ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that gender and sex are dependent on biology, which includes the body's chromosomal makeup as well as hormones. Many people don't easily fit into a binary sex. However, gender and sex can affect how symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of childhood, usually before the age of 12. ADHD must show signs before 12 years of age and cause problems 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. But women may have more difficulty to get the focus they require, especially because symptoms often appear in different ways than in men.
Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and indecisive, for example. They also are more likely to be emotionally triggered and struggle to put things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to focus on work, resulting in a decrease in productivity at work or at home. They are also more likely to not remember their medication or miss appointments with their doctor.
Women's hormones, in addition to these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is bigger which helps with learning and memory. Hormone fluctuations during menstruation or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopausal cycles can affect brain function.
As a result, women who do not have a diagnosis of ADHD might have a difficult time in relationships, at school and at work. They might also suffer from various comorbidities, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
For these reasons, it's critical for health care professionals to recognize the many indications that females with ADHD often exhibit. They should rethink their approaches to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations and other factors that influence the severity of symptoms. The patients will then receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Females who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have trouble controlling their emotions, especially when they interact with others. This can result in emotional dysregulation which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It is also associated with negative outcomes in life. This includes low self-esteem, anxiety and depression and a strained relationship with a partner which can lead to conflicts between partners, problems with friendships, a messy house or personal space, an inability manage time or money and a messy home.
The gender stereotypes of women can influence the way women who suffer from ADHD will be treated. They might be misunderstood since they are perceived as more sensitive or prone to mood swings. This can exacerbate their frustrations about living with untreated ADHD.
People with ADHD have a reduced ability to control impulses which is also referred to as the prefrontal cortex. This means that they have more trouble making decisions and following through in their intentions. This could make you want to eat more cake or make a snide comment.
For adults with ADHD, medication can help to enhance their ability to control their behavior. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine may reduce the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine are also effective. Patients with ADHD may also benefit from a treatment called behavioral therapy, which helps them change their thinking patterns and develop better methods of coping.
Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet and getting enough rest can all help control the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It is also a good idea to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and communicate this information with their physician to determine if their treatment plan is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a typical issue in people with ADHD, and can affect their work and personal lives. They may have trouble to complete their tasks, and their productivity may be reduced. They might also be late and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis.
An absence of organization could make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose belongings like keys or purses. This can cause them to feel isolated and lonely. Family and friends may also misunderstand their feelings. The disorder can become more severe during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles as hormones alter and symptoms become more severe.
Women often hide their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being thought of as a problem. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. It can also be a reason for why girls and women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD, particularly during adolescence, when symptoms are more evident.
As a result, women with untreated ADHD might have poor academic or work performance. This could affect their job, grades, or overall standing. It could also cause issues in their personal life, such as difficulties with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family members and friends members.
Women with chronic disorganization can receive one-on-one assistance by a non-judgmental therapist. They can provide strategies to get and keep their lives organized, such as making an agenda of the daily tasks and making reminders for them. Additionally, a certified mental health professional may recommend medication and lifestyle changes to help minimize ADHD symptoms. adhd in women uk may include eating smaller meals throughout the day to maintain stable energy and avoiding caffeine, which can increase the adverse effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness can affect decision-making in many aspects of daily life. Indecisiveness is measured by various instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale for Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness has also been associated with neuroticism and the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is when people interpret ambiguous circumstances as threatening. It was also found to be associated with the fear of making a mistake which could be the reason people with adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the study that was qualitative of adult women suffering from adhd participants, they reported being incapable of making decisions in their personal and professional lives. They struggled to find an occupation they enjoyed or stayed in, and also found it difficult to manage their finances, relationships, and health. They often waited for other people to make decisions or were unable to complete tasks on their own, like organizing childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms like inattention and impulsivity or difficulty starting projects was preventing them from completing.
They had trouble finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive which resulted in mental health problems. They reported anxiety and stress, lack of sleep and poor nutrition. They also reported feeling stigmatized by the media and adults. They were able explain their struggles with ADHD, which helped them improve their self-esteem because they weren't blaming others. Additionally, it gave them access to appropriate treatments.
The interviews revealed that the women were very optimistic however, they struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects of their lives. This included a lack of romantic or career opportunities and difficulties in maintaining relationships. an unclean home.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Women may conceal their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe that these symptoms are less acceptable than for men and boys. They also may take on their ADHD symptoms and develop coping strategies such as self-harm (cutting burns, scratching, cutting). This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem that contribute to depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A strong sense of self-esteem and worth is the foundation for more positive relationships and a positive outlook on life. If people do not have a strong sense of self-worth they tend to look for outside things - including relationships, careers, wealth, and power - to feel worthy. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can also lead to an absence of communication within a relationship.
Women suffering from ADHD may also feel they are not worthy of good things in life. These feelings can manifest as a need to please or "keep up" with others. This can lead to an unhealthy work environment, a negative body image and an addiction to food or other substances.
Despite these significant issues However, the women who took part in this study discovered a number of positive aspects of living with ADHD. They generally identify their ADHD as a blessing or a curse, based on whether they feel they can control it. Some of them have identified personal strengths they believe are due to their ADHD. They have high energy, creativity and determination as well as the ability to effortlessly become interested in new topics. They also discuss their unique challenges as part of a bigger picture that includes family and cultural issues, as well as biological and gender differences.