ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are a reflection of biology, the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones--and that many people do not fit into a sex binary. However, gender and sex influence how symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood prior to the age of 12. women and adhd must be present prior to age 12 and cause problems in more than one environment to qualify for a diagnosis.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD and it's a problem for all genders. However, women may find it more challenging to get the focus they require due to the fact that symptoms usually manifest differently in men.
Women are more likely than men to be unorganized 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 concentrate on tasks, leading to a lack of productivity at work or at home. They are also more likely to not attend doctor appointments or neglect to take their medications.
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. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopausal cycles can influence brain function.
Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may struggle in their relationships, at school, and at work. They could also be suffering from various comorbidities like depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
It is important that health professionals understand the numerous signs that females with ADHD exhibit. They should rethink their approaches to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to account for hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation and other variables that affect the severity of symptoms. In this way, these patients can finally get the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Females who suffer from ADHD are often unable to managing their emotions, particularly when interacting with others. This can cause emotional dysregulation which is a major element of ADHD symptoms and is associated with a range of negative life results. These include low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, difficult relationships which can lead to violence between intimate partners, issues with friendships, a messy house or personal space, and an inability to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can affect the way women with ADHD are treated. Because they are often perceived as being more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they may be misunderstood or dismissed as being emotionally prone. This can increase their frustration at being diagnosed with ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD suffer from impaired impulse control which is also referred to as the prefrontal cortex. This means that they are more prone to making decisions and following through with their goals. This could cause you to want to eat more cake or make an inappropriate comment.
For adults with ADHD, medication can help to improve their ability to manage their impulsivity. stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can aid in reduce the impulsive behavior, and non-stimulant drugs like Guanfacine and clonidine can be effective as well. People with ADHD may also benefit from a treatment called behavioral therapy, which can help to change their mental patterns and develop more effective strategies for coping.
Sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet, and practicing meditation can help control restlessness and impulsiveness in those with ADHD. It's important to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and share this data with their doctor to assess whether their treatment plan is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a frequent issue in people with ADHD and can have a negative impact on their work and personal lives. It could take longer to complete tasks and reduce their efficiency. They could also be late or overwhelmed each day.
Inability to organize can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose belongings like keys or purses. In the end, they might feel isolated and lonely. Friends and family may confuse them. It is more difficult to organize during perimenopause and menopause, when hormones change and symptoms increase.
It is not unusual for women to mask their ADHD symptoms in order to conform with societal norms and avoid being considered a failure. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. This could be a reason for why women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly evident in adolescence when symptoms are more apparent.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might have a poor performance at work or in school. This can impact their career, grades or their overall image. It can also cause problems in their personal lives including issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family and friends members.
Women who are chronically disorganized can receive one-on-one assistance by a non-judgmental therapist. They can teach women how to stay organized by making an agenda and establishing reminders. A licensed mental health professional could also suggest medication and lifestyle changes to help minimize ADHD symptoms. This may include eating smaller meals throughout the day to maintain stable energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can worsen the side effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness influences decision-making in a variety of 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 the tendency to employ worst case scenario thinking, in which people perceive ambiguous situations as threatening. It was also found to be linked to a fear of making a mistake, which could help explain why people suffering from adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd that were interviewed the participants said they were not capable of making decisions about their personal and professional lives. They had difficulty to manage their finances and relationships, and had trouble finding an occupation they liked. They often had to wait for others to take decisions, or were unable to finish projects such as scheduling childcare. They often felt they were held back by their ADHD symptoms, for example, difficulty with starting or staying focused and impulsivity.
They struggled to maintain friendships and were unable to relax and recharging their mental health. They described having high levels of stress and anxiety and sleeping less, and poor nutrition. They also felt stigmatized by adults and the media. They were able explain their struggles with ADHD which helped them improve their self-esteem because they weren't blaming others. They also had access to appropriate treatments.
The interviews showed that the women had a lot of positive qualities but were struggling to overcome the impact of their ADHD symptoms on different aspects of their life. These included a lack of romantic or career opportunities as well as difficulties maintaining relationships. a messy home.
5. Self-esteem issues
Some of the signs that make up ADHD are seen as less socially acceptable for girls and women than they are for men and boys, so some women conceal their impulsivity, hyperactivity, and disorganization. Some women may internalize their ADHD and develop coping strategies like self-harming (cutting or burning). This can lead to low self-esteem, which can cause depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A high sense of inner worth is the foundation for more positive relationships and an optimistic outlook on life. People who do not have a strong self-worth tend to look outside themselves to find validation, including careers, relationships money, power, and relationships. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, says that this can also lead to an absence of communication within relationships.
Alongside a feeling of lack of self-worth, those with ADHD often struggle with feeling like they don't have enough of the good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a need to please or "keep up" with others. This can lead to toxic work cultures as well as a negative self-image and an addiction of substances or food.
Despite these major difficulties, women who took part in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They generally identify their ADHD as a gift or a curse, based on whether they believe they can manage it. Some have identified strengths they believe are partially due to their ADHD. These include the ability to be creative, energetic and determination as well as the ability to effortlessly become fascinated by new subjects. They also describe their unique struggles in the context of the larger picture, which includes biological and gender distinctions, as well as cultural and family issues.