ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender refer to biology--the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones--and that many people do not belong to a sex binary. Gender and sexes can impact the way ADHD symptoms are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present prior to 12 years of age and cause difficulties in more than one setting to be able to receive the diagnosis.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Inattention is the root of ADHD and is a problem that affects both women and men. However, women may find it more challenging to get the attention they require particularly since symptoms typically manifest differently for men.
Women are more likely to experience disorganization and indecisiveness for instance. They also are more likely to become emotional and struggle to put things into perspective. These issues can lead to an inability of concentration and can result in a lack productivity at home or work. They're also more likely miss doctor appointments and neglect to take their medications.
In addition to these natural gender differences, hormones of women can make their ADHD symptoms worse. The hippocampus of females is larger which helps in learning and memory. Menstrual hormone fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal changes can also influence brain function.
Women with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school and at work. They may also be struggling with a host of co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, depression, 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 approach to diagnosing and treating women with ADHD to account for hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation and other factors that can influence symptom severity. These patients can then finally receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Females who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have trouble controlling their emotions, especially when they interact with other people. This can cause emotional dysregulation which is a major cause of ADHD symptoms. It can also be linked to negative life outcomes. These include poor self-esteem, depression and anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones which can lead to intimate partner violence, problems with friends and a messy home or personal space, and an inability to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can also affect the way women who suffer from ADHD are treated. They may be misunderstood because they are viewed as being more sensitive or prone to mood swings. This can increase their frustration at being diagnosed with ADHD.
The portion of the brain that controls impulses the brain, also known as the prefrontal cortex, is affected in people with ADHD. This means that they have a harder time making decisions and executing with their intentions. This could make you want to indulge in more cake or make a rude comment.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from medications that help to control their impulses. stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help to reduce impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medicines like the guanfacine and clonidine are effective as well. Behavioral therapy can also be recommended, which can help those suffering from ADHD change their thinking patterns and develop healthier coping skills.
Getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet, and meditating can help control restlessness and impulsiveness in those with ADHD. It is also a great idea to track their symptoms throughout the day, and to share the information with their doctor in order to assess whether or not their treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a common issue for those suffering from ADHD and can affect their work and personal lives. They may find it difficult to complete tasks and their efficiency may be reduced. They might also miss deadlines or feel overwhelmed each day.
An absence of organization could cause problems to maintain healthy relationships. They might forget important dates or lose things like keys or purses. They may feel lonely and isolated as a result. Friends and family may be confused about their feelings. The disorder can become more severe during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles, when hormones change and symptoms increase.
Women often hide their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to social norms or to avoid being considered a failure. add symptoms in adult women can lead to self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. This could be a reason why women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially during adolescence, when symptoms are more evident.
In the end women who are not treated for ADHD may have trouble with their academic or work performance. This could have a negative impact on their career, grades, or even their reputation. It can also cause problems in their personal life, such as difficulties with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family 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 remain organized, for example, making a list of daily tasks and creating reminders for them. A qualified mental health professional can also suggest medication and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to ensure steady energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can increase the adverse effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness influences decision-making in a variety of aspects of our lives. Indecisiveness is measured by various instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale of Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness has also been linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is when people perceive ambiguous situations as dangerous. It has also been proven to be linked with the fear of being wrong, which may help explain why it is common for people with adhd to struggle with making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women suffering from adhd who were interviewed they said they were not capable of making decisions regarding their personal and professional lives. They struggled to manage their finances and relationships, and had difficulty finding jobs they enjoyed. They often waited for other people to decide or were unable complete projects themselves, such as arranging childcare. They often felt like they were being hindered by their ADHD symptoms, such as difficulties in starting, staying focused and impulsivity.
They had difficulty finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive which resulted in mental health problems. They described having high levels of anxiety and stress, a lack of sleep and a poor diet. They also reported feeling stigmatized by media and adults. The diagnosis of ADHD provided them with a reason for their struggles which was beneficial to their self-image because it meant they weren't blamed for their condition. They also had access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews showed that the women had many positive qualities however, they struggled to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on various aspects of their life. The women complained of a lack in career or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships, and a messy house.
5. full report of Self-Esteem
Certain of the symptoms that are a part of ADHD are viewed as less socially acceptable for women and girls than they are for men and boys and so women may are able to hide their impulsivity, hyperactivity and disorder. Women who suffer from ADHD might take on the characteristics of ADHD and adopt coping strategies such as self-harming (cutting or burning). This can cause feelings of low self-esteem that can cause anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
Having high inner worth is a precursor to healthier relationships and a better outlook on life. People who do not have a strong self-worth tend to look beyond themselves for validation, such as jobs, relationships, money, and power. Therapist licensed Cheryl Clarke says this can result in a lack of communication in relationships, which could eventually end it.
Women with ADHD may also feel that they are not worthy of good things in life. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or "keep up" with others. This can result in negative work environments and a negative image of the body and an addiction to food or other substances.
While these are serious issues but the women who participated in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. The majority of them describe their ADHD as a gift or a curse, depending on whether they feel they can manage it. Some of them have identified their own strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD. They have high energy, creativity and determination, as well as the ability to quickly become fascinated by new subjects. In addition, they describe their unique struggles as part of a larger picture that includes family and cultural issues, as in addition to gender and biological differences.