Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women suffering from ADHD are often subject to different expectations from society on how they can manage their family, careers and their home lives. This can cause feelings of shame and frustration when your symptoms are causing you to get out of control.
Research suggests that girls are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than men and boys. This could be due to the fact that they hide their symptoms or develop strategies to conceal the symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
One of the most frequent symptoms of adhd is difficulty paying attention at the classroom or at work. Women with adhd are more likely to forget important meetings or tasks or are misled by directions. They might also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. People who suffer from ADHD might experience "thousand-yard gazes" or lose focus when they are talking. These signs can cause problems at work or in relationships.
Women and girls are more at chance of having undiagnosed ADHD as they age. They typically develop coping strategies that hide their symptoms and utilize these methods of coping into adulthood. They might even begin to recognize their symptoms as being particular to them, which could make it difficult for them to seek help.
A lot of teachers do not recommend 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 an expert in health.
Being inattentional ADHD can lead to a lot of emotional stress. It can be frustrating to feel as if you're not capable of meeting the expectations of your colleagues, friends and family members. It can be a bit depressing to feel as if you're unable to get along with your children or siblings. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety and depression that can be exacerbated by their impulsivity and inattention. In addition to seeking help there are some things you can do to reduce the effects of these symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that boost attention and concentration. It can also help reduce mood swings, anxiety, and other symptoms that are common among people suffering from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage. You might say things that you shouldn't or purchase items on impulse. You could also get arrested by the police because of your actions. It can be difficult to control your thoughts and emotions. This can lead to self-injury such as burning, cutting or scratching yourself. This can cause alcohol or drug abuse.
People with impulsivity often have issues with relationships as well as work or school performance. You can control your impulsivity with medication prescribed by your physician. You can boost your impulse control with medicines like amphetamine dextroamphetamine, and the methylphenidate. Non-stimulant drugs like clonidine or guanfacine may also help you to 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, which can result in underdiagnosis. Women may conceal their symptoms in order to conform to social expectations and norms. This type of masking can be particularly difficult in adolescence and adulthood. Some women even use unhealthy strategies for coping such as excessive drinking and use of drugs, to conceal their ADHD issues.
Women who suffer from high functioning ADHD may mask their symptoms by having success in particular areas of their lives like at school or at work. This could give you a false sense that everything is fine and make you feel overwhelmed. Consult your doctor about any adjustments that you can make at work or at school to help manage your ADHD symptoms. This is a great chance to educate your colleagues or professors about the difficulties you have to face.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD then avoiding appointments, showing up late for work, not remembering dates, or avoiding conversations can lead to frustration and make others feel snubbed or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to keep track of your tasks, manage finances and schedules. If you can't remember what you'll need for groceries, then you could miss out on meals or spend too much on unnecessary things.
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a difficult time keeping track of the daily chores, homework assignments and bills. The disorder can also lead to messy homes, messy workspaces and a tendency to accumulate. People suffering from ADHD suffer from a condition known as "time blindness," which makes it difficult to determine the amount of time that has passed and the length of time you've spent on a task. In addition to being unable to stay focused, issues with time management can lead to feelings of guilt and shame over being unorganized.
Research shows that women, girls and boys are more likely than males to suffer from ADHD. However, symptoms may be misdiagnosed or concealed. A lot of women don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their symptoms are more evident. Moreover, social stigma and stereotypes may hinder women to get the support and treatment they require.
Your doctor might prescribe medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine boost and balance neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that talk to each other. Antidepressants, as well as atomoxetine that are non-stimulant medicines can also be used to treat ADHD. However, they work more slowly than stimulants. Your doctor might refer you to an expert in mental health who can help create a treatment plan specific to your needs.
4. Impulsiveness
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult to control their emotions and are often more sensitive to rejection. This is because the pathway of communication between brain regions that regulate emotional responses and interpret what to do with those emotions is impaired by the chemical imbalance that's connected to ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD are prone to depression and moodiness. This, along with a difficulty in keeping track of their responsibilities can lead to problems with romantic and family relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have a low self-esteem, and may have difficulty forming relationships and navigating social situations. They might wander off on tangents or struggle to comprehend what other people are saying. This could make it difficult for them to find a place in an organization.
Women suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to motivate themselves to complete simple or boring tasks like washing dishes, cleaning, or doing laundry. This can cause them to develop unhealthy coping habits, such as binge-watching TV shows or abusing substances. These types of behaviors are especially risky for adolescents and girls with ADHD who are more likely than other kids to engage in risky behavior like 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. Additionally many women conceal their ADHD symptoms due to the long list of expectations society puts on them (managing the family home and household for instance). It can be difficult for doctors to determine if there is a problem because the symptoms are easy to spot in both men and males.
5. Hyperactivity
For women who suffer from ADHD the daily chores can be difficult to handle. They may have difficulty organizing their lives, paying their bills on time, and keeping up with work and school obligations. Additionally, emotional issues like mood swings and difficulty controlling their emotions, can make it hard to connect with others and contribute to difficulties in relationships between people.
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty reading body language or social cues. undiagnosed adhd in women might have trouble following a conversation or going off on a tangent, causing problems at work or school and causing stress in relationships. They can also have a difficult time making new friends or achieving the right balance between their work, home, and social life.
Symptoms of ADHD can be different throughout the day and may be affected by hormone levels, such as those during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or as they transition through perimenopause (the menopausal phase). This could result in misdiagnosis or the wrong types of medications being prescribed.
Although everyone faces different issues when it comes to ADHD, there are some typical signs and symptoms that can help you identify the disorder in yourself or a loved one. Recognizing these signs is a good first step towards obtaining the help and treatment you need to manage your symptoms effectively.
Having ADHD doesn't mean it doesn't mean you're not suffering from other physical or mental health issues, so it's important that your therapist or doctor conducts a thorough assessment. They'll need to inquire about your past and present behaviors and experiences, examine any medical history, and speak with you about how your symptoms impact you in various settings.