assessment. They'll ask questions about your past and present behaviors, review your medical history, and talk about the impact of your symptoms in different settings.