Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women suffering from ADHD are often subject to different expectations from society regarding how they should manage careers, families and home life. This can lead to feelings of shame and frustration when your symptoms are causing you to get in the way.
Research has proven that women and girls are frequently under-diagnosed for ADHD as compared to boys and men. This could be due to the fact that they hide their symptoms or develop strategies to conceal them.
1. Inattentiveness
Being unable to pay attention at school or at work is one of the main symptoms of adhd. People with this condition frequently forget important meetings, fall behind on their work or become misguided when trying to follow directions. They might also find it difficult to concentrate in situations that are noisy or busy. Certain people with ADHD are prone to what's called "thousand-yard stares" and zone out during conversations. These symptoms can lead to issues at work or in relationships.
Women and girls are especially susceptible to being diagnosed with ADHD particularly as they age. They develop strategies to cope that cover up their symptoms and continue to do so into adulthood. They may even start to see their symptoms as personal attributes, which can make it harder for them to seek help.
In addition, many teachers don't suggest ADHD evaluations for girls as frequently as they do for men. If a girl's lack of attention to ADHD is affecting her school performance or social interactions it is recommended that she consult a medical professional.
Being a bit inattentional ADHD can create an abundance of emotional stress. It can be difficult when you feel like you're not meeting the expectations of friends, family members and co-workers. It can be difficult to feel as if you're not getting along well with your kids or siblings. Many people with ADHD suffer from anxiety and depression that can be exacerbated by their inattention and impulsivity. You can lessen the severity of these symptoms by seeking assistance and doing other activities. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that boost concentration and attention. It can also help reduce mood swings and anxiety, which are common among those with ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
The unpredictable symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to manage. You may utter things you shouldn't, buy something on a whim or be a target for the law because of your actions. It can also make it difficult to control your emotions and feelings. This could lead to self-harm, such as burning, cutting or scratching yourself. It can also lead to drinking and drug abuse.
People with impulsivity often have problems with relationships and school or work performance. Your doctor can assist you to manage your impulsivity by prescribing medication. Medications like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Ritalin) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can enhance your ability to control your impulses. Non-stimulant medications like clonidine or 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. This type of ADHD can be difficult to detect, leading to a misdiagnosis. Women might hide their symptoms in order to conform to social expectations and standards. This can be particularly problematic in the adolescent years and early adulthood. Some women even resort to unhealthy coping strategies such as excessive drinking and drug use, to conceal their ADHD issues.
Women with high functioning ADHD might cover up their symptoms by having success in particular areas of their life like at school or at work. This can lead to an illusion of security and cause you to feel overwhelmed by the demands of life. Ask your healthcare provider about accommodations at school or work that will aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms. This is an excellent way to increase awareness among your colleagues or professors of the challenges you might face.
3. Disorganization
If you have ADHD, missing appointments or being late for work, not remembering dates and becoming oblivious during conversations can cause frustration and make others feel ignored or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to manage your finances manage schedules, keep track of appointments and complete tasks. For instance, if have trouble remembering what you need to buy for groceries, you might be unable to eat or spend money on unnecessary things.
Women with ADHD struggle to keep the track of their daily chores, homework, and bills. The disorder can also lead to messy workspaces, messy homes and a propensity to hoard. The "time blindness" that ADHD patients have makes it difficult for them to determine how long has passed or how long they've been working on a particular task. Problems with time management can lead to feelings of shame or guilt when they are combined with a struggle to stay organized.
Although research shows that women and girls are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than boys and men, symptoms can be masked and underdiagnosed. Many women aren't diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. In addition, social stigmas and stereotypes may make it difficult for women to receive the help and treatment they need.
Your doctor may recommend medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine boost and balance neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals that communicate. Antidepressants, as well as atomoxetine that are nonstimulant medications are also used to treat ADHD. However they perform more slowly than stimulants. Your doctor might also refer you to a mental health specialist who will help you develop an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to your individual requirements.
4. Impulsiveness
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a hard to control their emotions, and are often more vulnerable to rejection. This is due to the fact that the pathway of communication between brain regions that regulate emotional responses and interpret what to do with those feelings is affected by the chemical imbalance associated with ADHD.
People with ADHD are prone to depression and moodiness. This, in conjunction with a difficulty in managing their obligations can lead to problems with relationships with family and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have a low self-esteem and have difficulty in forming relationships and managing social situations. They may wander off in a tangent or have difficulty understanding what others are saying. This can make it hard for them to find a spot within an organization.
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty to get motivated to finish routine or boring tasks, such as washing dishes, cleaning, and washing laundry. This can lead them to develop unhealthy coping habits, such as binge-watching TV shows or abusing substances. These behaviors are especially dangerous for adolescents and girls with ADHD who are more likely than other kids to engage in risky activities such as early sexual activity with fewer protected partners and informal 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. In addition many women conceal their ADHD symptoms due to the multitude of expectations society places on them (managing the family and home for instance). It isn't easy for doctors to recognize that there is a problem since the symptoms are easy to detect in men and males.
5. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD can struggle to handle their daily tasks. They may have difficulty managing their time and paying their bills on time and juggling work and school obligations. Emotional symptoms, like mood swings and trouble managing emotions, can make it difficult to connect with other people and cause difficulties in relationships with family and friends.
People suffering from ADHD often have trouble 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 issues with school or work performance and strained relationships. They may also have trouble making new friends or achieving the right balance between their work, home, and social life.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary throughout the day and can be influenced by hormone levels, such as those during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or when they progress through perimenopause (the menopausal phase). This could lead to misdiagnosis or the wrong types of medications being prescribed.
There are a few signs and symptoms common to ADHD that can aid you or a loved one recognize the condition. Being aware of these symptoms is the first step to getting the support and treatment you need to manage your symptoms effectively.
adhd in young women is important to understand that ADHD does not mean you are unaffected by other physical or mental disorders. Your therapist or doctor must conduct a thorough examination. They will ask you questions about your past and present behaviors, look over your medical history, and talk about the impact of your symptoms in different situations.