ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that gender and sexuality are dependent on biology, which includes the body's chromosomal make-up and hormones. Many people do not fall into an unisexual sexuality. However, gender and sex can affect how symptoms of ADHD are identified and treated.
ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and cause problems in multiple settings to qualify for a diagnoses.
1. Trouble 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 attain the focus they need due to the fact that symptoms usually manifest in different ways in men.
Women are more likely to be prone to disorganization and indecisiveness for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability to concentrate on work, which can lead to a lack of productivity at work or at home. They are also more likely to skip doctor appointments and forget to take their medications.
In addition to these innate differences, women's hormones can make ADHD symptoms more severe. Females have a bigger hippocampus that aids in memory and learning, and hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle as well as during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal changes can affect their brain function.
Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may struggle in their relationships, at school and at work. They may also have a variety of comorbid disorders including anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
This is why it's critical for health professionals to be aware of the various indicators that females suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit. They should rethink their strategies to diagnose and treat females with ADHD to account for emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. These patients can then finally receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to control their emotions. This is particularly true when they interact with other people. This can result in to emotional dysregulation, which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It is also linked to negative life outcomes. These include low self-esteem, depression that is co-occurring with anxiety, difficult relationships which can lead to intimate partner violence, problems with friends as well as a messy home or personal space, and a failure to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can also influence how women with ADHD will be treated. Because they are often perceived as being more sensitive or prone to mood swings, they could be misunderstood or dismissed as overly emotional. This can cause them to feel more frustrated about being a victim of untreated ADHD.
Individuals with ADHD have a reduced ability to control impulses which is also referred to as the prefrontal cortex. inattentive adhd in women means that they have a harder time making decisions and executing with their intentions. This makes it difficult to resist the temptation to eat a second piece of cake or make an inappropriate statement in public.
For those who suffer from ADHD, medication can help to increase their ability to manage their impulsivity. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can reduce the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine can also be effective. People suffering from ADHD might also benefit from behavioral therapy, which can help them change their thinking patterns and develop more effective methods of coping.
A good night's sleep and eating a balanced diet, and meditating can also help in reducing restlessness and impulsiveness in those with ADHD. It is important to track their symptoms throughout the day and communicate the information with their doctor so they can assess whether the treatment regimen is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a frequent issue for people suffering from ADHD and can have a negative impact on their personal and professional life. It can take them longer to complete their tasks and decrease their productivity. They may also miss deadlines or feel overwhelmed every day.
A lack of organization can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. They might not remember important dates or even lose things like keys or purses. Consequently, they may feel lonely and isolated. Family and friends may also be confused about them. Disorders are more common during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles when hormones change and symptoms are increasing.
It is not unusual for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms to fit in with societal norms and avoid being judged. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of guilt or shame. This could be a reason for why girls and women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD particularly in adolescence where symptoms become more apparent.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have poor performance at school or at work. This could affect their job, grades or reputation. It could also cause issues in their personal life, such as difficulties with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with friends and family members.
Women who are chronically disorganized can get help one-on-one by a non-judgmental therapist. They can teach women how to stay organized by making lists and establishing reminders. A licensed mental health professional may also recommend medication and lifestyle changes to help minimize ADHD symptoms. This may include eating small, frequent meals to ensure energy levels and avoiding caffeine, which can increase side effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is one of the traits that influences decision-making across a wide range of aspects of our lives. There are a variety of instruments that have been created to assess indecisiveness. These include the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is when people perceive ambiguous situations as being threat. It has also been found to be linked with the fear of being wrong, which could be the reason why it is common for people suffering from adhd to struggle with making decisions.
In the study that was qualitative of adult women with adhd participants, they described being incapable of making decisions in their work and personal lives. They found it hard to manage their finances and relationships and had trouble finding an occupation they liked. They frequently had to wait for others to make decisions or were unable to finish projects themselves, such as scheduling childcare. They often felt they were being hindered by their ADHD symptoms, like difficulties in starting, staying focused and impulsive.
They struggled to keep friendships and had difficulty relaxing which led to issues with their mental health. They reported having high levels of anxiety and stress as well as sleeping less, and poor nutrition. They also reported feeling stigmatized by the media and adults. They were able to articulate their struggles with ADHD and helped increase their self-esteem since they were not blaming themselves. They also had access to appropriate treatments.
The interviews revealed that the women were very optimistic, but struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects of their lives. These included a lack of career or romantic opportunities as well as difficulties maintaining relationships. a messy home.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Women might hide their hyperactivity and impulsivity because they believe their behavior is less acceptable than for boys and men. Women who suffer from ADHD might take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop strategies to cope, such as self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can cause low self-esteem, which could cause depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A strong sense of self-esteem and worth is the basis for better relationships and a positive outlook on life. When people lack a strong sense of self-worth and feel they are not worthy, they will seek outside things - like careers, relationships, wealth, and power to feel a sense of worthiness. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can also result in the lack of communication in relationships.
Alongside a feeling of lack of self-worth, women with ADHD often have the feeling that they don't have enough of the good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest themselves as a desire to "keep up with" or to please. This can cause toxic workplaces, a negative self-image, and an addiction to food or substances.
Despite these significant challenges However, the women who took part in this study discovered many positive aspects to living with ADHD. The majority of them describe their ADHD as a gift or a curse, based on whether they believe they have control over it. Some of them have also identified personal strengths they believe are a result of to their ADHD. They have the ability to be creative, energetic and determination and the ability to easily get interested in new topics. They also discuss their own struggles within the context of the larger picture, which includes gender and biological differences, as well cultural and family issues.