Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women with ADHD are often faced with different social expectations about how they should handle their careers, family and home lives. This can lead you to be embarrassed and frustrated if your symptoms get in the way.
Research has proven that women and girls are often under-diagnosed for ADHD as compared to males and boys. This could be because they hide their symptoms or use coping strategies to hide their symptoms, such as:
1. Inattentiveness
Finding it difficult to focus at work or school is among the primary indicators of adhd. People with adhd tend to miss important meetings or assignments or are misled by the instructions. They may also have trouble concentration in noisy or crowded settings. Some people with ADHD might experience "thousand-yard gazes" or zone out during conversation. These symptoms can cause difficulties at work or in relationships.
Women and girls are more at chance of having undiagnosed ADHD as they get older. They develop strategies to mask their symptoms, and continue to do this into adulthood. They may even begin to identify their symptoms as being personal characteristics, which could make it difficult for them to seek help.
In addition, a lot of teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations for girls as frequently as they do for men. However it is important to note that if a girl's ADHD symptoms have a negative effect on her school performance or social interactions, she should speak to a healthcare professional.
Being inattentional ADHD can cause an abundance of emotional stress. It can be a frustrating experience to feel that you aren't being able to meet the standards of your colleagues, friends and family members. It can be a bit depressing to feel like you're not getting along with your kids or siblings. Some people with ADHD experience depression and anxiety, which can be exacerbated by their inattention and impulsivity. In addition to seeking help there are some things you can do to lessen the effects of these symptoms. Regular exercise can help release the neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus. It also helps reduce anxiety, mood swings and other symptoms that are common to those suffering from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage. You may blurt out things you shouldn't, purchase things on impulse, or be a target for the law due to your behavior. It can be difficult to control your thoughts and emotions. Self-injury can manifest in self-injury, including cutting, burning or scratching yourself. This can also cause alcohol or drug dependence.
People who are impulsive can face problems with their relationships, school or work performance. You can manage your impulsivity by taking medication prescribed by your physician. The use of amphetamine, dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Ritalin) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can enhance your control over impulses. Non-stimulant medications like clonidine or 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. This type of ADHD can be difficult to recognize, leading to the wrong diagnosis. Women may conceal their symptoms in order to conform to social expectations and expectations. This is particularly problematic in the adolescent or early adulthood. Some women even employ unhealthy coping strategies such as excessive drinking and drug use, to conceal their ADHD issues.
Women who suffer from high functioning ADHD may mask their symptoms by achieving the success they desire in certain areas of their life, such as at school or at work. This can give you feeling unsecure and can cause you to feel overwhelmed by the demands of life. Ask your healthcare provider about accommodations at work or school that will help you manage your ADHD symptoms. This can be a great way to build awareness among your colleagues or professors about the challenges you might face.
3. Disorganization
If you have ADHD, missing appointments or showing up late for work, not remembering dates, and zoning out during conversations can lead to frustration and make others feel ignored or offended. The condition can make it difficult to stay on top of tasks, manage finances and schedules. If you can't remember what you'll need for food, you might miss out on meals, or spend excessively on unnecessary items.
Women with ADHD often have a difficult time keeping track of daily chores, homework and bills. The disorder can also lead to messy workspaces, messy homes and a propensity to hoard. People suffering from ADHD are affected by a phenomenon called "time blindness," which makes it hard to see how long it has taken and the length of time you've spent on a project. Time management issues can cause feelings of guilt or shame when combined with difficulty staying organized.
Research shows that girls, women and boys are more likely than males to suffer from ADHD. However, the signs can be misdiagnosed or masked. Women are often not given a diagnosis until the age of adulthood and their symptoms become more evident. Moreover, killer deal and stereotypes could make it harder for women to receive the help and treatment they require.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to manage your ADHD symptoms. stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine can increase and regulate levels of neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals that communicate with each other. Non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants and atomoxetine are also used to treat ADHD, but they work slower than stimulants. Your doctor might also recommend you to a mental health professional, who can help develop an individual treatment plan that addresses your individual needs.
4. Impulsiveness
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a hard managing their emotions, and are often more vulnerable to rejection. The chemical imbalance that comes with ADHD disrupts the communication between brain regions that regulate emotions and interpret how to handle them.
Depression and moodiness are common for people suffering from ADHD and the combination of these with difficulty keeping track of responsibilities can lead to trouble with family and romantic relationships. Women with ADHD also tend to have lower self-esteem and may have trouble forming friendships and managing social situations. They may wander off on tangents during conversations or have trouble understanding what others are saying, which can make it difficult for them to figure out their place in groups.
When it comes to managing their daily responsibilities women with ADHD might have difficulty finding motivation to complete boring or mundane tasks like dishes, laundry, or cleaning. This could lead them to develop unhealthy coping strategies like binge-watching TV shows or taking drugs. These types of behaviors are especially risky for adolescents and girls with ADHD who are more likely than other kids to engage in risky activities such as early sexual activities, fewer protected partners, and casual sexual 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 are unable to recognize their ADHD due to the many expectations placed on them by society (managing the household and children for instance). This makes it difficult for health care professionals to identify an issue, especially since the symptoms are more easily recognized in males and females.
5. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty managing their daily tasks. They may have trouble organizing their lives, making payments on time and keeping track of schedules or school/work requirements. Emotional symptoms, like mood swings and trouble managing emotions, can make it difficult to interact with others and create problems in personal relationships.
People suffering from ADHD often have trouble picking up on social cues and reading body language. They may have difficulty following a conversation or going off on a tangent causing issues at school or at work and causing stress in relationships. They may also have difficulty making new friends, or finding a balance between work, family, and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary throughout the day, and may be affected by hormones 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 that are typical of ADHD that can help you or a loved-one identify the disorder. It is essential to identify these signs to get the treatment and assistance you require to manage symptoms effectively.
Being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that it doesn't mean you're not suffering from other physical or mental health conditions and it's essential that your doctor or therapist performs a thorough evaluation. They will need to ask questions about your past and present behavior and experiences, look at any medical history, and speak with you about how your ADHD symptoms affect you in various situations.