ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender refer to biology--the hormones and chromosomal makeup of the body, and that many people don't fall into a binary of sex. However, gender and sex can affect the way symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood, before the age of 12. ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and cause problems in multiple environments to be eligible for a diagnosis.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD and it's an issue for everyone. Women may find it more challenging to attain the attention they require due to the fact that symptoms usually manifest in different ways in men.
Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and impulsive, as an example. They also are more likely to be emotionally triggered and have trouble putting things into perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to concentrate, which can lead to an inability to perform at work or home. They're also more likely to miss doctor appointments and neglect to take their medications.
The hormones that women experience as well as these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. The female hippocampus is larger, which aids in memory and learning. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause may also affect brain function.
In the end, women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD can have major struggles in relationships at school, in their relationships as well as at work. They could also be suffering from multiple comorbid disorders including depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
It is essential that health professionals understand the numerous signs that females with ADHD exhibit. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to take into account hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation and other variables that can influence symptom severity. This way, patients can finally get the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is especially the case when they interact with other people. Iam Psychiatry can cause emotional dysregulation which is a component of ADHD symptoms. It is also linked to negative life outcomes. These include poor self-esteem, depression that is co-occurring with anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones that can result in violence between intimate partners, issues with friendships as well as a messy home or personal space, and the inability to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can affect how women who suffer from ADHD will be treated. Because they are frequently viewed as more sensitive or prone to mood swings, they may be viewed as overly emotional. This can cause them to feel more frustrated at being diagnosed with ADHD.
The portion of the brain that controls impulses the brain, known as the prefrontal cortex is impaired in individuals with ADHD. This means that they have a difficult time making decisions and executing their intentions. This could make you want to indulge in more cake or make a snide comment.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications that help them control their impulsivity. Stimulants like amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help to decrease the impulsive behavior and non-stimulant drugs like Guanfacine and clonidine can be effective too. Behavioral therapy may also be suggested, which can help people with 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 is also a great idea to monitor their symptoms throughout the day, and then share this information with their doctor to determine whether their treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a common problem for people suffering from ADHD and can have a negative impact on their work and personal lives. It could take longer to complete tasks, and decrease their efficiency. They could also be late or overwhelmed throughout the day.
Insanity can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. People may miss important dates or misplace items like keys or purses. In the end, they might feel lonely and alone. Friends and family may confuse them. Disorganization can be worse during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles, when hormones change and symptoms intensify.
It is not unusual for women to hide their ADHD symptoms to fit in with society's norms and avoid being thought of as a problem. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. It could be a reason why women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly during adolescence, when symptoms become more obvious.
Women with untreated ADHD might have a poor performance at school or at work. This can negatively impact their work, grades, or reputation. This can also cause problems for their personal lives. For example it can cause problems with their romantic partners or strained relationships with family and friends.
Women who are chronically disorganized can benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental friend. They can provide strategies to remain organized, for example, making lists of daily tasks and making reminders for them. In addition, a qualified mental health professional can suggest medications 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 cause an increase in the adverse effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness influences decision-making in a variety of aspects of life. A variety of instruments have been developed to measure indecisiveness, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also linked to neuroticism, and the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is because people perceive ambiguous situations as being threat. It was also discovered to be linked to the fear of making a mistake, which could be the reason people suffering from adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women suffering from adhd the participants described being unable to make decisions in their work and personal lives. They had difficulty to manage their finances and relationships and had trouble finding an occupation they liked. They often were dependent on others to make decisions for them, or were unable complete projects like organizing childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and difficulty focusing or beginning projects were holding them back.
They struggled to maintain relationships and had trouble relaxing which led to issues with their mental health. They described high levels of stress and anxiety, as well as a sleeping insufficiently and having inadequate nutrition. They also felt stigmatized by adults and the media. The diagnosis of ADHD gave them a reason for their struggles which was beneficial for self-esteem since it meant they weren't blamed for their condition. They also had access to appropriate treatments.
The interviews revealed that women were very optimistic and able to overcome the effects of ADHD in different areas of their lives. The women reported an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships and a messy home.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Some of the signs that make up ADHD are considered to be less socially acceptable for women and girls than they are for males and females, so some women hide their hyperactivity, impulsivity, and disorganization. They also may take on their ADHD symptoms and develop coping strategies such as self-harm (cutting, burning, scratching). This can result in low self-esteem, which could cause depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A high sense of inner worth is the basis for more positive relationships and an optimistic outlook on life. People who do not have a strong self-worth tend to look beyond themselves for validation, like relationships, careers money, power, and relationships. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can lead to the lack of communication in a relationship.
Women with ADHD might also feel they don't deserve the best things in their lives. These feelings may manifest as a desire to please or "keep up" with others. This can lead to negative work environments, a negative body image and an addiction to foods or substances.
Despite these difficulties, women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as either a blessing or a curse according to how they feel about their ability to control it. Some of them have also identified personal strengths they believe are partially due to their ADHD. These include the ability to be creative, energetic and determination and the ability to effortlessly become interested in new subjects. They also discuss their unique challenges as part of a larger picture that includes cultural and family issues, as also gender and biological differences.