Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women with ADHD are often subjected to different expectations from society regarding how they can manage their families, careers, and home life. This can cause you to feel frustrated and ashamed when your symptoms hinder your life.
Research shows that girls are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than both males and females. This could be because they hide their symptoms or develop strategies to manage the signs, for example:
1. Inattentiveness
One of the most common signs of adhd is difficulty paying attention at the classroom or at work. People with this condition frequently miss important meetings, get behind on their work or become misguided when trying to follow instructions. They might also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. Some people who suffer from ADHD may experience "thousand-yard gazes" or a tendency to lose focus during conversations. These symptoms can cause issues at work or in relationships.
Girls and women can be especially susceptible to being diagnosed with ADHD especially as they age. They often develop coping mechanisms that hide their symptoms and continue to employ these strategies into adulthood. They might even begin to see their symptoms as being personal characteristics, which could make it more difficult to seek help.
In addition, many teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations for girls as often as they do for males. If a girl's lack of attention to ADHD is impacting her school performance or social interactions, then she should speak to a medical professional.
Being a bit inattentional ADHD can cause an abundance of emotional stress. It can be frustrating to feel as if you're not capable of meeting the expectations of your friends, co-workers and family members. It can be a bit depressing to feel that you're unable to get along well with your children or siblings. Certain people suffering from ADHD experience depression and anxiety that can be exacerbated by their impulsivity and inattention. You can reduce the severity of these symptoms by seeking help and doing other activities. Regular exercise can help release neurotransmitters that boost concentration and attention. It can also reduce mood swings, anxiety, and other symptoms that are common to those suffering from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
The impulsive symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to manage. You may utter things you shouldn't say, buy things on impulse, or get into trouble with the law because of your actions. It can be difficult to control your emotions and emotions. Self-injury can manifest from cutting, burning or scratching yourself. It can also lead to drinking and drug abuse.
People with impulsivity often have issues with relationships as well as school or work performance. You can control your impulsivity with medication prescribed by your doctor. You can increase your control over impulses with medications like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine and the methylphenidate. Non-stimulant drugs such as clonidine and Guanfacine can also enhance your ability to control yourself.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. This type of ADHD can be harder to recognize, leading to an incorrect diagnosis. Women might hide their symptoms in order to conform to social expectations and norms. This can be particularly problematic in adolescence and early adulthood. Women may use unhealthy strategies for coping such as excessive drinking and use of drugs to hide their ADHD challenges.
Women with high functioning ADHD might cover up their symptoms by achieving the success they desire in certain areas of their lives, such as at school or at work. This can lead to an illusion of security and cause you to feel overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life. Talk to your doctor about the accommodations that you can make at work or at school to help manage your ADHD symptoms. This can be an excellent opportunity to create awareness among your colleagues or professors about the challenges you may encounter.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD then missing appointments, turning up late for work, forgetting dates, or avoiding conversations can lead to anger and make others feel unimportant or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to stay on top of tasks and manage your finances and schedules. If you aren't able to remember what you'll need for groceries, you may be unable to eat or spend too much on unnecessary items.
Women who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult to keep track of their the daily chores, homework assignments and expenses. The condition can also cause messy homes, messy workspaces and a tendency to pile up. People suffering from ADHD are affected by a phenomenon known as "time blindness," which makes it difficult to know how much time has passed and the length of time you've spent on a particular task. Time management issues can trigger feelings of shame or guilt when they are combined with a struggle to stay organized.
Research shows that girls, women, and boys are more likely than men to have ADHD. However, the signs may be misdiagnosed or concealed. Women are often not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. Moreover, social stigma and stereotypes may make it harder for women to access the help and treatment they require.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine can increase and regulate levels of neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals that communicate with each other. Antidepressants, as well as atomoxetine that are non-stimulant drugs are also used to treat ADHD. However they perform more slowly than stimulants. Your doctor might refer you to an expert in mental health who can assist in creating a treatment plan specific to your needs.
4. Impulsiveness
Women with ADHD are more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions, and might be more sensitive to rejection. This is due to the fact that the pathway of communication between brain regions that regulate emotional reactions and interpret what to do with those emotions is disrupted by the chemical imbalance that's connected to ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD are more prone to moodiness and depression. This, in conjunction with the difficulty of keeping track of their responsibilities, can cause problems with romantic and family relationships. Women with ADHD may also have a low self-esteem and have difficulty forming relationships and navigating social situations. They might go on tangents in conversations or have difficulty understanding what others are saying, which could make it difficult for them to determine their place in a group.
When it comes to managing their day-to-day responsibilities, women with ADHD might have difficulty finding the motivation to do boring or mundane tasks like laundry, dishes, and cleaning. This can result in unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge watching TV shows or using substances. These behaviors can be especially dangerous for young girls and teens with ADHD, who are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, including early initiation of sexual activity, fewer protected sex partners and more casual sexual activity 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. Additionally women often hide their ADHD symptoms because of the a myriad of expectations that society puts on them (managing the family and home for instance). This can make it difficult for health professionals to see that there's an issue, particularly since the symptoms are more easily identified in males and females.
5. Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to manage their daily tasks. They may have trouble managing their lives, paying bills on time and juggling appointments or school/work requirements. Additionally, emotional signs, such as mood swings and difficulties managing their emotions, could make it difficult to be a good friend and contribute to difficulties in relationships with family and friends.
People with ADHD are unable to discern body language or social cues. They may wander off on a tangent within conversations or struggle to follow the thread of conversation, causing issues with school or work performance and strained relationships. They may also have trouble making new friends or finding a balance between work, home and social activities.
adhd in older women of ADHD are different throughout the day and may be affected by hormone levels, for instance those during menstruation, pregnancy, or as they transition through perimenopause (the run-up to menopause). This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis or the wrong medication being prescribed.
There are certain symptoms and signs common to ADHD that can aid you or a loved one recognize the condition. It is crucial to identify these signs to receive the treatment and support you need to manage symptoms effectively.
Being diagnosed with ADHD doesn't mean you don't have other physical or mental health conditions, so it's important that your doctor or therapist conducts a thorough assessment. They will need to ask questions about your current and past actions and experiences, look at any medical history, and discuss with you about how your symptoms impact your life in a variety of situations.