ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related to biology, the hormonal makeup of the body and its chromosomal makeup. It also acknowledges that many people do not fit into a sex binary. However, sex and gender can influence the way symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of the early years of childhood, typically before age 12. ADHD symptoms must be present before 12 years of age and cause problems in more than one environment to be eligible for a diagnosis.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD and it's an issue for everyone. Women may have a tougher to concentrate, particularly because symptoms can appear differently than they do in men.
Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and impulsive, as an example. They are also more likely to become emotional and have difficulty putting things into perspective. These issues can cause an inability to focus on work, which can lead to an inability to perform at work or home. They're also more likely to not attend doctor appointments or forget to take their medication.
Women's hormones, in addition to these inherent differences, can cause ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is larger which helps with memory and learning. Menstrual hormone fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal cycles can affect brain function.
This is why women with undiagnosed ADHD can have major struggles in relationships at school, in relationships as well as at work. They could also struggle with a variety of comorbid disorders, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.
For these reasons, it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the various indicators that females suffering from ADHD often exhibit. They should rethink their strategies for diagnosing and treating females with ADHD to account for hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. These patients can then finally receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is particularly true when they interact with other people. This can cause emotional dysregulation which is a major cause of ADHD symptoms. It can also be linked to negative life outcomes. This can include low self-esteem, coexisting depression and anxiety, problematic romantic relationships that can result in conflict between partners, issues with friendships, a messy home or personal space, an inability to manage time or money and a messy home.
Gender stereotypes may also impact how women who suffer from ADHD are treated. Because they are often considered to be more sensitive or prone to mood swings, they can be misinterpreted or dismissed as overly emotional. This can cause them to feel more frustrated about being a victim of untreated ADHD.
adhd in women adults iampsychiatry of the brain that controls impulses the brain, referred to as the prefrontal cortex is affected in people with ADHD. This means that they are more prone to making decisions and sticking in their intentions. This makes it difficult to resist the urge to eat another piece of cake or to make an inappropriate statement in public.
For those who suffer from ADHD medication can assist to enhance their ability to manage their impulses. The use of stimulants such as amphetamine or dextroamphetamine may reduce the behavior of impulsivity. Non-stimulants like clonidine and Guanfacine are also effective. Behavioral therapy is also suggested, which can help people with ADHD modify their thinking patterns and develop healthier coping skills.
Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet and getting enough sleep can all help control the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It's important to track their symptoms throughout the day and communicate this information with their physician so they can assess whether their treatment plan is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization can be a major issue for people suffering from ADHD and affect their professional and personal life. They may have difficulty to complete their tasks, and their productivity may be reduced. They could also miss deadlines and become overwhelmed on a daily basis.
Insanity can cause problems to maintain healthy relationships. They might forget important dates or lose possessions such as keys or purses. In the end, they might feel lonely and alone. Friends and family members may be confused about their feelings. The disorder can become more severe in menopausal or perimenopausal women, when hormones change and symptoms increase.
Women often cover up their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being thought of as a problem. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. This could be the reason women and girls are often not diagnosed with ADHD particularly in adolescence where symptoms are more evident.
In the end, women with untreated ADHD might experience poor academic or work performance. This could affect their job, grades, or overall standing. This could also cause issues for their personal life. For example it could lead to difficulties with relationships with their partners or breakups with family and friends.
Women who are chronically unorganized could benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental friend. They can help women learn to stay organized by making lists and setting reminders. A licensed mental health professional may also recommend medication and lifestyle changes that can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. This could include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain stable energy and avoiding caffeine, which can increase the side effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness can affect decision-making in many aspects of our lives. There are a variety of instruments that have been created to measure indecisiveness, such as the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is when people interpret uncertain situations as being threat. It was also discovered to be associated with a fear of making a mistake, which could help explain why people with adhd have trouble making decisions.
In the qualitative study on adult women with adhd that were interviewed, they described not being capable of making choices about their personal and professional lives. They had a difficult time finding an occupation they enjoyed or to stay in, and were difficult to manage their finances, relationships and health. They often had to wait for others to make decisions or were unable to complete projects on their own, for example, arranging childcare. They often felt that they were being hindered by their ADHD symptoms, such as difficulties with getting started or staying focused and impulsivity.
They had trouble finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive which resulted in mental health issues. They reported stress and anxiety, as well as a sleeping insufficiently and having inadequate nutrition. They also expressed feeling devalued by their peers and the media. They were able to explain their struggles with ADHD which helped them boost their self-esteem as they were not blaming themselves. It also provided them with access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews revealed that women were very optimistic however, they struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on various aspects of their lives. This included a lack of romantic or career opportunities as well as difficulties maintaining relationships. an unclean home.
5. Insecurity about oneself
Certain of the symptoms that comprise ADHD are viewed as less acceptable socially for women and girls than they are for men and boys and so women may hide their hyperactivity, impulsivity and disorganization. They also may internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping strategies such as self-harm (cutting burns, scratching, cutting). This can result in feelings of self-esteem issues that can cause depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.
A sense of inner worth is the basis for better relationships and a positive outlook on life. If people do not have a strong sense of self-worth and feel they are not worthy, they will seek outside things - like relationships, careers wealth, power, and relationships to feel a sense of worthiness. Licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can result in an absence of communication in a relationship, which can eventually end it.
In addition to a sense of self-worth, women with ADHD often have feeling like they don't have enough of the good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest themselves as a desire to "keep up with" or to please. This can lead to a toxic work culture as well as a negative image of one's body, and an addiction to foods or substances.
While these are major challenges however, the women who took part in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They described ADHD as positive or negative depending on the way they perceive their ability to manage it. Some of them have also identified strengths they believe are a result of to their ADHD. They have high energy, creativity and determination, as well as the ability to effortlessly become interested in new subjects. They also discuss their unique struggles as part of a larger picture that includes cultural and family issues, as well as biological and gender differences.