ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related to biology, the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones--and that many people do not belong to a sex binary. Sexe and gender can affect how ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of the early years of childhood, typically before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause difficulties in multiple settings to be able to receive a diagnosis.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD, and it's an issue for everyone. Women might have a harder time to achieve the attention they require particularly since symptoms typically manifest in different ways in men.
Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and impulsive, for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and have a difficult time putting things in perspective. These problems can create an inability to concentrate on work, resulting in a decrease in productivity at work or home. They're also more likely skip doctor appointments and neglect to take their medications.
The hormones of women as well as these inherent differences, can cause ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is bigger which helps with memory and learning. Menstrual hormone fluctuations as well as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopausal changes can also influence brain function.
This is why women who do not have a diagnosis of ADHD may face major difficulties in relationships, at school and at work. They might also struggle with a myriad of comorbid conditions, including anxiety, depression eating disorders, bipolar disorder.
This is why it is essential for health professionals to be aware of the numerous indications that females with ADHD often exhibit. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to account for emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations and other variables that influence the severity of symptoms. Patients can then receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Females with ADHD are often unable to controlling their emotions, particularly when they interact with others. This can result in to emotional dysregulation, which is a component of ADHD symptoms. It is also linked to negative life outcomes. This includes low self-esteem anxiety and depression that coexist and a strained relationship with a partner that can result in violence between partners, problems with friendships, a messy house or personal space, inability to manage time or money, and a messy house.
The gender stereotypes of women can influence the way women with ADHD are treated. They might be misunderstood since they are perceived as more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings. adhd symptoms in women can cause them to feel more frustrated over being diagnosed with ADHD.
Individuals with ADHD have a reduced ability to control impulses Also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means that they have a difficult time making decisions and executing their intentions. This can make you want to take a bite more cake or to make an inappropriate comment.
For those who suffer from ADHD, medication can help to improve their ability to manage their behavior. Stimulants like amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help reduce impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medications such as clonidine and guanfacine can be effective too. Behavioral therapy can also be recommended, which can aid people suffering from ADHD modify their thinking patterns and learn better ways to cope with stress.
Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet and getting enough sleep can all help control restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It is important to track their symptoms throughout the day and share this data with their doctor so they can assess whether their treatment plan is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization can be a major issue for those suffering from ADHD and impact their personal and professional lives. It could take longer to complete tasks and reduce their efficiency. They may also fail to meet deadlines and become overwhelmed on a daily basis.
Lack of organization can also cause problems in maintaining healthy relationships. People may forget important events or lose belongings like keys or purses. In the end, they might feel lonely and isolated. Family and friends may also misunderstand them. The disorder can become more severe during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles, when hormones change and symptoms become more severe.
It is not uncommon for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms to conform with societal norms and avoid being judged. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. It may also be the reason women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially during adolescence, when symptoms are more apparent.
Women with untreated ADHD might have a poor performance at school or at work. This can affect their job, grades or even their reputation. This could also cause issues in their personal lives. For instance it could lead to difficulties with relationships with their partners or breakups with family and friends.
Women who are chronically disorganized can benefit from one-on-one help by a non-judgmental therapist. They can help women learn to stay organized by creating an agenda and establishing reminders. A licensed mental health professional could also recommend medication and lifestyle changes that will aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. This could include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain stable energy and avoiding caffeine, which can worsen the side effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a characteristic that influences decision-making in a variety of areas of life. There are a variety of instruments that have been created to measure indecisiveness, such as the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness has also been associated with neuroticism and the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is when people interpret uncertain situations as dangerous. It was also found to be linked to a fear of making a mistake, which could help explain why people suffering from adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd the participants said they were unable to make decisions regarding their work and personal lives. They had a difficult time finding an occupation they enjoyed or to stay 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 finish tasks on their own, like arranging childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms, such as the inability to focus and impulsivity, or beginning projects was preventing them from completing.
They struggled to keep friendships and were unable to relax, leading to problems with their mental health. They reported stress and anxiety, as well as a sleep deprivation and inadequate nutrition. They also reported feeling stigmatized by the media and adults. They were able to explain their struggles with ADHD which helped them improve their self-esteem because they weren't blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews revealed that the women had many positive qualities however, they were struggling to overcome the impact of their ADHD symptoms on different aspects of their lives. The women reported a lack in career or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships and a messy home.
5. Lack of Self-Esteem
Women can conceal their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe their behavior is less acceptable for boys and men. Women may take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop coping strategies like self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can cause feelings of low self-esteem which can lead to depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.
Having high inner worth is a prerequisite for healthier relationships and a better outlook on life. People who do not have a strong self-worth tend to look beyond themselves for validation, such as jobs, relationships money, power, and relationships. A licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can result in an absence of communication within a relationship, which can ultimately end it.
Alongside a feeling of lack of self-worth, women with ADHD frequently struggle with a feeling that they don't have enough of the good things in their lives. These feelings may manifest as a desire to "keep up with" or to please. This can lead to negative work environments, a negative body image, and an addiction to food or substances.
Despite these significant issues, women who took part in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as positive or negative according to the way they perceive their ability to control it. Some of them have also identified their own strengths that they believe are a result of to their ADHD. They have the ability to be creative, energetic and determination and the ability to easily get fascinated by new subjects. They also describe their unique struggles in the context of an overall picture that includes gender and biological differences, as well cultural and family issues.