Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women with ADHD are often subject to different expectations from society on how they can manage their families, careers, and their home lives. This can lead to feelings of guilt and anger when your symptoms are causing you to get impeding your progress.
Research suggests that girls are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than boys and men. This could be because they conceal their symptoms or use strategies to manage the signs, for example:
1. Inattentiveness
Finding it difficult to focus at school or work is among the most common symptoms of adhd. Women with adhd are more likely to miss important meetings or assignments or are misled by the instructions. They might also have difficulty focusing or concentrate in noisy or busy environments. People with ADHD may experience "thousand-yard gazes" or zone out when they are talking. These symptoms can lead to problems at work or in relationships.
Girls and women are at a higher risk of developing undiagnosed ADHD as they get older. They typically develop coping strategies that cover up their symptoms and continue to use these coping methods throughout their adulthood. They may even begin to identify their symptoms as personal attributes, which can make it difficult for them to seek help.
Many teachers do not suggest ADHD assessments as often for girls as they do for males. If a girl's numbness or ADHD is affecting her school performance or social interactions then she should speak to a health professional.
Being a bit inattentional ADHD can cause a lot of emotional stress. It can be difficult when you feel you are not able meet the expectations of friends, family members and co-workers. It can also be frustrating when you feel like you're unable to get along with your siblings or children. Inattention and impulsivity can increase anxiety and depression in certain people with ADHD. In addition to seeking assistance there are some things you can do to lessen the effects of these symptoms. Regular exercise can help release the neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus. It also helps reduce mood swings, anxiety, and other symptoms that are common to those suffering from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage. You might make comments you shouldn't, or purchase something on impulse. You could also get in trouble with the police because of your actions. Impulsivity can make it difficult to control your thoughts and emotions. Self-injury can manifest from cutting, burning, or scratching oneself. It can also lead to drinking and drug abuse.
People who are impulsive often have issues with relationships and work or school performance. Your doctor can assist you to manage your impulsivity by prescribing medication. You can improve your impulse-control with medications like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methylphenidate. Non-stimulant drugs such as clonidine and guanfacine can also improve your ability to control yourself.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. But this kind
types of adhd in women ADHD is more difficult to detect, which can result in underdiagnosis. Women may conceal their symptoms to comply with social expectations and standards. This is particularly problematic in the adolescent or early adulthood. Women may turn to unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, to cover up their ADHD issues.
Women who have high-functioning ADHD might conceal their symptoms by excelling in specific areas of their lives, such as school or at work. This can give you feeling unsecure and can cause you to feel overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life. Ask your healthcare provider about accommodations at school or at work to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. This is a great way to inform your colleagues or professors about the issues you face.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD, missing appointments or showing up late for work, not remembering dates and becoming oblivious in conversations can create frustration and make others feel unappreciated or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to stay on top of tasks and manage your finances and schedules. For instance, if have trouble remembering what you'll need for groceries, you may not be able to cook your meals or overspend on unnecessary purchases.
Women with ADHD struggle to keep track of their daily chores, bills and homework. The disorder can also result in messy and messy workplaces, and a tendency to accumulate. The "time blindness" that ADHD sufferers are prone to makes it difficult to gauge how much time has been passed or how much time they've worked on a specific task. In addition to being unable to stay focused, issues with time management can result in feelings of guilt and shame over being not organized.
Although research shows that girls and women are more likely to have ADHD than men and boys The symptoms can be concealed and underdiagnosed. Many women aren't diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. Social stigma and stereotypes may hinder women to get the care and support they need.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. The stimulants methylphenidate or amphetamine can boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals that communicate with one another. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine and antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD however, they perform slower than stimulants. Your doctor could also refer you to a mental health professional, who can help develop an individual treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
4. Impulsiveness
Women with ADHD might have a difficult to control their emotions and often feel more vulnerable to rejection. The chemical imbalance that comes with ADHD affects the brain's communication between the areas that regulate emotions and interpret how to handle them.
Moodiness and depression are common for those with ADHD, and the combination of these issues with difficulty keeping track of responsibilities can lead to trouble with relationships with loved ones and family. Women who suffer from
adhd symptoms women may also have a low self-esteem and have difficulties forming relationships and navigating social situations. They might go 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 a group.
When managing their daily tasks women with ADHD might have difficulty finding motivation to complete mundane or monotonous tasks like dishes, laundry, or cleaning. This can result in unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge watching television shows or consuming substances. These behaviors are especially dangerous for teens and girls with
adhd in women symptoms who are more likely than other kids to engage in risky behavior such as early sexual activities and fewer partners who are protected 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 many expectations set by society (managing home and family for instance). It isn't always easy for doctors to determine if there is a problem, as the symptoms are easier to spot in both men and boys.
5. Hyperactivity
For women suffering from ADHD the daily chores can be difficult to handle. They may struggle with managing their time and paying their bills on time, and keeping up with work and school obligations. Additionally, emotional issues such as mood swings and trouble managing their emotions, could make it difficult to be a good friend and contribute to difficulties in relationships with family and friends.
People with ADHD frequently have difficulty picking social cues or reading body language. They can go off on a tangent within conversations or have trouble following the thread of a conversation, causing difficulties with school or work performance as well as strained relationships. They might also have a difficult time making new friends or finding the right balance between work, home, and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD can change throughout the day, and can be affected hormonally, as during menstruation or pregnancy, or even perimenopausal. This can result in a misdiagnosis or the wrong type of medication being prescribed.
While everyone struggles with different challenges when they live with ADHD there are a few typical signs and symptoms that can help you identify the condition
adult add in women yourself or a loved one. Recognizing these signs is a great first step towards obtaining the support and treatment you require to manage your symptoms effectively.
It's important to note that ADHD does not mean that you are unaffected by other mental or physical conditions. Your therapist or doctor should perform a thorough assessment. They'll ask questions regarding your past and current behaviors, look over your medical history, and discuss how your symptoms affect you in various settings.