ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that sex and a gender are determined by biology, including the body's chromosomal makeup as well as hormones. Many people do not fall into the binary sexuality. However, gender and sex influence how symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood, before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present prior to 12 years of age and cause difficulties in more than one environment to be able to receive a diagnosis.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is at the heart of ADHD and it's an issue for everyone. However, women may find it more challenging to achieve the focus they need particularly since symptoms typically appear in different ways than in men.
Women are more likely than men to be unorganized and impulsive, as an example. inattentive adhd in women are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and struggle to put things in perspective. These problems can create an inability to concentrate on tasks, leading to a lack of productivity at work or home. They are also more likely to miss doctor appointments and forget to take their medication.
The hormones that women experience, in addition to these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. Females have a bigger hippocampus, which aids in memory and learning, and hormone changes during menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause can affect their brain's functioning.
As a result, women with undiagnosed ADHD may face major difficulties in relationships at school, in relationships and at work. They may also have multiple comorbid disorders including anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
It is important that health care professionals recognize the many clues females with ADHD display. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to take into account hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation and other factors that can influence symptom severity. This way, patients will finally receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Females who suffer from ADHD tend to have difficulty controlling their emotions, especially when interacting with others. This can lead to emotional dysregulation which is a key element of ADHD symptoms and is associated with a range of negative life outcomes. This includes low self-esteem, coexisting depression and anxiety and a strained relationship with a partner that can result in conflicts between partners, problems with friendships, a messy home or personal space, an inability manage time or money and a messy home.
Gender stereotypes can also influence the way women who suffer from ADHD will be treated. They may be misunderstood because they are viewed as being more sensitive or prone a mood swings. This can increase their frustration in being a victim of untreated ADHD.
People with ADHD have a reduced ability to control impulses which is also referred to as the prefrontal cortex. This means that they have a difficult time making decisions and executing their intentions. This can make it difficult to resist the urge to eat another piece of cake or to make an inappropriate statement in public.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from medication that helps them control their impulses. stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help decrease the impulsive behavior while nonstimulant medicines like clonidine and guanfacine can be effective as well. Behavioral therapy may also be suggested, which can help people with ADHD alter their thinking patterns and develop better ways to cope with stress.
A good night's sleep and eating a balanced diet, and meditating can also help in reducing the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It is important to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and to share the information with their doctor to assess whether their treatment plan is effective.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a typical issue in people with ADHD, and can affect their professional and personal lives. It may take longer to complete tasks and reduce their productivity. They could also be late and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis.
Insanity can cause problems to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose possessions such as keys or purses. Consequently, they may feel isolated and lonely. They can also feel misunderstood by their family and friends. The disorder is more prevalent during perimenopause or menopause when hormones change and symptoms become more severe.
It is not uncommon for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms to fit in with societal norms and avoid being considered a failure. This can result in self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It can also be a reason for why girls and women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD, particularly in adolescence when symptoms are more evident.
In the end women suffering from untreated ADHD might have poor work or school performance. This can impact their career, grades or their overall image. It can also create problems in their personal life including issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family members and friends members.
Women who are chronically unorganized can benefit from the one-on-one assistance of a non-judgmental individual. They can teach them strategies to stay organized, such as making a list of daily tasks and setting reminders for them. A licensed mental health professional may recommend medication or lifestyle changes that will aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to ensure steady energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can increase the adverse effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness affects decision-making in many aspects of daily life. Indecisiveness can be measured using 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 apply worst-case scenario thinking, where people perceive ambiguous situations as potentially dangerous. It was also found to be associated with a fear of making a mistake, which could explain why people suffering from adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the study that was qualitative of adult women suffering from adhd, interviewees said they were unable to make decisions regarding their work and personal lives. They had a difficult time finding the job they wanted or stayed in, and were difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships, and health. They frequently had to wait for others to make decisions or were unable to complete projects on their own, for example, arranging childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and difficulty focusing or beginning projects was preventing them from completing.
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, a lack of sleep and a poor diet. They also felt stigmatized by the media and adults. The diagnosis of ADHD provided them with a reason for their difficulties which was beneficial for self-esteem since it meant they weren't blamed for their condition. Additionally, it gave them access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews showed that the women had a number of positive characteristics but struggled to overcome the impact of their ADHD symptoms on different aspects of their life. The women complained of the absence of a job or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships, and a messy house.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Women can hide their hyperactivity and impulsivity because they believe these behaviors aren't as acceptable for men and boys. Women who suffer from ADHD may take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop coping strategies like self-harming (cutting or burning). This can cause feelings of self-esteem loss that contribute to depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.
add test for women -esteem is a key factor in better relationships and a more positive outlook on life. If someone isn't feeling a solid sense of self-worth they tend to look for outside things - like relationships, careers, wealth, and power - to feel worthy. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can also lead to the lack of communication in relationships.
Women who suffer from ADHD might also feel they are not worthy of good things in life. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or to "keep up" with other people. This can cause toxic workplaces as well as a negative self-image and a dependence on substance or food.
Despite these significant issues However, the women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as a blessing or a curse depending on the way they perceive their ability to control it. Many of them also recognize personal strengths that they believe are partly due to their ADHD which include high energy, creativity determination, and the ability to become easily interested in new topics. They also describe their individual struggles in the context of an overall picture that includes biological and gender distinctions, as well as cultural and family issues.