Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women suffering from ADHD are often faced with different social expectations about how they should manage their work as well as family and home life. This can lead you to be irritated and embarrassed if your symptoms hinder your life.
Research shows that girls are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than boys and men. This could be due to the fact that they hide their symptoms or develop coping mechanisms to conceal them.
1. Inattentiveness
One of the most common symptoms of adhd is the difficulty in paying attention in the classroom or at work. Women suffering from this condition tend to miss important meetings, get behind on assignments or are misguided when trying to follow instructions. They might also find it difficult to concentrate in situations that are noisy or busy. People with ADHD are prone to what's known as "thousand-yard stares" and zone out during conversations. These symptoms can lead to problems at work or in relationships.
Girls and women can be especially susceptible to being diagnosed with ADHD, especially as they age. They develop strategies to cope that disguise their symptoms and continue to do this into adulthood. They might even begin to recognize their symptoms as being particular to them, which could make it harder for them to seek help.
Additionally, many teachers don't recommend ADHD evaluations for girls as often as they do for males. However it is important to note that if a girl's ADHD symptoms have a negative effect on her school performance and social interactions, she should talk to a health care professional.
Being inattentional ADHD can lead to lots of emotional stress. It can be a frustrating experience to feel like you're not being able to meet the standards of your coworkers, friends and family members. It can be difficult to feel that you're not able to get along well with your children or siblings. Inattention and impulsivity can cause depression and anxiety in some people with ADHD. In addition to seeking help there are some things you can do to reduce the impact of these symptoms. Regular exercise can help release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus. It can also help reduce anxiety, mood swings and other symptoms that are common among those suffering from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage. You may utter things you shouldn't, purchase something on impulse or get into trouble with the law because of your actions. It can also make it difficult to control your emotions and emotions. adhd traits in women could lead to self-harm, such as burning, cutting or scratching yourself. This can result in alcohol or drug abuse.
People who are impulsive can face difficulties with their relationships, their work or school performance. You can control your impulsivity with medication prescribed by your physician. Drugs like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Ritalin) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can improve your ability to control your impulses. Nonstimulant medications like clonidine or guanfacine could also help 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 and could result in underdiagnosis. Women may hide symptoms in order to conform to social standards and expectations. This masking is especially problematic during adolescence or early adulthood. Some women even use unhealthy strategies for coping such as excessive drinking and drug use to hide their ADHD issues.
Women with high-functioning ADHD may hide their symptoms by excelling in certain areas of their lives, such as work or school. This could make you believe that everything is in order and make you feel overwhelmed. Ask your healthcare provider about accommodations at work or school that will aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms. This is an excellent opportunity to create awareness with your co-workers or professors about the challenges you may face.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD, missing appointments or showing up late for work, forgetting dates, and zoning out during conversations can lead to frustration and leave others feeling ignored or offended. The condition can also make it difficult to manage finances manage schedules, keep track of appointments and complete tasks. For example, if you struggle to remember what you'll need for groceries, you may not be able to cook your meals or spend money on unnecessary purchases.
Women who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time keeping track of the daily chores, homework assignments and bills. The disorder may also contribute to messy workspaces, messy homes, and a tendency to accumulate. People with ADHD are affected by a phenomenon called "time blindness," which makes it difficult to know the amount of time that has passed and the length of time you've spent on a particular task. Together with the difficulty of staying focused, issues with time management can result in feelings of guilt and shame about being not organized.
Although research shows that girls and women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than boys and men the symptoms can be hidden and underdiagnosed. Women are often not diagnosed until they reach the age of adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. Social stigma and stereotypes may make it difficult for women to receive the care and support they need.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine increase 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 may also refer you to a mental health professional who can assist in the development of an individual treatment plan that addresses your particular requirements.
4. Impulsiveness
Women suffering from ADHD may have a difficult to control their emotions and are often more sensitive to rejection. The chemical imbalance associated with ADHD interferes with communication between brain areas that regulate emotions, and also interpret how to deal with these emotions.
People suffering from ADHD are more prone to moodiness and depression. This, in conjunction with a difficulty in managing their obligations can lead to problems with relationships with family and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to have a lower self-esteem and may have difficulty forming friendships and navigating social situations. They might wander off during conversations or have trouble understanding what others are saying, which can make it difficult for them to figure out their place in a group.
Women with ADHD may have difficulty to motivate themselves to complete routine or boring tasks, like washing dishes, cleaning, or doing laundry. This can cause them to develop unhealthy coping habits that include binge-watching television shows or taking drugs. These habits can be particularly risky for girls in their teens and teens with ADHD who are more likely to engage in sexually risky behavior, such as early beginning of sexual activity, fewer protected sexual 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 are unable to recognize their ADHD due to the numerous expectations set by society (managing the household and children for example). It isn't always easy for doctors to identify that there is a problem, as the symptoms are easy to spot in both men and males.
5. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD can struggle to handle their daily tasks. They may have trouble managing their time, paying their bills on time and keeping up with school/work requirements. Emotional symptoms, like mood swings and trouble managing emotions, can make it difficult to get along with other people and cause difficulties in relationships with family and friends.
People with ADHD struggle to read body language or social cues. They may have difficulty following a conversation or go off on a tangent which can cause problems at work or school and causing tension in relationships. They may also have trouble making new friends or finding a balance between work, home, and social activities.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary throughout the day and may be affected by hormones such as during menstruation and pregnancy, or during perimenopausal perimenopausal cycles. This can lead either to confusion or a wrong type of medication being prescribed.
There are certain signs and symptoms that are common to ADHD that can aid you or a loved one recognize the condition. It is crucial to be aware of these signs to receive the treatment and support you require to manage symptoms effectively.
It is important to remember that ADHD does not mean that you are free of other physical or mental disorders. Your therapist or doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation. They'll need to ask questions about your current and past actions and experiences, look at any medical history, and talk with you about how your symptoms affect you in various situations.