Watch This: How Signs And Symptoms Of ADHD In Women Is Gaining Ground, And What Can We Do About It
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women suffering from ADHD are often pushed to different expectations from society about how they can manage their family, careers and their home lives. This can cause feelings of shame and frustration if your symptoms are getting in the way.
Research has shown that women and girls are consistently under-referred for ADHD when compared to boys and men. This could be because they hide their symptoms or use strategies to cope with them, like:
1. Inattentiveness
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd is the difficulty in paying attention in the classroom or at work. Women suffering from this condition tend to miss important meetings, get behind on their work or become confused when trying to follow instructions. They may also have trouble concentration in noisy or crowded settings. People with ADHD may have "thousand-yard gazes" or a tendency to lose focus when they are talking. These symptoms can cause difficulties at work or in relationships.
Women and girls are at a higher risk of undiagnosed ADHD as they grow older. They develop strategies to mask their symptoms, and continue to do so into adulthood. They might even begin to recognize their symptoms as being particular to them, which could make it difficult for them to seek help.
In addition, many teachers don't suggest ADHD evaluations for girls as often as they do for boys. However should a girl's lack of attention ADHD symptoms are causing a negative impact on her school performance and social interactions, she should talk to a medical professional.
Inattentive ADHD is a common reason for emotional stress. It can be difficult when you feel you're not meeting the expectations of friends or family members as well as colleagues. It can also be frustrating when you feel like you're unable to get along with your children or siblings. Some people suffering from ADHD have anxiety and depression and anxiety, which can be made worse by their inattention and impulsivity. You can decrease the severity of these symptoms by seeking out help and doing other activities. Regular exercise can help release the neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus. It can also help reduce anxiety and mood swings, which are common in people with ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
The impulse-driven symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to manage. You may blurt out things you shouldn't say, buy something on a whim or get into trouble with the law because of your actions. The urge to be impulsive can make it difficult to control your feelings and emotions. This can lead to self-injury, such as burning, cutting or scratching yourself. It could also lead to alcohol and drug abuse.
People who are impulsive may have difficulties with their relationships, school or work performance. You can manage your impulsivity by taking medication prescribed by your physician. You can increase your control over impulses with medicines like amphetamine dextroamphetamine, and methylphenidate. Non-stimulant drugs such as clonidine and guanfacine can also improve your ability to manage yourself.
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 conform to social norms and expectations. This masking is especially problematic in the adolescent or early adulthood. adhd in adults women may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms that include excessive drinking and substance abuse to hide their ADHD challenges.
Women with high-functioning ADHD can conceal their symptoms by succeeding in particular areas of their lives, like work or school. This could create a false impression that everything is going well and cause you to feel overwhelmed. Talk to your doctor about the accommodations that you can make at work or at school to help manage your ADHD symptoms. This can be a great way to build awareness with your coworkers or professors of the challenges you may encounter.
3. Disorganization
If you have ADHD you may be late for appointments or being late for work, not remembering dates, or snoring in conversations can create frustration and leave others feeling unappreciated or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to manage finances manage schedules, keep track of appointments and keep track of tasks. For example, if you have trouble remembering what you'll need for groceries, you may not be able to cook your meals or spend too much on unnecessary purchases.
Women with ADHD have difficulty keeping the daily chores, homework, and bills. The disorder may also contribute to messy workspaces, unorganized homes, and a tendency to accumulate. People suffering from ADHD are affected by a phenomenon 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. Combined with difficulty staying focused, time management problems can result in feelings of guilt and shame being unorganized.
While research suggests that girls and women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than men and boys the symptoms can be hidden and undiagnosed. Many women don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their symptoms are more apparent. Social stigma and stereotypes can also make it difficult for women to receive the treatment and assistance they require.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine are able to boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals that communicate with one another. Antidepressants and atomoxetine, which are nonstimulant medications, can also be used to treat ADHD. However, they work more slowly than stimulants. Your doctor might also recommend you to a mental health professional who can assist in the development of an individualized treatment plan that addresses your individual requirements.
4. Impulsiveness
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a hard time controlling their emotions, and are often more vulnerable to rejection. The chemical imbalance associated with ADHD affects the brain's communication between the areas that regulate emotions, and also interpret how to deal with these emotions.
Depression and moodiness are common for people with ADHD and the combination of these issues with difficulties in keeping track of the demands of life can cause issues with romantic and family relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD also have a lower self-esteem and may have difficulty forming friendships and managing social situations. They can wander off in a tangent or struggle to comprehend what others are saying. This makes it difficult for them to find a spot within the group.
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty to motivate themselves to complete routine or boring tasks, such as washing dishes, cleaning, or doing laundry. This can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors, such as 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 their peers to engage in risky behaviors like early sexual activity, 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 hide their ADHD due to the numerous expectations that society places on them (managing the household and children for example). This makes it difficult for health professionals to recognize that there's an issue, particularly since the symptoms are more easily identified for men and boys.
5. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty managing their daily tasks. They may have difficulty organizing their lives, paying their bills on time, and keeping up with school/work requirements. Additionally, emotional signs such as mood swings and difficulty managing their emotions, could make it difficult to connect with others and cause problems in relationships with family and friends.
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty reading social cues or body language. They may wander off on a tangent during conversations or struggle to follow the thread of conversation, leading to problems with work or school performance as well as strained relationships. They may also have difficulty making new friends, or balancing work, home, and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary throughout the day, and can be affected hormonally such as during menstruation and pregnancy, or during perimenopausal perimenopausal cycles. This could lead to confusion or the wrong medication being prescribed.
There are some symptoms and signs that are common to ADHD that can aid you or a loved one identify the disorder. It is essential to be aware of these signs to receive the treatment and help you need to manage symptoms effectively.
Having ADHD does not mean that you don't have any other physical or mental health conditions and it's essential that your therapist or doctor performs a thorough evaluation. They will ask you questions about your past and present behaviors, review your medical history, and discuss the impact of your symptoms in different settings.