The Best Way To Explain ADHD Symptoms In Women To Your Mom
AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD are often challenged to meet many societal expectations. Women with ADHD typically struggle to meet the expectations of society such as caring for others while juggling work and home life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. The gender bias can cause health professionals to not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most common symptoms of adhd among women. This issue can manifest in a variety of ways, including missing appointments, being unable to finish tasks at the office or being unable to concentrate when talking to people. It's also a frequent problem that makes it difficult for women to keep track of their finances. It's often the reason they miss out on jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that certain women are more adept at hiding their ADHD symptoms, which could make it difficult to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they theorize that it could be related to gender stereotypes and the belief that women and girls should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can lead to underperforming at work or school and could hinder them from seeking the help and assistance they require.
Focus issues are also an atypical symptom that could be confused with other ailments, including depression and anxiety. For instance, depression can influence your concentration by making you more forgetful and unmotivated. People with generalized anxieties disorder have difficulty concentrating because they are often overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best way to increase concentration. This means you should find a therapist or therapist with experience in ADHD in women and girls. It's also an excellent idea to find out about accommodations that you can ask your employer or educational institution for, such as flexible hours or working at home. Good sleep hygiene will also assist you in having more peaceful nights and help you to stay focused throughout the day. This means getting to bed every night at the same time, and listening to relaxing music or an audiobook and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. They can interrupt other people or switch topics during the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without considering the consequences and take risks that are not in your best interests. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or picking up on social cues. The symptoms of impulsivity are often worse during perimenopause, the period before menopausal and after which hormone levels begin to decrease.
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have inattentive-type symptoms, which can be harder to notice than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This could result in health professionals not recognizing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as being a mood or anxiety problem. Gender bias may be a factor, since research on ADHD is predominantly focused on males and females.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers sometimes notice impulsive behavior. It's not uncommon for children to be irritable or impatient at times. These behaviors can improve as children get older and become more adept at managing their symptoms.
Adults with adhd can be prone to impulsive behavior and distraction that can impact their work, relationships, and school. They can lead to procrastination, inattention, as well as problems adhering to commitments. They can also make it difficult to find and keep jobs. adhd symptoms in women test can affect healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is usually treated by medication. Your doctor will recommend an array of treatments based on your particular symptoms, your lifestyle, and other health conditions you may have. They may also recommend psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to recognize and change negative thought patterns or couples counseling in the event that your relationship is affected by ADHD, or even family therapy. Physical exercise can aid in calming your brain and lessen symptoms, particularly when it comes to impulsivity and distractibility. Try activities such as dancing, yoga and group workouts, like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and can cause a variety of physical symptoms. Dizziness, headaches, palpitations and sweating are just a few of the symptoms. They can also make someone feel as if they are suffering from a heart attack or that the world is closing. People who suffer from anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart problem because of these physical symptoms. This can lead to an extended journey of medical treatment that does not treat the root cause. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy by itself or in conjunction with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, can help a person develop new ways of thinking or reacting to situations that may reduce anxiety.
Unlike men and boys, who are more likely to have hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, women are more likely to have the inattentive subtype of the disorder. Women may also be more likely to be a mixed subtype. It is essential for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will perform an exhaustive physical exam and ask specific questions about the way that the disorder impacts their life.
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty getting a correct diagnosis, as many diagnostic tools are designed towards male behavior. Women may also hide their symptoms to fit in with the rest of society. In the end, they may not be diagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The provider will use an extensive history, physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate the symptoms of an individual and determine if there are any other conditions that may be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD may experience disorganization. This is a constant issue that can lead to disruptions in work and schoolwork and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization can be characterized by a lack of organizational skills like not paying bills or keep appointments, and difficulties in making decisions. In many cases, it is connected to other issues, like anxiety, a traumatic life event, or depression, and can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD can perform at a high degree and their symptoms do not significantly impact their daily life or relationships. This is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." It doesn't mean they do not experience some of the symptoms. They may have difficulty paying attention or concentrating on particulars, feeling uneasy and forgetful.
Many people experience disorganization on a regular basis. They may spend time searching for lost items or delaying important tasks. It can also cause poor work quality and strained relationships. It can also lead to many health problems, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.
Another cause of disorganization in women with ADHD is hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and at the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone levels are higher and these fluctuations could make ADHD symptoms worse.
While differences in the biological makeup of genders may play a part, it's also possible that some of the disorder and impulsivity associated with ADHD in women is linked to social "norms." Young women and girls may be socialized to be reserved and quiet and can cause to them to conceal or minimize their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to conceal their attention issues, which could result in them being incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. They may think that they are better at time management and concentration than they are. In reality, they're likely to lose things and forget appointments, or not pay bills on time and struggle with a lack of organization at home and at work.
Women suffering from ADHD are more prone to develop the inattentive subtype of the disorder. They're less likely to have the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed symptoms, which must be present in at least two settings for six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. They might also have difficulty staying silent and speak to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they're less likely to experience these symptoms than males.
For many adults suffering from ADHD, the first option for treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are usually prescribed, but nonstimulant medications that target the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify your automatic or irrational thoughts, and also learn healthy ways to self-regulate your mood and behavior. Exercise and a healthy diet in addition to medications can help manage ADHD symptoms such as restlessness, impulsivity and disorientation. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group classes such as swimming or aerobics, as well as biking to increase your energy levels. Make sure to exercise at minimum four to five times per week, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. Make sure to eat a variety of vegetables and whole grains, as well as protein and healthy fats to support your attention and mood.