Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often subject to different expectations from society regarding how they can manage their family, careers and home life. This can cause feelings of shame and frustration when your symptoms are getting impeding your progress.
Research has proven that girls and women are consistently under-referred for ADHD as compared to males and boys. This could be because they hide their symptoms or use strategies to cope with their symptoms, such as:
1. Inattentiveness
One of the most common signs of adhd is difficulty paying attention at school or at work. People with this condition frequently forget important meetings, fall behind on projects or get misguided when trying to follow instructions. They may also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. People with ADHD might experience "thousand-yard gazes" or zone out during conversation. These symptoms can cause difficulties at work or in relationships.
Women and girls are at a higher chance of having undiagnosed ADHD as they grow older. They develop coping strategies that cover up their symptoms and continue to do so into adulthood. They may even start to consider their symptoms personal characteristics, which could make them less likely to seek assistance.
In addition, a lot of teachers don't recommend ADHD assessments for girls as frequently as they do for men. If a girl's inattentive ADHD is impacting her school performance or social interactions, it is recommended that she consult an expert in health.
Being a bit inattentional ADHD can cause an abundance of emotional stress. It can be frustrating when you feel that you're not able to meet the expectations of your friends or family members, as well as coworkers. It can be frustrating to feel that you're unable to get along well with your siblings or kids. Inattention and impulsivity can increase anxiety and depression in some people with ADHD. You can lessen the severity of these symptoms by seeking out help and doing other things. Regular exercise can help release neurotransmitters that boost attention and concentration. It can also help reduce mood swings, anxiety 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 things on impulse, or get into trouble with the law due to your actions. Impulsivity can also make it hard to manage your emotions and emotions. This could lead to self-harm, such as burning, cutting or scratching yourself. It can also lead to drinking and drug abuse.
People who are impulsive may have difficulties with their relationships, school or work performance. Your doctor can assist you to manage your impulsivity by prescribing medications. Drugs like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall Ritalin) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can improve your ability to control your impulses. Non-stimulant drugs 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. But this kind of ADHD is harder to notice and could result in underdiagnosis. Women might hide their symptoms in order to conform to social expectations and norms. This can be particularly problematic in adolescence and early adulthood. Women may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms that include excessive drinking and drug abuse, to cover up their ADHD problems.
Women with high functioning ADHD might cover up their symptoms by having success in particular areas of their life like at school or at work. This can create feeling unsecure and make you feel overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. Consult your doctor about any adjustments that you can make at work or at school to manage your ADHD symptoms. This can be a great way to build awareness among your colleagues or professors of the challenges you may encounter.
3. Disorganization
If you have ADHD you may be late for appointments or turning up late to work, forgetting dates and becoming oblivious during conversations can cause frustration, and leave others feeling ignored or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to manage your finances, keep track of schedules and complete tasks. If you don't know what you'll need for groceries, then you could be unable to eat or spend too much on unnecessary things.
Women who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time keeping track of everyday chores, homework and expenses. The disorder can also contribute to messy workspaces, messy homes and a propensity to hoard. The "time blindness" that ADHD patients are prone to makes it difficult to gauge how much time has passed or how long they've spent on a particular task. Time management issues can cause feelings of shame or guilt when combined with difficulty staying organized.
Research has shown that women, girls and boys are more likely than males to have ADHD. However, the symptoms may be misdiagnosed or concealed. Many women don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. Social stigma and stereotypes can make it difficult for women to get the care and support they need.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine increase and balance neurotransmitters - brain chemicals that talk to each other. Nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD however they operate slower than stimulants. Your doctor might refer you to a specialist in mental health who will assist in creating a treatment plan specific to your requirements.
4. Impulsiveness
Women with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and might be more sensitive to rejection. The chemical imbalance that is associated with ADHD interferes with communication between brain regions that regulate emotions, and also interpret how to handle these emotions.
adhd in women adult and moodiness are typical for people with ADHD, and the combination of these issues with difficulty keeping track of responsibilities can lead to trouble with romantic and family relationships. Women with ADHD might also suffer from low self-esteem and have difficulties forming relationships and navigating social situations. They can wander off in a tangent or have trouble understanding what others are saying. This can make it hard for them to find a place within a group.
Women with ADHD might find it difficult to keep themselves motivated to complete routine or boring tasks, such as washing dishes, cleaning, or doing laundry. This could lead them to develop unhealthy coping habits that include binge-watching television shows or taking drugs. These types of behaviors are particularly risky for young girls as well as adolescents with ADHD who are more likely to engage in sexually risky behavior, such as early beginning of sexual activity, fewer sexual partners who are protected and more casual sexual activity 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. In addition women often hide their ADHD symptoms because of the a myriad of expectations society puts on them (managing the family home and household, for example). It isn't always easy for doctors to recognize that there is a problem, as the symptoms are easy to recognize in both males.
5. Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may struggle to handle their daily tasks. They may have trouble managing their lives, making payments on time and keeping track of appointments or school/work requirements. Emotional symptoms, like mood swings and difficulty controlling emotions, may make it difficult to interact with others and create issues in relationships between people.
People with ADHD are unable to discern social cues or body language. They may go off on a tangent within conversations or struggle to follow the thread of a conversation, which can cause issues with school or work performance as well as strained relationships. They may also have difficulty making new friends or balancing work, home and social activities.
The symptoms of ADHD can change throughout the day and may be affected by hormones like during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or even perimenopausal. This could result in misdiagnosis or the wrong kinds of medication being taken.
While everyone struggles with different difficulties when dealing with ADHD, there are some common symptoms and signs that can help you recognize the condition in yourself or a loved one. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step to getting the help and treatment you require to manage your symptoms effectively.
The fact that you have ADHD isn't a guarantee that it doesn't mean you're not suffering from other physical or mental health issues and it's essential that your doctor or therapist performs a thorough evaluation. They'll need to inquire about your present and past actions and experiences, review any medical history, and discuss with you about how your symptoms affect you in various situations.