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 fit into a sex binary. Sexe and gender can affect the way ADHD symptoms are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood prior to the age of 12. ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and cause problems in multiple settings to be eligible for a diagnosis.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is at the heart of ADHD and is a problem that affects both men and women. But women may find it more challenging to achieve the focus they need, especially because symptoms often manifest in different ways for men.
Women are more likely to experience disorganization and indecisiveness for instance. They are also more likely to experience emotional stress and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability to focus which can lead to an absence of productivity at work or at home. They are also more likely to miss doctor appointments and forget to take their medications.
In addition to these natural variations, hormones in women can make their ADHD symptoms worse. The female hippocampus is larger, which aids in memory and learning. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation as well as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopausal cycles can affect brain function.
Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD might struggle with their relationships, at school, and at work. They might also struggle with a host of comorbid conditions, including depression, anxiety eating disorders, bipolar disorder.
It is crucial that health professionals understand the numerous signs that females with ADHD exhibit. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnose and treat females suffering from ADHD in order to account for emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. This way, patients can finally get the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Females with ADHD tend to have difficulty managing their emotions, particularly when they interact with others. This can cause to emotional dysregulation, which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. signs and symptoms of adhd in women is also associated with negative outcomes in life. These include low self-esteem, co-occurring depression and anxiety, difficult romantic relationships which can lead to violence between intimate partners, issues with friendships and a messy home or personal space, and a failure to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can also affect how women who suffer from ADHD are treated. They could be misunderstood as they are thought to be more sensitive or prone to mood swings. This can cause them to feel more frustrated over being diagnosed with ADHD.
The impulse control portion of the brain, referred to as the prefrontal cortex is impaired in people suffering from ADHD. This means they are more difficult to make decisions and following through with their intentions. This can make it hard to resist the temptation to eat a second piece of cake or blurt out an inappropriate comment in public.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medications that help to control their impulses. Stimulants like amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help to reduce impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medicines like Guanfacine and clonidine can be efficient too. People suffering from ADHD may also benefit from behavioral therapy, which helps them change their thinking patterns and develop healthier methods of coping.
Sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet, and meditating can also help in reducing the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It's also a great idea to monitor their symptoms throughout the day, and then share this information with their doctor to determine whether their treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a typical issue for people suffering from ADHD and can impact their professional and personal lives. They may find it difficult to complete their tasks, and their productivity may be reduced. They could also miss deadlines and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis.
A lack of organization can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important dates or lose things like keys or purses. Consequently, they may feel lonely and isolated. Friends and family members may be confused about them. Disorganization can be worse in menopausal or perimenopausal women as hormones alter and symptoms become more severe.
Women often hide their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to social norms or to avoid being judged. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. This could also be the reason women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly during adolescence, when symptoms become more obvious.
Women with untreated ADHD may have poor performance at school or at work. This could have a negative impact on their job, grades or even their reputation. It can also create problems in their personal lives including issues with romantic partners, or strained relationships with friends and family members.
Women who are constantly disorganized could benefit from the one-on-one assistance of a non-judgmental individual. They can teach women how to stay organized by making an agenda and establishing reminders. A qualified mental health professional could also suggest medication and lifestyle changes that will aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. This can include eating small frequent meals to ensure energy levels and avoiding caffeine that can cause adverse effects from stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a characteristic that affects decision making in many areas of our lives. A variety of instruments have been developed to assess indecisiveness. These include the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness has also been linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is because people perceive ambiguous situations as being threatening. It is also believed to be correlated with a fear of being wrong, which may help explain why it's common for people suffering from adhd to struggle with making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd interviewed, they described not being capable of making decisions regarding their professional and personal lives. They had a difficult time finding the job they wanted or to stay in, and were difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships and health. They often had to wait for others to take decisions, or were unable to finish projects such as arranging childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsivity or difficulty beginning projects were holding them back.
They had trouble in establishing and maintaining friendships, which led to mental health issues. They described stress and anxiety, as well as a sleep deprivation and inadequate nutrition. They also felt stigmatized by media and adults. They were able to articulate their struggles with ADHD, which helped them increase their self-esteem since they weren't blaming themselves. They also had access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews showed that the women had a lot of positive qualities however, they were struggling to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on different aspects of their life. The women reported a lack in career or romantic opportunities, difficulties maintaining relationships and a messy home.
5. Self-esteem issues
Women can cover up their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they feel that these symptoms are less acceptable than for men and boys. They also may be able to internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms like self-harm (cutting burns, scratching, cutting). This can cause low self-esteem, which can contribute to depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A high sense of inner worth is the basis for more positive relationships and an optimistic outlook on life. People who lack self-worth tend to look outside themselves for validation, like jobs, relationships as well as money and power. Therapist licensed Cheryl Clarke says this can result in an absence of communication within a relationship, which can ultimately end it.
Women suffering from ADHD may also feel that they do not deserve good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire to "keep up" or to please. This can result in toxic workplace cultures, a negative self-image, and an addiction of food or substances.
Despite these difficulties However, the women who took part in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as either an advantage or a disadvantage according to how they feel about their ability to manage it. A few of them also point out personal strengths they believe are a result of to their ADHD such as the ability to be creative, high energy, determination and the ability to get easily interested in new subjects. They also describe their individual struggles in the context of an overall picture that includes biological and gender distinctions, as well as cultural and family issues.