ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that gender and sex are based on biology, including the body's chromosomal makeup as well as hormones. Many people do not fit neatly into a binary sex. However, sex and gender influence how symptoms of ADHD are identified and treated.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood, before the age of 12. ADHD must show signs before 12 years of age and cause problems in multiple settings to be eligible for a diagnosis.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Inattention is at the heart of ADHD, and it's a problem for all genders. adhd in women adult Iam Psychiatry may have a harder focus, particularly since symptoms may manifest differently than they do in men.
Women are more likely to be prone to disorganization and indecisiveness, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotional and struggle to put things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability to concentrate on work, resulting in an inability to perform 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 innate differences can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. The female hippocampus is larger which helps with memory and learning. Hormone fluctuations during menstruation or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause may also affect brain function.
Women with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle in their relationships, at school, and at work. They may also be struggling with a variety of comorbid disorders, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.
This is why it is crucial for health professionals to recognize the many indicators that females suffering from ADHD often exhibit. They should rethink their approaches to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to account for emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations and other factors that can influence symptom severity. That way, these patients will finally receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This is particularly true when they are interacting with others. This can lead emotional dysregulation which is a component of ADHD symptoms. It can also be associated with negative life outcomes. These include low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones which can lead to intimate partner violence, trouble with friends as well as a messy home or personal space, and the inability to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can affect how women with ADHD are treated. They might be misunderstood since they are viewed as being more sensitive or prone a mood swings. This can cause them to feel more frustrated at being a victim of untreated ADHD.
The impulse control portion of the brain, known as the prefrontal cortex, is affected in people with ADHD. This means that they are more prone to making decisions and executing with their intentions. This can make it difficult to resist the urge to eat a second piece of cake or to make an inappropriate comment in public.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medication that helps to control their impulses. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are able to reduce the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulants such as clonidine or Guanfacine are also effective. Behavioral therapy can also be suggested, which can help people with ADHD change their thinking patterns and develop more effective ways of coping.
A good night's sleep and eating a balanced diet, and meditating can help control the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It's also a great idea to track their symptoms throughout the day and to share this information with their physician to determine whether or not their treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization can be a major issue for people suffering from ADHD and can affect their personal and professional lives. They may have trouble to complete tasks and their productivity could be reduced. They might also be late and become overwhelmed on a daily basis.
Inability to organize can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. People may miss important dates or misplace items like keys or purses. This can cause them to feel isolated and lonely. Friends and family members may confuse their feelings. The disorder is more prevalent in menopausal and perimenopausal women when hormones are changing and symptoms increase.
It is not uncommon for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms to conform with society's norms and avoid being thought of as a problem. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of guilt or shame. It can also be a reason why women and girls are often not diagnosed with ADHD particularly in adolescence when symptoms are more obvious.
Women with untreated ADHD may not perform as well at school or at work. This can impact their work, grades or overall reputation. It can also cause problems in their personal lives including issues with romantic partners, or strained relationships with friends and family members.
Women with chronic disorganization could receive one-on-one assistance by a non-judgmental therapist. They can teach them strategies to get and stay organized, such as making an agenda of the daily tasks and creating reminders for them. A licensed mental health professional can also recommend medication and lifestyle changes that can help minimize ADHD symptoms. This may include eating smaller 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 life. Indecisiveness is measured by several instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale for Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness is also linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret ambiguous circumstances as being threat. It was also found to be associated with a fear of making a mistake, which could be the reason people suffering from adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women suffering from adhd participants, they reported being unable to make decisions in their work and personal lives. They struggled to find a job they liked or to stay in, and found it difficult to manage their finances, relationships, and health. They frequently were dependent on others to decide or were unable complete projects on their own, for example, arranging childcare. They often felt that they were being held back by their ADHD symptoms, such as difficulties in starting, staying focused and impulsivity.
They struggled to keep relationships and had trouble relaxing which led to issues with their mental health. They described having high levels of anxiety and stress and sleeping less and a poor diet. They also described feeling stigmatized by their peers and the media. The diagnosis of ADHD gave them a reason for their difficulties which was beneficial for self-esteem since it meant they weren't blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews revealed that women were very optimistic, but struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects of their lives. This included a lack of possibilities for romance or work and difficulties in maintaining relationships. a messy home.
5. Self-esteem issues
Some of the signs that make up ADHD are considered to be less socially acceptable for women and girls than they are for men and boys Some women choose to hide their hyperactivity, impulsivity, and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD might take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop coping strategies like self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can cause feelings of self-esteem loss that contribute to depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.
A high sense of inner worth is the precursor to better relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who lack self-worth are more likely to look outside themselves for validation, like relationships, careers as well as money and power. Licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can result in an absence of communication in relationships, which could ultimately end it.
Women suffering from ADHD may also feel they are not worthy of good things in life. These feelings may manifest as a desire to please or to "keep up" with other people. This can result in toxic workplace cultures, a negative self-image, and an addiction to substance or food.
Despite these major difficulties However, the women who took part in this study found many positive aspects to living with ADHD. They generally describe their ADHD as a blessing or a curse, depending on whether they believe they can control it. A few of them also point out personal strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD which include the ability to be creative, high energy determination and the ability to get easily interested in new topics. They also describe their own struggles within the context of an overall picture that includes gender and biological distinctions, as well as cultural and family issues.