Why No One Cares About ADHD Symptoms In Women
AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to meet many societal expectations. Women who suffer from ADHD are often struggling to meet the expectations of society such as caring for others, balancing home and work life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. A bias based on gender can cause health care professionals to not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most prevalent adhd symptoms in women. This issue can manifest in a variety of ways, such as forgetting appointments, not being able finish work or zoning out when talking to people. It's also a typical symptom that can make it difficult for women to manage their finances, and it's often the reason they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
Some women may be better in masked ADHD symptoms than other women, making it harder for them as adults to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't certain why this is, but they theorize that it could be related to traditional gender roles and the belief that women and girls be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms could lead to being under-performing at school or at work, and it might prevent them from seeking the help and assistance they require.
Focus issues are also an atypical symptom that could be confused with other ailments such as anxiety and depression. Depression can affect concentration by making you forgetful and unmotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder typically have trouble focusing because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.
The best way to increase your concentration is to manage your ADHD symptoms through treatment. This includes hiring a professional or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. Also, you should be aware of the options for accommodations from your employer or school for example, flexible working hours or working at home. Good sleep hygiene practices will also help you enjoy more restful nights and become more focused during the day, including sleeping at the same time each night, listening to calming music or an audiobook prior to sleeping and limiting your screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are typically impulsive. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or switching topics during conversations, making snap decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not in their best interests. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or social cues. adhd symptoms in women test of impulsivity often get worse during the perimenopausal phase that precedes menopausal and when hormone levels begin to decline.
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have inattentive-type symptoms, which can be harder to notice than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This can lead to health care professionals missing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as anxiety or a mood problem. Gender bias may be a factor, since research on ADHD is predominantly focused on males and females.
Teachers and parents might notice impulsive behavior in children who suffer from ADHD. It's normal for kids to be irritable, restless or even impulsive in certain instances. These behaviors tend to improve as children age and learn to manage their symptoms.
Adults with adhd can be prone to impulsive behavior and distraction that affect their relationships, work and school. They can lead to procrastination or forgetfulness and difficulty following through on commitments. They can make it difficult to find and keep jobs. They also can affect healthy eating habits.
Adult ADHD is typically treated by medication. Your doctor may recommend an array of treatments based on the specific symptoms you have, your lifestyle, and other health issues you might have. Psychotherapy may also be recommended, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change negative thinking patterns, couples counseling if your relationship has been affected by your ADHD or family therapy. Physical exercise can also aid in calming your brain and lessen symptoms, particularly when it comes to disorientation and impulsivity. You can try activities like yoga, dancing, or group workouts such as running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide range of physical symptoms. They can cause dizziness, chest pain and heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. They can make people feel like they are having a heart attack or that the world is ending. Due to these physical signs those who experience anxiety often get misdiagnosed with an issue with their heart. This can result in a lengthy journey of medical treatment that fails to tackle the root of the issue. Psychotherapy is effective for most anxiety disorders, regardless of whether it's used on its own or when combined with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically, can help a person to develop new ways of thinking or responding to situations that can 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 are also more likely to be diagnosed with mixed subtypes. Women should discuss their ADHD symptoms and their doctor will ask them detailed questions about the disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis because many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are biased towards male behavior. Additionally, women often try to hide their ADHD to fit into the society. As a result, they may not be diagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A trained professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The provider will use a thorough history, physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to analyze a person's symptoms and determine if there are any other conditions contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD might experience disorganization, which is an ongoing problem that can cause disruption to the routine of school and work as well as cause emotional stress. It can stress relationships and cause financial problems. Disorganization is often characterized by a poor organizational skill like not paying bills on time or keeping appointments, or difficulties in making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other issues like anxiety, traumatic event in life or depression. It is difficult to treat.
Some women who suffer from ADHD have a high degree of functioning and their symptoms don't significantly affect their day-to-day interactions and relationships. This is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." However, this does not mean they don't suffer from certain symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating and paying attention to the smallest of details.
For some, disorganization is a daily struggle and it's normal for people with ADHD to be prone to searching for lost items or putting off important tasks. The disorder can affect the quality of their work, and could cause tension in relationships. It can also cause a number of health problems like insomnia or anxiety.
Hormone fluctuations can further aggravate the disorder of women suffering from ADHD. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating, during the middle of menstrual cycles and at the end of, whereas progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
While differences in the biological makeup of genders could play a role, it's also possible that some of the disorder and impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in women is linked to social "norms." Young women and girls can be socialized to be quiet and reserved and this can cause them to suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Attention
Women are more likely than men to conceal their problems with attention, which can result in them being wrongly diagnosed and receive delayed treatment. In reality, they might even believe they have better concentration and time-management abilities than they actually do. In reality, they're more likely to lose things or forget appointments, pay bills on time, and struggle with a lack of organization at home and at work.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop the inattentive type 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 speaking to themselves or make a variety of nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they are less likely to experience these symptoms than men.
Medication is the primary treatment option for many adults with ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are often prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with the brain may also be a possibility. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine and guanfacine.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies can help you identify the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you healthy ways to control your emotions and behaviors. A healthy diet and exercise in addition to medications, can help control ADHD symptoms such as restlessness, impulsivity and disorientation. For energy-boosting try activities such as dancing, yoga, group classes like aerobics or swimming and biking. Try to exercise for at minimum four to five times every week, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. Make sure you take a variety of fresh vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein to support your attention and mood.