Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women with ADHD typically have different social expectations regarding how they should handle their work as well as their family and home lives. This can lead you to be irritated and embarrassed when your symptoms cause problems.
add and adhd in women suggests that girls are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than boys and men. This could be due to the fact that they conceal their symptoms or develop strategies to manage their symptoms, such as:
1. Inattentiveness
Finding it difficult to focus at school or work is among the most common symptoms of adhd. Women with this condition often forget important meetings, fall behind on assignments or are confused when trying to follow instructions. They might also have difficulty focusing or concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. Certain people with ADHD might experience "thousand-yard gazes" or zone out during conversations. These symptoms can lead to issues at work or in relationships.
Women and girls are more at risk of undiagnosed ADHD as they age. They develop strategies to cope that mask their symptoms, and continue to do this into adulthood. They might even begin to see their symptoms as being personal characteristics, which could make it more difficult to seek help.
In addition, a lot of teachers don't recommend ADHD assessments for girls as frequently as they do for men. However, if a girl's inattentive ADHD symptoms are having a negative impact on her school performance or social interactions, she should speak to a medical professional.
Inattention ADHD is a frequent cause 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 like you're not getting with your kids or siblings. Inattention and impulsivity can exacerbate depression and anxiety in some people suffering from ADHD. In addition to seeking assistance there are a few things you can do to reduce the impact of these symptoms. Regular exercise can help release the neurotransmitters which boost concentration and attention. It can also help reduce anxiety and mood swings which are common among people who suffer from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage. You might make comments you shouldn't or buy something on impulse. You could also get arrested by the police due to your conduct. The urge to be impulsive can make it difficult to control your thoughts and emotions. Self-injury could result in self-injury, including burning, cutting, or scratching oneself. It can also lead to alcohol and drug abuse.
People with impulsivity can have issues with their relationships, their work or school performance. You can control your impulsivity by taking medication prescribed by your doctor. You can boost your impulse control with medications like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine and the methylphenidate. Non-stimulant medications such as clonidine and Guanfacine can also help to better control your impulses.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. This type of ADHD can be difficult to recognize, leading to the wrong diagnosis. Women might hide their symptoms to comply with social expectations and norms. This is particularly problematic in the adolescent or early adulthood. Some women use unhealthy strategies for coping, like excessive drinking and drug use, to conceal their ADHD issues.
Women with high functioning ADHD may mask their symptoms by having success in certain areas of their life like school or at work. This can lead to feeling unsecure and cause you to feel overwhelmed by the demands of life. Talk to your doctor about accommodations at work or school that will aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms. This is a great chance to educate your colleagues or professors about the issues you face.
3. Disorganization
If you have ADHD you may be late for appointments or turning up late for work, not remembering dates, and zoning out during conversations can lead to frustration and make others feel unappreciated or offended. The condition can make it difficult to stay on top of tasks as well as manage schedules, finances and financial obligations. If you don't know what you need to get for food, you could be unable to eat, or spend excessively on unnecessary items.
Women with ADHD often have a difficult time keeping track of everyday chores, homework and even paying bills. The disorder can also contribute to disorganized workspaces, messy homes and a propensity to hoard. People suffering from ADHD suffer from a condition known as "time blindness," which makes it hard to see how long it has taken and how long you've been working on a project. Problems with time management can lead to feelings of shame or guilt when they are combined with a struggle to stay organized.
Research shows that girls, women, and boys are more likely than men to have ADHD. However, the signs may be misdiagnosed or concealed. A lot of women don't receive a diagnosis until the age of adulthood, when their symptoms are more obvious. Social stigma and stereotypes can also hinder women to get the treatment and assistance they need.
Your doctor might prescribe medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. The stimulants methylphenidate or amphetamine can boost and regulate levels of neurotransmitters, which are the brain chemicals which communicate with one another. Non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants and atomoxetine are also used to treat ADHD, but they work slower than stimulants. Your doctor might also refer you to a mental health specialist who will help you develop an individualized treatment plan that meets your specific requirements.
4. Impulsiveness
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions and may be more sensitive to rejection. The chemical imbalance associated with ADHD affects the communication between brain regions that regulate emotions and determine how to handle them.
People suffering from ADHD are more prone to moodiness and depression. This, combined with the difficulty managing their obligations, can cause problems with family and romantic relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD might also suffer from low self-esteem and have difficulty forming relationships and navigating social situations. They may wander off on tangents or struggle to comprehend what others are saying. This makes it difficult for them to find a spot in an organization.
Women with ADHD might find it difficult to get motivated to finish routine or boring tasks, like washing dishes cleaning, and doing laundry. This can cause unhealthy coping habits, such as binge watching TV shows or using substances. These types of behaviors are especially risky for adolescents and girls with ADHD who are more likely than their peers to engage in risky behaviors like early sexual activity with fewer protected partners and informal sex.
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 because of the numerous expectations set by society (managing home and family, for instance). It isn't easy for doctors to determine if there is a problem since the symptoms are easier to spot in both men and males.
5. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD can find it difficult to manage their daily tasks. They may have difficulty organizing their lives, paying bills on time and keeping track of appointments or school/work obligations. The emotional symptoms, such as mood swings and difficulty managing emotions, can make it difficult to get along with others and create problems in personal relationships.
People with ADHD frequently have difficulty picking up on social cues and understanding body language. They can go off on a tangent in conversations or have trouble following the conversation, which can cause issues with school or work performance and tension in relationships. They may also have difficulty making new friends or balancing work, family, and social activities.
The symptoms of ADHD are different throughout the day and can be influenced by hormone levels, like those that occur during menstruation or pregnancy, or as they progress through perimenopausal (the menopausal transition). This can lead to misdiagnosis, or the wrong type of medications being used.
There are a few symptoms and signs common to ADHD that can help you or a loved-one identify the disorder. It is crucial to recognize these signs in order to receive the treatment and assistance you require to manage your symptoms effectively.
It is important to understand that ADHD doesn't mean you are free of other mental or physical conditions. Your doctor or therapist should perform a thorough assessment. They will ask you questions regarding your past and current behaviors, review your medical history, and discuss the impact of your symptoms in different settings.