ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that gender and sexuality are determined by biology, including the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones. A lot of people do not easily fit into the binary sex. However, gender and sex influence how symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood, before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present prior to age 12 and cause difficulties in more than one environment to be able to receive a diagnosis.
1. Trouble focusing
Inattention is at the core of ADHD and affects both genders. However, women may have more difficulty to attain the focus they need due to the fact that symptoms usually manifest differently in men.
Women are more likely to experience disorganization and indecisiveness, for example. They're also more likely to become emotional and have difficulty putting things in perspective. iampsychiatry can lead to an inability to concentrate and can result in an absence of productivity at work or at home. They are also more likely to miss doctor appointments and neglect to take their medications.
The hormones that women experience, in addition to these innate differences can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. The female hippocampus is larger, which aids in learning and memory. Menstrual hormone fluctuations as well as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause may also influence brain function.
Women with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle in their relationships, at school and at work. They might also struggle with a host of comorbid disorders, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.
In these circumstances, it's critical for health professionals to be aware of the numerous indicators that females suffering from ADHD often exhibit. They need to rethink their methods for diagnosing and treating females with ADHD in order to account for hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. The patients will then receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Females suffering from ADHD are often unable to controlling their emotions, especially when interacting with others. This can lead emotional dysregulation which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It can also be linked to negative life outcomes. This includes low self-esteem, anxiety and depression, problematic romantic relationships that can result in violence between partners, problems with friendships, a messy home or personal space, an inability to manage time or money and a messy home.
Gender stereotypes can affect how women with ADHD are treated. They may be misunderstood because they are perceived as more sensitive or prone a mood swings. This can cause them to feel more frustrated about being a victim of untreated ADHD.
The part of the brain that controls impulses the brain, also known as the prefrontal cortex is impaired in people suffering from ADHD. This means they have a difficult time making decisions and executing their intentions. This can make you want to indulge in more cake or make a snide comment.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications that help to control their impulses. Stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help reduce the impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medicines like clonidine and guanfacine can be efficient too. People with ADHD might also benefit from a treatment called behavioral therapy, which can help to change their thinking patterns and develop better methods of coping.
Meditation, eating a balanced diet and getting enough rest can all be helpful in reducing anxiety and impulsiveness among people with ADHD. It is important to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and communicate the information with their doctor to assess whether the treatment regimen is effective.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization can be a problem for those suffering from ADHD and impact their work and personal lives. They may have trouble to complete tasks, and their productivity may be reduced. They could also be late or overwhelmed throughout the day.
A lack of organization can cause problems to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose things like keys or purses. They may feel lonely and unloved as a result. Family and friends may also confuse them. It is more difficult to organize during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when hormones shift and symptoms become more severe.
It is not unusual for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms to fit in with the norms of society and avoid being judged. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. It could also be a reason why women and girls are often not diagnosed with ADHD, particularly during adolescence, when symptoms are more evident.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may not perform as well at work or in school. This could have a negative impact on their work, grades, or their image. It could also cause issues in their personal lives, such as difficulties with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family members and friends members.
Women with chronic disorganization could receive one-on-one assistance by a non-judgmental therapist. They can help them learn strategies to get and stay organized, such as making lists of daily tasks and setting reminders for them. In addition, a qualified mental health professional may recommend medication and lifestyle changes to help minimize ADHD symptoms. This can include eating small, frequent meals to ensure energy levels and avoiding caffeine that can increase side effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness influences decision-making in a variety of aspects of life. There are a variety of instruments that have been created to measure indecisiveness, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also correlated with neuroticism, and the tendency to apply worst case scenario thinking, in which people perceive ambiguous situations as potentially dangerous. It has also been proven to be linked with a fear of being wrong, which may be the reason why it is common for people with adhd to struggle with making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women suffering from adhd the participants described being unable to make decisions in their personal and professional lives. They found it hard to manage their finances and relationships and had trouble finding a job that they liked. They often waited for others to take decisions, or were unable to finish projects like organizing childcare. They often felt that they were being restricted by their ADHD symptoms, such as difficulties with getting started or staying focused and impulsive.
They had a difficult time finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive which led to mental health problems. They reported high levels of stress and anxiety, as well as a sleep deprivation and inadequate nutrition. They also felt stigmatized by media and adults. The diagnosis of ADHD gave them a reason for their difficulties which was beneficial for self-esteem since it meant they were not blamed for their condition. Additionally, it gave them access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews revealed that the women were very optimistic however, they struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on various aspects of their lives. These included a lack of possibilities for romance or work, difficulty maintaining relationships and an unclean home.
5. Insecurity about oneself
Women might hide their hyperactivity and impulsivity because they believe these behaviors aren't as acceptable than for men and boys. They may also take on their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms like self-harm (cutting or burning, or scratching). This can result in low self-esteem, which can cause depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A high sense of inner worth is the basis for better relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who do not have a strong self-worth are more likely to look outside themselves to find validation, including relationships, careers as well as money and power. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can lead to an absence of communication within a relationship.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel they are not worthy of good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or "keep up" with other people. This can lead to a toxic work culture as well as a negative image of one's body and a dependence on foods or substances.
While these are serious issues but the women who participated in this study also discovered a number of positive aspects of living with ADHD. They generally describe their ADHD as a gift or a curse, depending on whether they believe they can manage it. Many of them also recognize personal strengths they believe are a result of to their ADHD which include high energy, creativity, determination, and the ability to get easily interested in new topics. They also talk about their unique struggles in the context of a larger picture that includes biological and gender differences, as well cultural and family issues.