Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women suffering from ADHD are often subject to different expectations from society on how they should handle their family, careers and home life. This can result in feelings of shame and frustration if your symptoms are getting in the way.
Research shows that girls and women are frequently under-diagnosed for ADHD as compared to boys and men. This could be because they hide their symptoms or use strategies to cope with them, like:
1. Inattentiveness
Having trouble paying attention at work or school is one of the main indicators of adhd. Women with this condition often forget important meetings, fall behind on projects or get confused when trying to follow directions. They might also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. Some people with ADHD can have what is known as "thousand-yard stares" and can become distracted during conversations. These signs can cause problems at work or in relationships.
Girls and women can be especially susceptible to being diagnosed with ADHD especially as they age. They typically develop coping strategies that cover up their symptoms and then continue to employ these strategies into adulthood. They might even begin to identify their symptoms as being personal characteristics, which could make it more difficult to seek help.
Teachers are not recommending ADHD assessments as often for girls as they do for males. If a girl's lack of attention to ADHD is impacting her school performance or social interactions, she should talk to an expert in health.
Inattention ADHD is a common reason for emotional stress. It can be difficult to feel that you aren't able to meet the expectations of your coworkers, friends and family members. It can also be upsetting when you feel that you are unable to get along with your siblings or children. Inattention and impulsivity can exacerbate anxiety and depression in some people suffering from ADHD. You can reduce the severity of these symptoms by seeking out help and doing other activities. Regular exercise can help release neurotransmitters that boost concentration and attention. It also helps reduce anxiety and mood swings, which are common among those who suffer from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage. You might say things you shouldn't, or purchase something on impulse. You could also find yourself in trouble with the law enforcement because of your actions. In addition, it can be difficult to control your emotions and feelings. This can lead to self-injury, like cutting, burning or scratching yourself. It could also lead to drinking and drug abuse.
People who are impulsive often have issues with relationships and work or school performance. Your doctor can help you manage your impulsivity by prescribing medication. The use of amphetamine, dextroamphetamine (Adderall Ritalin, Adderall) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can enhance your ability to control your impulses. Non-stimulant medications like clonidine or Guanfacine can 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 is often difficult to detect, resulting in the wrong diagnosis. Women may hide their symptoms in order to conform to social expectations and norms. This is particularly problematic in adolescence and early adulthood. Women may employ unhealthy coping strategies such as excessive drinking and use of drugs, to conceal their ADHD problems.
Women who suffer from high functioning ADHD can mask their symptoms by having the success they desire in certain areas of their life like school or at work. This could make you believe that everything is going well and make you feel overwhelmed. Ask your healthcare provider about accommodations at school or work to aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms. This is an excellent opportunity to create awareness with your co-workers or professors about the issues you may encounter.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD and you are unable to keep appointments or showing up late to work, forgetting dates and becoming oblivious during conversations can lead to frustration and leave others feeling unappreciated or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to keep track of tasks and manage your finances and schedules. For instance, if you have trouble remembering what you need to buy for groceries, you could not be able to cook your meals or spend money on unnecessary items.
Women suffering from ADHD struggle to keep the track of their daily chores, bills and homework. The disorder can also contribute to messy workspaces, messy homes, and a tendency to hoard. The "time blindness" that ADHD sufferers experience makes it difficult to determine how long has been passed or how much time they've worked on a specific task. Time management issues can trigger feelings of shame or guilt when they are combined with a struggle to stay organized.
Research has shown that girls, women, and boys are more likely than males to have ADHD. However, symptoms may be misdiagnosed or concealed. Women are often not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. Social stigma and stereotypes may make it difficult for women to receive the treatment and assistance they need.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to manage your ADHD symptoms. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine boost and balance neurotransmitters - brain chemicals that talk to each other. Antidepressants and atomoxetine which are non-stimulant medicines are also used to treat ADHD. However, they work more slowly than stimulants. Your doctor might refer you to an expert in mental health who can assist in creating a treatment plan tailored to your requirements.
4. Impulsiveness
Women suffering from ADHD may have a difficult to control their emotions and are often more sensitive to rejection. The chemical imbalance that comes with ADHD disrupts the brain's communication between the areas that regulate emotions and interpret how to handle these emotions.
Depression and moodiness are typical for those with ADHD, and the combination of these with difficulty keeping track of responsibilities can lead to trouble with relationships with loved ones and family. Women with ADHD might also suffer from low self-esteem, and have difficulty forming relationships and navigating social situations. They may wander off on tangents in conversations or have difficulty understanding what others are saying, which could make it difficult for them to determine their place in groups.
Women with ADHD may find it difficult to motivate themselves to complete simple or boring tasks such as washing dishes, cleaning, and washing laundry. This can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors, such as binge watching TV shows or taking drugs. These habits can be particularly risky for young girls and adolescents with ADHD who are more likely to engage in risky sexual actions, such as early initiation of sexual activity, having fewer protected sex partners, and more casual sexual activity than their peers.
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 conceal their ADHD because of the numerous expectations set by society (managing the household and children for instance). It isn't easy for doctors to identify that there is a problem since the symptoms are easy to detect in men and males.
5. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD may struggle to handle their daily tasks. They may have trouble organizing their lives, paying bills on time and keeping track of appointments or school/work requirements. Additionally, emotional signs such as mood swings and difficulty regulating their emotions, can make it difficult to be a good friend and can cause difficulties in personal relationships.
People with ADHD have difficulty reading social cues or body language. They may go off on a tangent in conversations or have trouble following the thread of a conversation, leading to problems with work or school performance and tension in relationships. They may also have trouble making new friends or balancing work, family, and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD are different throughout the day and may be influenced by hormone levels, for instance those that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, or as they move through perimenopausal (the menopausal transition). This can lead to misdiagnosis, or the wrong types of medication being taken.
There are certain symptoms and signs that are common to ADHD that can help you or a loved-one identify the disorder. Recognizing signs of adhd in women is the first step to getting the support and treatment you require to manage your symptoms effectively.
It is important to remember that ADHD does not mean that you are unaffected by other mental or physical conditions. Your therapist or doctor must conduct a thorough examination. They'll ask you questions about your past and present behavior, review your medical history, and talk about the impact of your symptoms in different situations.