15 Things You're Not Sure Of About ADHD Traits In Women
ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are a reflection of biology, the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones--and that many people do not belong to a sex binary. However, sex and gender influence how symptoms of ADHD are identified and treated.
ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of childhood, usually before age 12. The symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause difficulties in more than one setting to be eligible for a diagnosis.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD and is an issue for everyone. Women may have a tougher focus, particularly since symptoms may manifest differently than they do in males.
Women are more likely to be prone to disorganization and indecisiveness, for example. They're also more likely to become emotional and have trouble putting things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability of concentration which can lead to an inability to perform at home or work. They are also more likely to forget their medication and miss appointments with doctors.
The hormones that women experience, in addition to these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. Females have a larger hippocampus, which helps with memory and learning, and hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause can affect their brain function.
Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school and at work. They may also have various comorbidities, such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
In these circumstances, it's critical for health professionals to recognize the many indicators that females suffering from ADHD often exhibit. They should rethink their strategies to diagnose and treat females suffering from ADHD in order to take into account hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. These patients can then finally receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Females suffering from ADHD are more likely to have trouble controlling their emotions, especially when they interact with other people. This can lead to emotional dysregulation which is a key component of ADHD symptoms and is linked to a variety of negative life consequences. These include poor self-esteem, depression that is co-occurring with anxiety, difficult romantic relationships which can lead to intimate partner violence, problems 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. Because they are often considered to be more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they could be viewed as overly emotional. This can increase their frustration about living with untreated ADHD.
The portion of the brain that controls impulses the brain, also known as the prefrontal cortex, is impaired in people suffering from ADHD. This means they have a harder time making decisions and following through with their goals. This can make it hard to resist the temptation to eat a second piece of cake or make an inappropriate statement in public.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from medications that help them manage their tendency to be impulsive. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can reduce the behavior of impulsivity. Nonstimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine can also be effective. People with ADHD may also benefit from a treatment called behavioral therapy, which helps them change their mental patterns and develop more effective coping techniques.
visit my web site and eating a balanced, healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can all help to control the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It's also a great idea to keep track their symptoms throughout the day, and share the information with their doctor in order to assess whether or not their treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization can be a major issue for those suffering from ADHD and impact their work and personal lives. They may find it difficult to complete tasks, and their productivity may be diminished. They could also be late and feel overwhelmed on a daily basis.
Lack of organization can also cause problems in maintaining healthy relationships. They may miss important dates or misplace items like keys or purses. They may feel lonely and unloved as a result. Friends and family members may be confused about them. Disorganization can be worse in menopausal or perimenopausal women, when hormones change and symptoms intensify.
Women often cover up their ADHD symptoms to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being judged. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. This could be the reason women and girls are often not diagnosed with ADHD especially during adolescence, when symptoms become more apparent.
Women with untreated ADHD might have a poor performance at school or at work. This can impact their work, grades or overall standing. It can also create problems in their personal lives. For example it could lead to difficulties with relationships with their partners or breakups with family members and friends.
Women who are chronically disorganized will benefit from the one-on-1 assistance of a non-judgmental individual. They can provide strategies to stay organized, such as making a list of daily tasks and creating reminders for them. Additionally, a certified mental health professional can suggest medications and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. This can include eating small frequent meals to maintain energy levels and avoiding caffeine that can cause adverse effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness influences decision-making in a variety of aspects of our lives. A variety of instruments have been developed to assess indecisiveness. These include the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also associated with neuroticism, and the tendency to employ worst case scenario thinking, where people interpret uncertain situations as potentially dangerous. It has also been found to be linked with the fear of being wrong, which could help explain why it's common for people suffering from adhd to struggle with making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd interviewed the participants said they were not in a position to make decisions about their professional and personal lives. They struggled to find the job they wanted or to stay in, and were difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships and health. They often were dependent on others to take decisions, or were unable to finish projects like scheduling childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms such as inattention and impulsivity or difficulty starting projects were preventing them from progressing.
They struggled to maintain friendships and had difficulty relaxing which led to issues with their mental health. They described having high levels of anxiety and stress and a lack of sleep and a poor diet. They also felt stigmatized by adults and the media. They were able explain their struggles with ADHD and helped increase their self-esteem since they weren't blaming others. They also had access to appropriate treatments.
The interviews showed that the women had many positive qualities but struggled to overcome the impact of their ADHD symptoms on different aspects of their lives. These included a lack career or romantic opportunities, difficulty maintaining relationships and a messy home.
5. Self-esteem issues
Women might cover up their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe that their behavior is less acceptable than for boys and men. Women who suffer from ADHD might be able to internalize their ADHD and develop strategies to cope, such as self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can cause feelings of self-esteem issues which can lead to anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.
Being able to identify your inner worth is a precursor to healthier relationships and a better outlook on life. People who lack self-worth tend to look beyond themselves for validation, such as relationships, careers, money, and power. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can also lead to a lack in communication within the relationship.
Women with ADHD may also feel that they are not worthy of good things in life. These feelings may manifest as a desire to please or "keep up" with others. This can result in negative work environments and a negative image of the body and a dependence on foods or substances.
Despite these significant difficulties, women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. Most of them say that they view their ADHD as a blessing or a curse, based on whether they believe they can manage it. Some of them have also identified strengths they believe are due to their ADHD. These include high energy, creativity and determination as well as the ability to effortlessly become interested in new topics. They also describe their individual struggles in the context of the larger picture, which includes biological and gender differences, as well cultural and family issues.