Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women with ADHD are often subjected to different expectations from society on how they can manage their careers, families and home life. This can lead you to be embarrassed and frustrated when your symptoms hinder your life.
Research has shown that girls and women are often under-diagnosed for ADHD compared to males and boys. This could be because they conceal their symptoms or use strategies to manage them, like:
1. Inattentiveness
One of the most common symptoms of adhd is difficulty paying attention at the classroom or at work. People with adhd tend to forget important meetings or projects or are misled by the instructions. They might also have difficulty focusing or concentrate in noisy or busy environments. People who suffer from ADHD may experience "thousand-yard gazes" or a tendency to lose focus when they are talking. These symptoms can cause problems at work or with relationships.
Women and girls are at a higher risk of developing undiagnosed ADHD as they get older. adhd symptoms in adult women develop coping mechanisms that cover up their symptoms and use these coping methods into adulthood. They may even start to see their symptoms as being particular to them, which could make it harder for them to seek help.
In addition, many teachers don't recommend ADHD evaluations for girls as frequently as they do for boys. If a girl's lack of attention to ADHD is impacting her school performance or social interactions it is recommended that she consult a medical professional.
Being a bit inattentional ADHD can cause an abundance of emotional stress. It can be a frustrating experience to feel like you're not being able to meet the standards of your friends, co-workers and family members. It can also be upsetting when you feel like you're unable to get along with your children or siblings. Some people with ADHD suffer from anxiety and depression, which can be exacerbated by their impulsivity and inattention. You can reduce the severity of these symptoms by seeking assistance and doing other activities. Regular exercise can help release the neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus. It can also reduce mood swings, anxiety, and other symptoms that are common among people with ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage. You may utter things you shouldn't, buy things on impulse, or be a target for the law because of your actions. The urge to be impulsive can make it difficult to control your feelings and emotions. This can lead to self-injury, such as burning, cutting or scratching yourself. This could also lead to drug or alcohol dependence.
People who are impulsive can face problems with their relationships, work or school performance. You can manage your impulsivity by taking medication prescribed by your doctor. You can boost your impulse control with medications like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, as well as methylphenidate. Non-stimulant drugs like clonidine or guanfacine could also help to better control your impulses.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. However, this type of ADHD is harder to notice and can lead to underdiagnosis. Women may hide their symptoms in order to conform to social expectations and norms. This can be particularly challenging in adolescence and early adulthood. Women may employ unhealthy coping strategies, like excessive drinking and drug use to cover up their ADHD challenges.
Women who have high-functioning ADHD may hide their symptoms by succeeding in specific areas of their lives, like school or work. This can create feeling unsecure and can cause you to feel overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life. Ask your doctor about accommodations that you can make at work or at school to manage your ADHD symptoms. This is a great way to educate your colleagues or professors about the challenges you are facing.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD then missing appointments, showing up late for work, forgetting dates and zoning-out during conversations can cause anger and make others feel unimportant or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to keep track of tasks as well as manage schedules, finances and financial obligations. If you aren't able to remember what you'll need for groceries, then you could not be able to cook your meals, or spend too much on unnecessary things.
Women suffering from ADHD typically have a difficult time keeping track of daily chores, homework and bills. The condition can also cause disorganized homes, messy workspaces and a tendency to pile up. The "time blindness" that ADHD patients experience makes it difficult to gauge how much time has been passed or how much time they've been working on a particular task. Time management issues can trigger feelings of shame or guilt when combined with the difficulty of staying organized.
While research has shown that girls and women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than men and boys The symptoms can be concealed and not recognized. Many women don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. Moreover, social stigma and stereotypes could make it harder for women to access the help and treatment they need.
Your doctor might recommend medication to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine boost and balance neurotransmitters - the brain chemicals that communicate. Nonstimulant medications such as antidepressants and atomoxetine are also used to treat ADHD however they operate slower than stimulants. Your doctor could refer you to an expert in mental health, who can help create a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific requirements.
4. Impulsiveness
Women suffering from ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions, and they may be more sensitive to rejection. This is because the pathway of communication between brain regions that regulate emotional reactions and interpret what to do with those emotions is disrupted by the chemical imbalance that's connected to ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD are prone to moodiness and depression. This, combined with the difficulty of keeping track of their responsibilities and obligations, can create problems for romantic and family relationships. Women with ADHD may also have low self-esteem, and may have difficulty in forming relationships and managing social situations. They may wander off on tangents or have trouble understanding what other people are saying. This makes it difficult for them to find a spot within a group.
Women with ADHD might find it difficult to keep themselves motivated to complete simple or boring tasks like washing dishes, cleaning, and doing laundry. This can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors like binge watching TV shows or taking drugs. These types of behaviors are particularly dangerous for young girls and teens with ADHD who are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, such as early beginning of sexual activities, fewer protected sex 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 hide their ADHD due to the numerous expectations that society places on them (managing home and family for example). This makes it difficult for health care professionals to identify an issue, particularly since the symptoms are more easily identified in boys and men.
5. Hyperactivity
For women who suffer from ADHD daily tasks can be difficult to handle. They may struggle with organizing their lives, making payments on time and juggling appointments or school/work obligations. A variety of emotional symptoms, including mood swings and difficulties in regulating emotions, can also make it difficult to get along with other people and cause difficulties in relationships with family and friends.
People with ADHD often have trouble picking social cues or reading body language. They may have difficulty following conversations or wander off on a tangent causing issues at school or at work and causing stress in relationships. They may also have trouble making new friends or finding the right balance between their work, home and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD are different throughout the day and may be influenced by hormone levels, for instance those during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or as they move through perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause). This could result in misdiagnosis or the wrong kinds of medication being taken.
There are a few symptoms and signs that are that are typical of ADHD that can aid you or a loved one recognize the condition. Being aware of these symptoms is the first step towards getting the help and treatment you need to manage your symptoms effectively.
It is important to remember that ADHD does not mean that you are free of other mental or physical conditions. Your therapist or doctor should perform a thorough assessment. They'll have to ask questions about your current and past behaviors and experiences, examine any medical history, and discuss with you about how your symptoms impact you in a variety of settings.