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 how symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. Symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause difficulties in more than one environment to be able to receive the diagnosis.
1. Trouble focusing
Inattention is the root of ADHD and can affect both genders. Women may have a difficult focus, particularly since symptoms can appear differently than in men.
Women are more likely to experience disorganization and indecisiveness, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and have a difficult time putting things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability to concentrate, which can lead to an absence of productivity at home or work. They're also more likely not attend doctor appointments or forget to take their medication.
Women's hormones as well as these innate differences can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. The female hippocampus is larger which helps with memory and learning. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopausal changes can also affect brain function.
Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD may struggle in their relationships, at school and at work. They could also struggle with a variety of comorbid conditions, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.
For these reasons, it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the numerous indicators that females suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnose and treat females suffering from ADHD in order to account for hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. Patients can then receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This is especially true when they are interacting with other people. This can lead emotional dysregulation which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It can also be associated with negative outcomes in life. These include low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, difficult relationships that can result in intimate partner violence, trouble with friendships, a messy house or personal space, and an inability to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can also influence the way women who suffer from ADHD will be treated. They could be misunderstood as they are viewed as being more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings. This can cause them to feel more frustrated about living with untreated ADHD.
Individuals with ADHD have a reduced ability to control impulses, also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have a harder time making decisions and executing their intentions. This can make you want to eat more cake or make an inappropriate comment.
For those who suffer from ADHD medications can help to improve their ability to control their behavior. Stimulants like amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can aid in decrease the impulsive behavior while nonstimulant medicines like clonidine and guanfacine can be effective too. Behavioral therapy is also advised, which will help those suffering from ADHD modify their thinking patterns and learn better ways to cope with stress.
Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can all help to control the impulsiveness and restlessness of people suffering from ADHD. It's important to track their symptoms throughout the day and communicate this data with their doctor to assess whether their treatment plan is effective.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a typical issue for people suffering from ADHD and can have a negative impact on their work and personal lives. They may have trouble to complete their tasks and their efficiency may be reduced. They might also fail to meet deadlines and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis.
A lack of organization can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They might not remember important dates or even lose things like purses or keys. They might feel lonely and unloved as a result. They can also feel misunderstood by family members and friends. Disorders are more common in menopausal and perimenopausal women when hormones change and symptoms increase.
Women often cover up their ADHD symptoms to conform to social norms or to avoid being judged. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. This could also be the reason women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly true in adolescence, when symptoms are more evident.
In the end, women with untreated ADHD might have poor academic or work performance. This could affect their work, grades, or reputation. This could also cause issues for their personal life. For example it could lead to difficulties with romantic partners or strained relationships with family members and friends.
Women with chronic disorganization can receive one-on-one assistance by a non-judgmental therapist. They can help them learn strategies to remain organized, for example, making a list of daily tasks and creating reminders for them. A qualified mental health professional may also suggest medication and lifestyle changes to help minimize ADHD symptoms. This may include eating smaller meals throughout the day to maintain a steady energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can increase the adverse effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness can affect decision-making in many aspects of daily life. Several instruments have been developed to measure indecisiveness, such as the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also associated with neuroticism and with the tendency to use worst-case scenario thinking, where people perceive ambiguous situations as dangerous. It was also found to be associated with a fear of making a mistake which could be the reason people with adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd interviewed, they described not being in a position to make 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 waited for other people to make decisions or were unable complete projects on their own, for example, scheduling childcare. They often felt they were hindered by their ADHD symptoms, for example, difficulties in starting, staying focused and impulsivity.
They had trouble relaxing and maintaining friendships, which led to mental health issues. They reported high levels of stress and anxiety and sleeping less and a poor diet. They also felt stigmatized by adults and the media. add symptoms in adult women were able explain their struggles with ADHD and helped boost their self-esteem as they weren't blaming others. Additionally, it gave them 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. These included a lack possibilities for romance or work as well as difficulties maintaining relationships. an unclean home.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Some of the symptoms that make up ADHD are considered to be less acceptable socially for women and girls than they are for males and females, so some women hide their hyperactivity, impulsivity and disorganization. Women who suffer from ADHD might take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop strategies to cope, such as self-harming (cutting or burning). This can cause feelings of low self-esteem that contribute to depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.
A strong sense of self-esteem and worth is the basis for more positive relationships and a positive outlook on life. If people do not have a strong sense of self-worth, they tend to seek outside things - like careers, relationships wealth, power, and relationships to feel a sense of worthiness. A licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can result in an absence of communication within the relationship, which could ultimately end it.
Women who suffer from ADHD might also feel they are not worthy of good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest themselves as a desire to "keep up with" or to please. This can lead to negative work environments and a negative image of the body and an addiction to food or substances.
While these are serious issues however, the women who took part in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as either a blessing or a curse depending on how they feel about their ability to control it. Some have identified their own strengths that they believe are a result of to their ADHD. These include the ability to be creative, energetic and determination, as well as the ability to easily get interested in new subjects. They also discuss their own struggles within the context of an overall picture that includes biological and gender differences, as well as cultural and family issues.