ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender refer to biology--the hormonal makeup of the body and its chromosomal makeup. It also acknowledges that many people don't fall into a binary of sex. However, gender and sex can influence the way symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is diagnosed in early childhood, typically before the age of 12. ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and cause problems in more than one environment to be eligible for a diagnosis.
1. look at this site with Focusing
Inattention is the core of ADHD and is an issue for everyone. Women may have a tougher to concentrate, particularly because symptoms may manifest differently than they do in males.
Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and indecisive, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These problems can lead to an inability to concentrate which can lead to an inability to perform at work or home. They're also more likely to not attend doctor appointments or neglect to take their medications.
In addition to these inherent variations, hormones in women can make their ADHD symptoms more severe. Females have a bigger hippocampus that aids in memory and learning, and hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopausal cycles can affect brain function.
Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school and at work. They could also struggle with a host of comorbid conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.
It is essential that health professionals understand the many signs females suffering from ADHD show. They need to rethink their methods to diagnose and treat females with ADHD in order to recognize hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. That way, these patients can finally get the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Females suffering from ADHD are often unable to controlling their emotions, especially when they interact with other people. This can lead emotional dysregulation which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It can also be linked to negative life outcomes. This includes low self-esteem, co-occurring depression and anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones which can lead to violence between intimate partners, issues with friends as well as a messy home or personal space, and a failure to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes may also impact the way women with ADHD are treated. Because they are often perceived as being more sensitive or prone to mood swings, they could be viewed as emotionally unstable. This can lead to their frustration at being diagnosed with ADHD.
People with ADHD have impaired impulse control Also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means that they have more trouble making decisions and executing in their intentions. This could make you want to take a bite more cake or to make an inappropriate comment.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from medications that help them control their impulsivity. Stimulants such as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine may reduce the behavior of impulsivity. Nonstimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine are also effective. Behavioral therapy may also be suggested, which can aid people suffering from ADHD modify their thinking patterns and develop more effective ways of coping.
Meditation and eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep can all be helpful in reducing the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It's important to track their symptoms throughout the day and to share the information with their doctor to determine if their treatment plan is effective.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a common issue for people suffering from ADHD and impact their personal and professional lives. It could take longer to complete tasks, and reduce their productivity. They may also be late or overwhelmed every day.
Inability to organize can cause problems in maintaining healthy relationships. People may forget important events or lose belongings like keys or purses. Consequently, they may feel lonely and alone. They may also feel that they are not understood by family and friends. Disorganization is more common during perimenopause or menopause when hormones change and symptoms become more severe.
Women often mask their ADHD symptoms to fit into societal norms or to avoid being thought of as a problem. This can result in self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It could be a reason why women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly evident in adolescence when symptoms are more apparent.
As a result women suffering from untreated ADHD may have trouble with their academic or work performance. This can affect their career, grades, or their image. It can also cause problems in their personal life, such as difficulties with romantic partners or strained relationships with family and friends members.
Women who are chronically unorganized could benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental friend. They can help them learn strategies to keep their lives organized, such as making an agenda of the daily tasks and creating reminders for them. A licensed mental health professional can recommend medication or lifestyle changes to help minimize ADHD symptoms. This may include eating smaller meals throughout the day to maintain a steady energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can worsen the negative effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness can affect decision-making in many aspects of life. There are a variety of instruments that have been created to assess indecisiveness. These include the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also associated with neuroticism and the tendency to use worst case scenario thinking, in which people interpret uncertain situations as potentially dangerous. It was also found to be related to the 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 with adhd the participants reported being incapable of making decisions regarding their work and personal lives. They struggled to manage their finances and relationships and had difficulty finding a job that they liked. They often had to wait for others to make decisions, or were unable to finish projects like arranging childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms like impulsivity and difficulty focusing or starting projects was preventing them from completing.
They had a difficult time keeping friendships and had difficulty relaxing and recharging their mental health. They reported high levels of anxiety and stress as well as a lack of sleep and a poor diet. They also expressed feeling devalued by other adults and by the media. The diagnosis of ADHD provided them with a reason for their difficulties, which was helpful for self-esteem because it meant they were not blaming themselves. It also provided them with access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews revealed that women were very positive however, they struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects of their lives. The women complained of a lack in career or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships and a messy home.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Certain of the symptoms that comprise ADHD are considered to be less acceptable socially for women and girls than they are for men and boys and so women may conceal their impulsivity, hyperactivity and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD might internalize their ADHD and adopt coping strategies such as self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can result in low self-esteem, which could contribute to depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A strong sense of self-esteem and worth is the basis for more positive relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who lack a strong self-worth tend to look outside themselves for validation, like careers, relationships as well as money and power. A licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can result in an absence of communication within the relationship, which could ultimately end it.
In addition to a sense of self-worth, those with ADHD often struggle with feeling like they don't deserve the good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or to "keep up" with others. This can result in an unhealthy work environment as well as a negative image of one's body and an addiction to foods or substances.
Despite these challenges, women who took part in this study discovered a number of positive aspects to living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as an advantage or a disadvantage according to how they feel about their ability to manage it. Some have identified personal strengths they believe are a result of to their ADHD. These include the ability to be creative, energetic and determination and the ability to effortlessly become fascinated by new subjects. In addition, they describe their individual struggles as part of a larger picture that encompasses family and cultural issues, as also gender and biological differences.