Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often subject to different expectations from society on how they should handle their families, careers, and their home lives. This can result in feelings of guilt and anger if your symptoms are getting in the way.
Research shows that women and girls are frequently under-diagnosed for ADHD as compared to males and boys. This could be due to the fact that they conceal their symptoms or use strategies to manage them, like:
1. Inattentiveness
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd is the difficulty in paying attention in school or at work. People with this condition frequently miss important meetings, get behind on their work or become misguided when trying to follow directions. They may also have difficulties staying focused in noisy or crowded environments. People with ADHD may exhibit what's called "thousand-yard stares" and zone out during conversations. These symptoms can cause issues at work or in relationships.
Girls and women can be particularly susceptible to undiagnosed ADHD, especially as they age. They often develop coping mechanisms that cover up their symptoms and employ these strategies throughout their adulthood. They may even start to identify their symptoms as particular to them, which could make it difficult for them to seek help.
A lot of teachers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for girls as they do for males. If a girl's lack of attention to ADHD is affecting her school performance or social interactions, it is recommended that she consult an expert in health.
Being inattentional ADHD can cause a lot of emotional stress. It can be a frustrating experience to feel like you're not able to meet the expectations of your coworkers, friends and family members. It can be a bit upsetting when you feel that you are not able to connect with your children or siblings. Inattention and impulsivity can increase depression and anxiety in some people with ADHD. In addition to seeking help, there are things that you can do to lessen the effects of these symptoms. Regular exercise can help release neurotransmitters to improve attention and concentration. It can also help reduce anxiety and mood swings, which are common among those who suffer from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
The unpredictable symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to manage. You might rant about things you shouldn't, buy something on a whim or be a target for the law because of your actions. It can also make it difficult to control your emotions and feelings. adhd symptoms in women test could lead to self-harm, such as burning, cutting or scratching yourself. It could also lead to drug and alcohol abuse.
People who are impulsive may have issues with their relationships, school or work performance. Your doctor can help manage your impulsivity with prescription medications. Medications like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall Ritalin, Adderall) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can help you improve your control over impulses. Non-stimulant drugs like clonidine or guanfacine could also help to control your impulses.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. This kind of ADHD can be difficult to detect, resulting in the wrong diagnosis. Women may hide their symptoms to meet societal expectations and expectations. This can be particularly challenging in the adolescent or early adulthood. Women may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive drinking and drug abuse, to cover up their ADHD problems.
Women who have high-functioning ADHD might conceal their symptoms by succeeding in particular areas of their lives, like school or work. This can create a false sense of security and make you feel overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. Ask your doctor about accommodations that you can make at work or at school to manage your ADHD symptoms. This is a great way to raise awareness among your professors or colleagues of the challenges you are facing.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD you may be late for appointments or showing up late for work, not remembering dates, and zoning out during conversations can cause frustration and leave others feeling at a loss or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to stay on top of tasks as well as manage schedules, finances and financial obligations. If you don't know what you'll need for groceries, you may not be able to cook your meals, or spend excessively on unnecessary items.
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a difficult time keeping track of the daily chores, homework assignments and bills. The disorder can also result in disorganized homes, messy workspaces and a tendency to hoard. People with ADHD are affected by a phenomenon known as "time blindness," which makes it difficult to know how long it has taken and how long you've been working on a project. Time management issues can cause feelings of shame or guilt when combined with the difficulty of staying organized.
While research has shown that women and girls are more likely to suffer from ADHD than men and boys The symptoms can be concealed and undiagnosed. Many women don't receive an diagnosis until they reach adulthood, when their symptoms are more apparent. Social stigma and stereotypes can make it difficult for women to get the care and support they require.
Your doctor might prescribe medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine increase and balance neurotransmitters - the brain chemicals that transmit information. Antidepressants and atomoxetine, which are nonstimulant medications can also be used to treat ADHD. However they are slower to work than stimulants. Your doctor might refer you to an expert in mental health who can assist in developing a treatment program that is tailored to your specific needs.
4. Impulsiveness
Women with ADHD are more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions and may be more sensitive to rejection. This is because the pathway of communication between key brain areas that regulate emotional reactions and interpret what to do with these feelings is affected by the chemical imbalance associated with ADHD.
People with ADHD are more prone to depression and moodiness. This, in conjunction with the difficulty managing their obligations can lead to problems with romantic and family relationships. Women with ADHD also be less confident in themselves and may have difficulty forming friendships and navigating social situations. They may wander off on tangents during conversations or have trouble understanding what others are saying, which may make it difficult for them to determine their place in groups.
Women with ADHD might find it difficult to get motivated to finish mundane or boring tasks like washing dishes, cleaning, and washing laundry. This could lead them to develop unhealthy coping habits like binge-watching TV shows or abusing substances. These behaviors can be especially risky for young girls and adolescents with ADHD, who are more likely to engage in sexually dangerous behaviors, including early initiation of sexual activity, fewer protected sex partners and more casual sex 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 are unable to recognize their ADHD due to the numerous expectations that society places on them (managing home and family, for instance). This can make it difficult for health care professionals to identify an issue, especially since symptoms are more easily recognized for men and boys.
5. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD can have difficulty managing their daily tasks. They may have difficulty managing their lives, making payments on time, and keeping up with schedules or school/work requirements. In addition, emotional symptoms like mood swings and difficulties controlling their emotions, can make it difficult to get along with others and contribute to difficulties in relationships between people.
People suffering from ADHD struggle to read body language or social cues. They might have trouble following conversations or wander off on a tangent creating problems at work or school and causing tension in relationships. They may also have trouble making new friends or balancing work, home, and social activities.
The symptoms of ADHD are able to change throughout the day, and can be affected hormonally like during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or perimenopause. This can lead to misdiagnosis, or the wrong type of medications being used.
There are some symptoms and signs that are that are common to ADHD that can aid you or someone you love to recognize the condition. Recognizing these signs is a great first step towards obtaining the help and treatment you require to manage your symptoms effectively.
Having ADHD isn't a guarantee 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'll ask questions about your past and present behavior, review your medical history, and discuss how your symptoms impact you in various settings.
