Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often pushed to different expectations from society on how they should handle their families, careers, and their home lives. This can cause feelings of guilt and anger if your symptoms are getting in the way.
Research shows that girls and women are consistently under-referred for ADHD when compared to males and boys. This could be due to the fact that they hide their symptoms or develop strategies to conceal their symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Being unable to pay attention at school or at work is one of the main indicators of adhd. Women with this condition often forget important meetings, fall behind on assignments or are misguided when trying to follow instructions. They may also have trouble concentrating in noisy or crowded environments. Some people who suffer from ADHD may exhibit what's known as "thousand-yard stares" and can become distracted during conversations. These symptoms can lead to problems at work or in relationships.
Girls and women are more at risk of undiagnosed ADHD as they age. They often develop coping mechanisms that cover up their symptoms and utilize these methods of coping throughout their adulthood. They may even start to identify their symptoms as being personal attributes, which can make it harder for them to seek help.
In addition, many teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations for girls as frequently as they do for men. However it is important to note that if a girl's ADHD symptoms are causing a negative impact on her school performance and social interactions, she should talk to a medical professional.
Inattentive ADHD is a common reason for emotional stress. It can be difficult when you feel you are not able meet the expectations of your friends, family members and co-workers. It can be a bit upsetting when you feel you are unable to get along with your children or siblings. Inattention and impulsivity can cause anxiety and depression in some people suffering from ADHD. You can decrease the severity of these symptoms by seeking out help and doing other things. Regular exercise can help release neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus. It can also reduce anxiety and mood swings, which are common among those who suffer from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
The unpredictable symptoms of ADHD can be a challenge to manage. You might say things you shouldn't or buy something on impulse. You could also find yourself arrested by the police due to your conduct. In addition, it can be difficult to manage your emotions and feelings. This can lead to self-injury, such as burning, cutting or scratching yourself. It can also lead to alcohol and drug abuse.
People with impulsivity often have problems with relationships and work or school performance. You can manage your impulsivity by taking medication prescribed by your doctor. Medications like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall Ritalin, Adderall) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can improve your ability to control your impulses. Non-stimulant drugs like clonidine or Guanfacine can also help to control your impulses.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. This type of ADHD is often difficult to recognize, leading to a misdiagnosis. Women may hide symptoms to conform to social expectations and standards. This masking can be especially problematic in the adolescent years and early adulthood. Women may turn to unhealthy ways of coping that include excessive drinking and substance abuse, to hide their ADHD issues.
Women who have high-functioning ADHD can conceal their symptoms by thriving in certain areas of their lives, such as school or at work. This could make you believe that everything is in order and make you feel overwhelmed. Consult your doctor about any adjustments that you can make at work or at school to manage your ADHD symptoms. This is an excellent way to increase awareness with your co-workers or professors of the challenges you might face.
3. Disorganization
If you have ADHD then avoiding appointments, showing up late to work, forgetting dates, or avoiding conversations can cause anger and make others feel unimportant or offended. The condition can make it difficult to keep track of tasks and manage your finances and schedules. For example, if you struggle to remember what you need to buy for groceries, you could not be able to cook your meals or spend too much on unnecessary purchases.
Women with ADHD often have a difficult managing their daily chores, homework and even paying bills. The disorder may also contribute to messy workspaces, unorganized homes, and a tendency to hoard. People who suffer from ADHD are affected by a phenomenon known as "time blindness," which makes it hard to see how much time has passed and how long you've been working on a project. In addition to being unable to stay focused, issues with time management can lead to feelings of guilt and shame over being unorganized.
While research has shown that women and girls are more likely to have ADHD than men and boys the symptoms can be hidden and not recognized. Many women don't receive an diagnosis until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. Social stigma and stereotypes can make it difficult for women to access the care and support they need.
Your doctor may recommend medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine increase and balance neurotransmitters - the brain chemicals that communicate. Nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD however, they perform slower than stimulants. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in mental health who can assist in developing a treatment program specific to your requirements.
4. Impulsiveness
Women with ADHD may have a hard managing their emotions and are often more vulnerable to rejection. The chemical imbalance that is associated with ADHD interferes with brain's communication between the areas that regulate emotions and interpret how to deal with these emotions.
People with ADHD are prone to moodiness and depression. This, in conjunction with the difficulty managing their obligations, can cause problems with family and romantic relationships. Women with ADHD may also have a low self-esteem, and have difficulties forming relationships and navigating social situations. They might wander off in conversations or have difficulty understanding what other people are saying, which may make it difficult for them to determine their place in a group.
When managing their daily responsibilities women with ADHD may have trouble finding the motivation to do routine or boring tasks, like washing dishes, laundry, or cleaning. This can result in unhealthy coping strategies like binge watching TV shows or taking drugs. These behaviors are especially dangerous for girls and adolescents with ADHD who are more likely than their peers to engage in risky activities like early sexual activity, fewer protected partners, and casual sexual sex.
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. Many women conceal their ADHD due to the numerous expectations that society places on them (managing the household and children, for instance). This can make it difficult for health care professionals to identify a problem, especially because the symptoms are more easily recognized for men and boys.
5. Hyperactivity
For women suffering from ADHD daily tasks can be difficult to handle. They may have trouble organizing their lives, making payments on time and juggling appointments or school/work requirements. Emotional symptoms, like mood swings and difficulties in controlling emotions, may make it difficult to interact with other people and cause difficulties in relationships with family and friends.
People with ADHD struggle to read social cues or body language. They might have trouble following a conversation or go off on a tangent creating difficulties at school or at work and straining relationships. They can also have trouble making new friends or finding the right balance between work, home, and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD are different throughout the day and can be influenced by hormone levels, such as those that occur during menstruation or pregnancy, or when they move through perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause). This could result in misdiagnosis or the wrong kinds of medications being used.
While everyone struggles with different issues when it comes to ADHD There are a few common signs and symptoms that can help you recognize the condition in yourself or a loved one. Recognizing these signs is a good first step towards getting the support and treatment you require to effectively manage your symptoms.
adhd traits in women is important to understand that ADHD does not mean that you are free of other physical or mental disorders. Your therapist or doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation. They'll need to inquire about your past and present behaviors and experiences, look at any medical history, and talk with you about how your ADHD symptoms affect you in various situations.
