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 do not easily fit into the binary sexuality. Sexe and gender can affect how ADHD symptoms are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is typically diagnosed in the early years of childhood, 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 the root of ADHD and affects both genders. But women might have a harder time to achieve the focus they need particularly since symptoms typically appear in different ways than in men.
Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and impulsive, as an example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and have a difficult time putting things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability to focus on work, which can lead to a decrease in productivity at work or at home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and skip doctor's appointments.
In addition to these innate differences, women's hormones can make their ADHD symptoms worse. The hippocampus of females is larger which helps in memory and learning. Menstrual hormone fluctuations as well as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopausal cycles can affect brain function.
Women with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle in their relationships, at school and at work. They might also struggle with a myriad of co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety eating disorders, bipolar disorder.
For these reasons, it is essential for health professionals to be aware of the numerous indications that females with ADHD often exhibit. They need to rethink their approach to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations and other variables that influence the severity of symptoms. These patients can then finally receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Females with ADHD are more likely to have trouble managing their emotions, particularly when they interact with other people. This can lead to emotional dysregulation which is a key element of ADHD symptoms and is linked to a variety of negative life consequences. This includes low self-esteem, anxiety and depression, problematic romantic relationships which can lead to violence between partners, problems with relationships, a messy home or personal space, inability to manage time or money and a messy home.
Gender stereotypes can affect how women with ADHD are treated. They may be misunderstood because they are thought to be more sensitive or prone a mood swings. This can cause them to feel more frustrated about living with untreated ADHD.
People with ADHD have impaired impulse control, also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means that they have a harder time making decisions and sticking with their goals. This can make you want to indulge in more cake or make an inappropriate comment.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from medication that helps them control their impulses. stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can aid in reduce the impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medications such as Guanfacine and clonidine can be efficient too. Behavioral therapy can also be advised, which will help people with ADHD modify their thinking patterns and learn better ways to cope with stress.
Sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet, and practicing meditation can also help in reducing restlessness and impulsiveness in those with ADHD. It is also a great idea to track their symptoms throughout the day and then share this information with their physician to determine whether or not their treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a frequent issue in people with ADHD and can impact their personal and professional life. It may take them longer to complete tasks, and decrease their productivity. They might also be late and feel overwhelmed on a daily basis.
Lack of organization can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They might miss important dates or misplace items like keys or purses. They may feel lonely and unloved because of this. They can also feel misunderstood by family members and friends. It is more difficult to organize during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles as hormones alter and symptoms increase.
It is not uncommon for women to mask their ADHD symptoms to fit in with the norms of society and avoid being considered a failure. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It could be a reason for why women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially evident in adolescence when symptoms are more apparent.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have poor performance at school or at work. This could affect their career, grades, or even their reputation. It can also cause problems in their personal life, such as difficulties with romantic partners or strained relationships with family and friends members.
Women who are chronically unorganized could benefit from the one-on-one assistance of a non-judgmental individual. They can assist women in learning to stay organized by creating lists and setting reminders. A qualified mental health professional can recommend medication or lifestyle changes that can reduce ADHD symptoms. This may include eating small, frequent meals to keep energy levels up and avoiding caffeine that can cause adverse effects from stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a trait that can affect decision-making in a variety of areas of life. Indecisiveness can be measured using several instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the Indecisiveness scale. Indecisiveness is also associated with neuroticism and with the tendency to employ worst-case scenario thinking, where people interpret uncertain situations as dangerous. It has also been proven to be linked with a fear of being wrong, which may be the reason why it is common for people with adhd to have trouble making decisions.
In the qualitative study on adult women with adhd interviewed the participants said they were not in a position to make decisions regarding their professional and personal lives. They had a difficult time finding the job they wanted or stayed in, and found it difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships, and health. They often were dependent on others to make decisions for them, or were unable to finish projects such as organizing childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and difficulty focusing or beginning projects was preventing them from completing.
They had difficulty finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive, which led to mental health problems. They described high levels of stress and anxiety, as well as a sleeping insufficiently and having inadequate nutrition. They also expressed feeling devalued by other adults and by the media. They were able to articulate their struggles with ADHD which helped them boost their self-esteem as they weren't blaming others. It also gave them access to the appropriate treatment strategies.
The interviews revealed that the women were very positive, but struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on various aspects of their lives. The women complained of a lack in career or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships and a messy home.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Women may conceal their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe these symptoms are less acceptable for boys and men. They may also take on their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms like self-harm (cutting burns, scratching, cutting). This can result in feelings of low self-esteem that can cause depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A strong sense of self-esteem and worth is the foundation for better relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who lack a strong self-worth are more likely to look outside themselves to find validation, including relationships, careers money, power, and relationships. A licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can also cause an absence of communication within a relationship, which can ultimately end it.
Women who suffer from ADHD might also feel they do not deserve good things in life. These feelings may manifest as a desire to please or to "keep up" with other people. signs of add in adult women can result in an unhealthy work environment as well as a negative image of one's body and an addiction to foods or substances.
Despite these major difficulties, women who took part in this study discovered many positive aspects to living with ADHD. The majority of them identify their ADHD as a gift or a curse, depending on whether they feel they have control over it. Many of them also recognize their own strengths that they believe are a result of to their ADHD, including high energy, creativity, determination, and the ability to be easily interested in new subjects. They also discuss their unique challenges as part of a larger picture that encompasses cultural and family issues, as well as biological and gender differences.