ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender refer to biology--the hormonal makeup of the body and its chromosomal makeup. It also acknowledges that many people do not belong to a sex binary. Genre and gender can influence how ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of childhood, usually before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present prior to age 12 and cause difficulties in multiple settings to be able to receive the diagnosis.
1. Trouble focusing
Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD, and it's a problem for all genders. Women may have a difficult focus, particularly since symptoms can appear differently than they do in males.
Women are more likely to be prone to disorganization and indecisiveness, for example. They're also 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 absence of productivity at home or work. They are also more likely to forget their medication and miss appointments with their doctor.
In addition to these inherent differences, women's hormones can make ADHD symptoms more severe. Females have a bigger hippocampus, which helps with memory and learning, and hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal changes can affect their brain's function.
In the end, women who do not have a diagnosis of ADHD may face major difficulties in relationships at school, in their relationships and at work. They might also suffer from various comorbidities like anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
For these reasons, it is essential for health care professionals to be aware of the various clues that females with ADHD often show. They should rethink their strategies for diagnosing and treating females with ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. The patients will then receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This is especially the case when they are interacting with others. This can lead to emotional dysregulation which is a key component of ADHD symptoms and is associated with a range of negative life consequences. These include poor self-esteem, co-occurring depression and anxiety, difficult relationships that can result in intimate partner violence, problems with friends, a messy house or personal space, and a failure to manage time or money.
The gender stereotypes of women can influence how women with ADHD will be treated. Because they are often considered to be more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they may be viewed as overly emotional. This can cause them to feel more frustrated about living with untreated ADHD.
Individuals with ADHD suffer from impaired impulse control Also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have a difficult time making decisions and following through with their intentions. This can make it hard to resist the urge to eat another piece of cake or to make an inappropriate statement in public.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from medication that helps them control their impulses. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are able to reduce the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine can also be effective. Behavioral therapy is also advised, which will aid people suffering from ADHD alter their thinking patterns and develop healthier coping skills.
Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet and getting enough rest can all help to control restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It's also a great idea to keep track their symptoms throughout the day, and share the information with their doctor to determine whether their treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a typical issue for people suffering from ADHD and can have a negative impact on their work and personal lives. They may have difficulty to complete their tasks and their efficiency may be reduced. They could also fail to meet deadlines and become overwhelmed on a daily basis.
Lack of organization can also cause problems in maintaining healthy relationships. They might not remember important dates or even lose things like keys or purses. In the end, they might feel lonely and isolated. Friends and family may confuse their feelings. The disorder is more prevalent during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles when hormones are changing and symptoms increase.
It is not unusual for women to mask their ADHD symptoms to fit in with societal norms and avoid being considered a failure. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. It could also be a reason for why women and girls are often not diagnosed with ADHD especially in adolescence when symptoms are more obvious.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might have a poor performance at work or in school. This could have a negative impact on their career, grades, or their image. inattentive adhd in women can also cause problems in their personal life, such as difficulties with romantic partners or strained relationships with family and friends members.
Women who are constantly disorganized could benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental friend. They can teach them strategies to get and stay organized, such as making lists of daily tasks and creating reminders for them. Additionally, a certified mental health professional can recommend changes in lifestyle and medications to help minimize ADHD symptoms. This could include eating smaller, frequent meals to keep energy levels up and avoiding caffeine which can cause adverse effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness can affect decision-making in many aspects of daily life. Indecisiveness can be measured with several instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale of Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness can also be linked to neuroticism, and the tendency to use worst-case scenario thinking, where people interpret uncertain situations as dangerous. It has also been proven to be associated with the fear of being wrong, which could help explain why it is common for people with adhd to have trouble making decisions.
In the study of qualitative research on adult women with adhd interviewed, they described not being capable of making decisions about their professional and personal lives. They had a difficult time finding the job they wanted or to stay in, and found it difficult to manage their finances, relationships and health. They often had to wait for others to make decisions, or were unable to complete tasks such as organizing childcare. They often felt that they were being hindered by their ADHD symptoms, such as difficulty with starting or staying focused and impulsivity.
They had trouble relaxing and maintaining friendships which resulted in mental health issues. They described anxiety and stress, lack of sleep and poor nutrition. They also reported feeling snubbed by adults and the media. They were able to articulate their struggles with ADHD which helped them increase their self-esteem since they weren't blaming others. Additionally, it gave them access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews revealed that women were very positive and able to overcome the effects of ADHD in different areas 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 may conceal their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe these symptoms are less acceptable than for boys and men. Women may internalize their ADHD and develop strategies to cope, such as self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can lead to low self-esteem, which can contribute to depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
Being able to identify your inner worth is a precursor to better relationships and a more positive outlook on life. If someone isn't feeling a solid sense of self-worth, they tend to seek external things - such as careers, relationships, wealth, and power - to feel worthy. A licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can also cause an absence of communication within a relationship, which can eventually end it.
Women suffering from ADHD may also feel they are not worthy of good things in life. These feelings may manifest as a desire to please or to "keep up" with others. This can lead to an unhealthy work environment as well as a negative image of one's body and a dependence on food or other substances.
While these are serious issues but the women who participated in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They generally identify their ADHD as a blessing or a curse, based on whether they believe they can manage it. Some have identified strengths they believe are a result of to their ADHD. These include high energy, creativity and determination, as well as the ability to quickly become interested in new topics. They also discuss their own struggles within the context of the larger picture, which includes gender and biological differences, as well as cultural and family issues.