ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that sex and a gender are based on biology, including the body's chromosomal make-up and hormones. Many people do not fall into the binary gender. However, gender and sex influence the way symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood prior to the age of 12. ADHD must present symptoms before the age of 12 and cause problems in more than one environment to qualify for a diagnoses.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD and it's an issue for everyone. Women may have a harder focus, particularly since symptoms can manifest differently than they do in males.
Women are more likely to experience indecisiveness and disorganization for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotional and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to concentrate on tasks, leading to a decrease in productivity at work or at home. They're also more likely miss doctor appointments and neglect to take their medications.
In addition to these natural variations, hormones in women can make their ADHD symptoms more severe. Females have a bigger hippocampus, which aids in learning and memory, as well as hormonal changes during menstrual cycles and during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal cycles can affect brain function.
Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD may struggle in their relationships, at school and at work. They may also have multiple comorbid disorders including depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
It is important that health professionals understand the numerous signs that females with ADHD display. They need to rethink their approach to diagnosing and treating women with ADHD to account for emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations and other factors that can influence symptom severity. The patients will then receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. add test for women is particularly true when they interact with other people. This can result in emotional dysregulation, which is a major element of ADHD symptoms and is linked to a variety of negative life results. This includes low self-esteem, anxiety and depression that coexist and a strained relationship with a partner which can lead to violence between partners, problems with relationships, a messy home or personal space, an inability manage time or money and a messy home.
The gender stereotypes of women can influence how women who suffer from ADHD will be treated. Because they are often perceived as being more sensitive or prone to mood swings, they could be misinterpreted or dismissed as emotionally unstable. This can cause them to feel more frustrated at being diagnosed with ADHD.
People with ADHD suffer from impaired impulse control Also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means that they have a difficult time making decisions and following up with their intentions. This could make you want to eat more cake or make an inappropriate comment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from medication that helps them control their tendency to be impulsive. Stimulants like amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help reduce impulsive behavior, and non-stimulant drugs like Guanfacine and clonidine can be efficient too. Behavioral therapy can also be suggested, which can aid people suffering from ADHD alter their thinking patterns and develop more effective ways of coping.
A good night's sleep, eating a healthy diet, and practicing meditation can help control the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It's also a good idea to monitor their symptoms throughout the day and to share this information with their physician to determine whether the treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a typical issue for people suffering from ADHD and can impact their work and personal lives. It could take longer to complete tasks and reduce their productivity. They might also be late and feel overwhelmed on a daily basis.
An absence of organization could also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose possessions such as keys or purses. Consequently, they may feel lonely and isolated. Friends and family members may be confused about their feelings. Disorganization can be worse in menopausal or perimenopausal women when hormones shift and symptoms increase.
It is not unusual for women to hide their ADHD symptoms in order to conform with society's norms and avoid being thought of as a problem. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. This could be a reason for why women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially true in adolescence, when symptoms are more apparent.
As a result women suffering from untreated ADHD may have trouble with their work or school performance. This could negatively impact their job, grades or reputation. This could also cause issues for their personal lives. For example it could lead to problems with their romantic partners or strain relationships with family and friends.
Women who are constantly disorganized could benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental friend. They can assist women in learning to stay organized by making an agenda and establishing reminders. A licensed mental health professional can also suggest medication and lifestyle changes that can reduce ADHD symptoms. This can include eating small frequent meals to maintain energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can increase side effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness influences decision-making in a variety of aspects of life. There are a variety of instruments that have been created to measure indecisiveness, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also associated with neuroticism and the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret uncertain situations as threatening. It was also found to be related to the 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 suffering from adhd participants, they reported being incapable of making decisions regarding their work and personal lives. They had a difficult time finding an occupation they enjoyed or stayed in, and also found it difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships, and health. They often had to wait for others to make decisions or were unable to finish tasks on their own, like scheduling childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity and difficulty focusing or starting projects were preventing them from progressing.
They had difficulty relaxing and maintaining friendships which resulted in mental health problems. They reported stress and anxiety, a sleeping insufficiently and having poor nutrition. They also expressed feeling devalued by their peers and the media. They were able to explain their struggles with ADHD and helped improve their self-esteem because they weren't blaming themselves. It also gave them access to treatment strategies that were appropriate.
The interviews revealed that women had a number of positive characteristics however, they were struggling to overcome the impact of their ADHD symptoms on various aspects of their lives. This included a lack of possibilities for romance or work as well as difficulties maintaining relationships. a messy home.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Women might cover up their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they feel that their behavior is less acceptable than for boys and men. They may also be able to internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms such as self-harm (cutting burns, scratching, cutting). This can result in lower self-esteem and could contribute to depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A high sense of inner worth is the basis for more positive relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who lack a strong self-worth tend to look outside themselves for validation, like jobs, relationships money, power, and relationships. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed psychotherapist, says this can lead to the lack of communication in a relationship.
In addition to a lack of self-worth, those with ADHD often have feeling like they don't have enough of the good things happening in their lives. These feelings may manifest as a desire for others to "keep up with" or to please. This can result in an unhealthy work environment and a negative image of the body and a dependence on food or other substances.
Although these are significant challenges however, the women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as a blessing or a curse according to the way they perceive their ability to control it. Several of them also identify personal strengths they believe are a result of to their ADHD such as high energy, creativity, determination and the ability to become easily interested in new topics. They also discuss their own struggles within the context of the larger picture, which includes biological and gender differences, as well cultural and family issues.