ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that sex and a gender are determined by biology, including the body's chromosomal makeup as well as hormones. Many people do not easily fit into the binary sex. However, gender and sex influence how symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of the early years of childhood, typically before age 12. ADHD symptoms must be present before 12 years of age and cause problems in multiple environments to qualify for a diagnoses.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD and it's a problem for all genders. But add women might have a harder time to attain the focus they need particularly since symptoms typically appear in different ways than for 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 a difficult time putting things in perspective. These problems can create an inability to focus on work, which can lead to a lack of productivity at work or at home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and skip appointments with doctors.
The hormones of women along with these innate differences can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is bigger which helps with learning and memory. Menstrual hormone fluctuations or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopausal cycles can influence brain function.
As a result, women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might have a difficult time in relationships at school, in relationships, and at work. They might also suffer from various comorbidities, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
It is essential that health care professionals recognize the numerous signs that females with ADHD exhibit. They should rethink their strategies for diagnosing and treating females with ADHD in order to recognize hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. In this way, these patients will receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This is especially true when they interact with others. This can cause emotional dysregulation which is a major cause of ADHD symptoms. It can also be associated with negative outcomes in life. These include poor self-esteem, depression that is co-occurring with anxiety, difficult romantic relationships which can lead to violence between intimate partners, issues with friends, a messy house or personal space, and a failure to manage time or money.
The gender stereotypes of women can influence the way women who suffer from ADHD are treated. They may be misunderstood because they are viewed as being more sensitive or prone to mood swings. This can exacerbate their frustrations about being a victim of untreated ADHD.
Individuals with ADHD have impaired impulse control Also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means that they are more prone to making decisions and following through in their intentions. This could cause you to want to take a bite more cake or to make an inappropriate comment.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from medication that helps them control their impulsivity. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine may reduce impulsive behavior. Nonstimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine are also effective. Behavioral therapy is also recommended, which can help those suffering from ADHD alter their thinking patterns and learn better ways to cope with stress.
Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet and getting enough rest can all help to control restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It's important to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and communicate this information with their physician to determine if their treatment plan is effective.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a typical issue for people suffering from ADHD and can impact their personal and professional life. They may have difficulty to complete tasks and their efficiency may be diminished. They could also be late and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis.
An absence of organization could make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They might forget important dates or lose belongings like keys or purses. Consequently, they may feel isolated and lonely. They may also feel that they are not understood by family and friends. Disorders are more common during perimenopause or menopause when hormones are changing and symptoms become more severe.
Women often cover up their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being thought of as a problem. This can result in self-blame and feelings of guilt or shame. It could be a reason why women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly during adolescence, when symptoms are more evident.
In the end women suffering from untreated ADHD may have trouble with their work or school performance. This can impact their work, grades or overall reputation. It can also create problems in their personal life like issues with romantic partners or strained relationships with family members and friends members.
Women who are chronically disorganized can benefit from one-on-one help by a non-judgmental therapist. They can teach them strategies to keep their lives organized, such as making an agenda of the daily tasks and making reminders for them. Additionally, a certified mental health professional can suggest medication and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to ensure steady energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can cause an increase in the side effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness affects decision-making in many aspects of daily life. There are a variety of instruments that have been created to measure indecisiveness, such as the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness has also been linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret uncertain situations as dangerous. It was also discovered to be related to the fear of making a mistake, which could be the reason people suffering from adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women suffering from adhd, interviewees described being not able to make decisions in their work and personal lives. They struggled to find an occupation they enjoyed or stayed in, and were difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships, and health. They often waited for others to take decisions, or were unable to finish projects such as organizing childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms such as the inability to focus and impulsivity, or starting projects were holding them back.
They had trouble finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive which led to mental health issues. They reported having high levels of anxiety and stress, an inability to sleep, and poor nutrition. They also described feeling stigmatized by their peers and the media. They were able to articulate their struggles with ADHD which helped them boost their self-esteem as they were not blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to appropriate treatments.
The interviews revealed that women had a number of positive characteristics however, they struggled to overcome the impact of their ADHD symptoms on a variety of aspects of their lives. The women complained of a lack in career or romantic opportunities, difficulties maintaining relationships, and a messy house.
5. Insecurity about oneself
Some of the symptoms that are a part of ADHD are seen as less acceptable socially for girls and women than they are for males and females Some women choose to conceal their impulsivity, hyperactivity and disorder. Women may take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop strategies to cope, such as self-harming (cutting or burning). add adult women can lead to feelings of self-esteem issues that can cause anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
A high sense of inner worth is the precursor to better relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who do not have a strong self-worth tend to look outside themselves for validation, like relationships, careers, money, and power. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can also result in a lack in communication within relationships.
Alongside a feeling of lack of self-worth, those with ADHD often have the feeling that they don't deserve the good things in their lives. These feelings may manifest as a desire for others to "keep up" or to please. This can result in negative work environments as well as a negative image of one's body and a dependence on food or other substances.
Despite these difficulties However, the women who took part in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as either an advantage or a disadvantage according to the way they perceive their ability to control it. Several of them also identify personal strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD, including high energy, creativity determination and the ability to get easily interested in new topics. They also talk about their unique struggles in the context of a larger picture that includes gender and biological differences, as well cultural and family issues.