Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often subjected to different expectations from society on how they should manage careers, families and their home lives. This can cause you be irritated and embarrassed if your symptoms cause problems.
Research shows that women and girls are consistently under-referred for ADHD when compared to boys and men. This could be because they conceal their symptoms or use strategies to manage the signs, for example:
1. Inattentiveness
One of the most common symptoms of adhd is difficulty paying attention at school or at work. People with this condition frequently miss important meetings, get behind on projects or get misguided when trying to follow directions. They may also have trouble concentrating in noisy or crowded spaces. Certain people who suffer from ADHD may experience "thousand-yard gazes" or zone out during conversation. These symptoms can lead to problems at work or in relationships.
Girls and women can be particularly susceptible to undiagnosed ADHD, especially as they grow older. They develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms, and continue to do this into adulthood. They might even begin to recognize their symptoms as personal attributes, which can make it harder for them to seek help.
Many teachers do not suggest ADHD evaluations as often for girls as they do for males. If a girl's numbness or ADHD is impacting her school performance or social interactions then she should speak to a medical professional.
Being a bit inattentional ADHD can create a lot of emotional stress. It can be difficult to feel like you're not able to meet the expectations of your coworkers, friends and family members. It can also be frustrating when you feel like you're unable to get along with your siblings or children. Some people with ADHD suffer from anxiety and depression and anxiety, which can be made worse by their impulsivity and inattention. You can reduce the severity of these symptoms by seeking help and doing other things. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters to improve 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 may utter things you shouldn't, buy things on impulse, or even get in trouble with the law due to your behavior. It can also make it hard to control your emotions and feelings. This can lead to self-injury like cutting, burning or scratching yourself. This could also lead to drug or alcohol use.
People with impulsivity often have issues with relationships and school or work performance. Your doctor can help you manage your impulsivity with prescription medications. You can improve your impulse-control with medications like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methylphenidate. Non-stimulant medications such as clonidine and guanfacine may also help you to control your impulses.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. However, this type of ADHD is difficult to spot, which can result in underdiagnosis. Women may conceal their symptoms to comply with social expectations and expectations. This masking is especially problematic in the adolescent or early adulthood. Some women turn to unhealthy ways of coping like excessive drinking and substance abuse, to cover up their ADHD problems.
Women who suffer from high functioning ADHD might cover up their symptoms by achieving the success they desire in certain areas of their life like school or at work. This can create feeling unsecure and make you feel overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life. Consult your doctor about the accommodations you can receive at school or at work that can assist you in managing your ADHD symptoms. This is an excellent way to increase awareness with your coworkers or professors about the challenges you may face.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD you may be late for appointments or turning up late for work, not remembering dates and becoming oblivious in conversations can create frustration and make others feel at a loss or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to keep track of tasks, manage finances and schedules. For instance, if you are having trouble remembering what you'll need for groceries, you could miss out on meals or spend money on unnecessary purchases.
adult add in women who suffer from ADHD typically have a difficult to keep track of their the daily chores, homework assignments and bills. The disorder can also result in messy and messy workplaces, and a tendency to hoard. People who suffer from ADHD are affected by a phenomenon known as "time blindness," which makes it hard to see the amount of time that has passed and the length of time you've spent on a particular task. Problems with time management can lead to feelings of guilt or shame when combined with difficulty staying organized.
Research has shown that girls, women and boys are more likely than males to suffer from ADHD. However, the signs can be misdiagnosed or masked. Many women are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. Social stigma and stereotypes can make it difficult for women to access the treatment and support they require.
Your doctor might prescribe medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine can boost and regulate levels of neurotransmitters. These are the brain chemicals which communicate with one another. Non-stimulant drugs like 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 can assist in developing a treatment program tailored to your needs.
4. Impulsiveness
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a hard to control their emotions, and are often more sensitive to rejection. The chemical imbalance that comes with ADHD disrupts the brain's communication between the areas that regulate emotions and determine how to handle them.
Moodiness and depression are common for people suffering from ADHD and the combination of these with difficulties in managing responsibilities can lead to trouble with romantic and family relationships. Women with ADHD may also have low self-esteem, and have difficulties forming relationships and navigating social situations. They can go off on tangents or have difficulty understanding what others are saying. This makes it difficult for them to find a spot in a group.
When managing adult adhd in women , women with ADHD may have trouble finding motivation to complete boring or mundane tasks, like washing dishes, laundry, or cleaning. This can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors like binge watching TV shows or using substances. These types of behaviors are especially risky for girls and adolescents with ADHD who are more likely than other kids to engage in risky behaviors such as early sexual activity, fewer protected partners, and casual sexual 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 hide their ADHD due to the numerous expectations that society places on them (managing the household and children for instance). It can be difficult for doctors to recognize that there is a problem since the symptoms are easy to detect in men and males.
5. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty managing their daily tasks. They may struggle with managing their time and paying their bills on time, and keeping up with work and school obligations. In addition, emotional symptoms such as mood swings and difficulty regulating their emotions, can make it hard to be a good friend and can cause difficulties in relationships with family and friends.
People with ADHD struggle to read social cues or body language. They can go off on a tangent within conversations or struggle to follow the thread of a conversation, leading to difficulties with school or work performance and strained relationships. They may also have a difficult time making new friends or achieving the right balance between work, home and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD can change throughout the day, and may be affected by hormones such as during menstruation or pregnancy, or even perimenopausal. This could result in misdiagnosis or the wrong type of medication being taken.
There are some signs and symptoms common to ADHD that can help you or a loved-one recognize the condition. Recognizing these symptoms is a good first step towards obtaining the support and treatment you require to manage your symptoms effectively.
It is important to remember that ADHD does not mean you are unaffected by other physical or mental conditions. Your therapist or doctor must conduct a thorough examination. They'll ask questions about your past and current behavior, review your medical history, and talk about how your symptoms affect you in different situations.