Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women suffering from ADHD typically have different social expectations about how they should handle their careers as well as family and home life. adhd traits in women can cause feelings of shame and frustration if your symptoms are getting impeding your progress.
Research shows that girls are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than men and boys. This could be due to the fact that they hide their symptoms or develop coping mechanisms to conceal them.
1. Inattentiveness
One of the most common signs of adhd is difficulty paying attention in the classroom or at work. Women with adhd are more likely to miss important meetings or assignments, or are misguided by the instructions. They may also have difficulty concentrating in noisy or crowded spaces. Some people who suffer from ADHD may have "thousand-yard gazes" or zone out when they are talking. These symptoms can cause problems at work or with relationships.
Girls and women are at greater chance of having undiagnosed ADHD as they get older. They often develop coping mechanisms that cover up their symptoms and continue to utilize these methods of coping until they reach adulthood. They may even start to view their symptoms as individual characteristics, which can make them less likely to seek assistance.
A lot of teachers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for girls as they do for males. If a girl's lack of attention to ADHD is impacting her school performance or social interactions it is recommended that she consult a health professional.
Having inattentive ADHD can cause lots of emotional stress. It can be a frustrating experience when you feel like you are not able meet the expectations of friends or family members, as well as coworkers. It can be a bit upsetting when you feel that you are not able to get along with your children or siblings. Some people with ADHD experience depression and anxiety that can be exacerbated by their inattention and impulsivity. You can lessen the severity of these symptoms by seeking out help and doing other things. Regular exercise can help release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and attention. It can also help reduce mood swings, anxiety and other symptoms that are common to people with ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage. You may utter things you shouldn't, buy something on a whim or get into trouble with the law due to your behavior. It can be difficult to control your thoughts and emotions. Self-injury could result in self-injury, including burning, cutting or scratching oneself. This can also cause alcohol or drug use.
People who are impulsive can face difficulties with their relationships, their work or school performance. Your doctor can help manage your impulsivity by prescribing medication. Medications like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall Ritalin, Adderall) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can help you improve your impulse control. Non-stimulant drugs like clonidine or guanfacine may also help you to control your impulses.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. This kind of ADHD can be harder to detect, leading to the wrong diagnosis. Women can hide their symptoms to conform to social standards and expectations. This is particularly problematic during adolescence or early adulthood. Women may use unhealthy strategies for coping that include drinking excessively and use of drugs, to conceal their ADHD problems.
Women with high-functioning ADHD may hide their symptoms by excelling in certain areas of their lives, such as school or at work. This can give you feeling unsecure and cause you to feel overwhelmed by the demands of life. Ask your doctor about accommodations that you can make at work or in school to help manage your ADHD symptoms. This is a great chance to educate your professors or colleagues of the challenges you have to face.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD and you are unable to keep appointments or being late for work, not remembering dates and becoming oblivious in conversations can create frustration and make others feel at a loss or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to manage your finances and keep track of your schedule, and follow through on tasks. For instance, if you struggle to remember what you'll need for groceries, you might not be able to cook your meals or overspend on unnecessary items.
Women suffering from ADHD typically have a difficult time keeping track of everyday chores, homework and expenses. The condition can also cause disorganized homes, messy workspaces and a tendency to accumulate. People who suffer from ADHD experience a concept known as "time blindness," which makes it difficult to know how long it has taken and how long you've been working on a particular task. Combined with difficulty staying focused, problems with time management can result in feelings of guilt and shame about being not organized.
Although research shows that women and girls are more likely to suffer from ADHD than men and boys The symptoms can be concealed and undiagnosed. Many women aren't diagnosed until they reach the age of adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. Additionally, social stigma and stereotypes may make it difficult for women to get the support and treatment they need.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine boost and balance neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals that communicate. Nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD however they operate slower than stimulants. Your doctor may refer you to an expert in mental health, who can help create a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
4. Impulsiveness
Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions, and they might be more sensitive to rejection. The chemical imbalance that comes with ADHD interferes with brain's communication between the areas that regulate emotions and interpret how to deal with them.
Moodiness and depression are common for those with ADHD and the combination of these with difficulties in keeping track of responsibilities can lead to trouble with romantic and family relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD also be less confident in themselves and may struggle to form friendships and navigating social situations. They may wander off on tangents in conversations or have difficulty understanding what other people are saying, which could make it difficult for them to determine their place in groups.
When it comes to managing their daily tasks, women with ADHD might have difficulty finding the motivation to do mundane or monotonous tasks, like washing laundry, dishes, and cleaning. This can lead them to develop unhealthy coping habits, such as binge-watching TV shows or taking drugs. These habits can be particularly risky for young girls and teens with ADHD who are more likely to engage in sexually risky actions, such as early initiation of sexual activity, having fewer protected sexual partners, and more casual sex 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. Many women conceal their ADHD because of the numerous expectations placed on them by society (managing the household and children for instance). It isn't always easy for doctors to determine if there is a problem because the symptoms are easy to detect in men and boys.
5. Hyperactivity
For women suffering from ADHD daily tasks can be overwhelming. They may have trouble managing their lives and paying their bills on time, and juggling work and school obligations. Additionally, emotional signs, such as mood swings and difficulties regulating their emotions, can make it difficult to connect with others and contribute to difficulties in personal relationships.
People with ADHD struggle to read body language or social cues. They may have difficulty following a conversation or go off on a tangent, which can cause difficulties at school or at work and causing tension in relationships. They might also have difficulty making new friends or finding the right balance between work, home, and social life.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary throughout the day and be affected by hormone levels, for instance those that occur during menstruation or pregnancy, or when they move through perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause). This can lead to misdiagnosis, or the wrong type of medications being prescribed.
There are some symptoms and signs common to ADHD that can aid you or a loved one identify the disorder. Recognizing these symptoms is a great first step to getting the support and treatment you require to manage your symptoms effectively.
It is important to remember that ADHD doesn't mean you are unaffected by other physical or mental conditions. Your doctor or therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation. They'll ask questions regarding your past and current behavior, review your medical history, and discuss the impact of your symptoms in various settings.