Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often faced with different social expectations for how they should manage their careers as well as family and home life. This can result in feelings of guilt and anger when your symptoms are getting impeding your progress.
Research has shown that girls and women are frequently under-diagnosed for ADHD when compared to males and boys. This could be due to the fact that they hide their symptoms or develop strategies to conceal their symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
One of the most common symptoms of adhd is difficulty paying attention at school or at work. People with this condition frequently miss important meetings, get behind on their work or become confused when trying to follow directions. They might also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. People with ADHD can have what is known as "thousand-yard stares" and lose focus during conversations. These symptoms can cause difficulties at work or in relationships.
Girls and women can be particularly at risk for undiagnosed ADHD, especially as they get older. They typically develop coping strategies that cover up their symptoms and continue to utilize these methods of coping throughout their adulthood. They might even begin to identify their symptoms as being personal attributes, which can make it more difficult to seek help.
Many teachers do not suggest ADHD assessments as often for girls as they do for males. If a girl's numbness or ADHD is impacting her school performance or social interactions then she should speak to a health professional.
Being inattentional ADHD can cause an abundance of emotional stress. It can be a frustrating experience to feel as if you're not being able to meet the standards of your coworkers, friends and family members. It can be frustrating to feel like you're not getting along with your kids or siblings. Inattention and impulsivity can increase anxiety and depression in certain people with ADHD. You can reduce the severity of these symptoms by seeking assistance and doing other activities. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that boost concentration and attention. It also helps reduce anxiety, mood swings and other symptoms that are common among people with ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage. You might make comments you shouldn't, or purchase something on impulse. You may also end up in trouble with the police due to your conduct. It can be difficult to control your feelings and emotions. Self-injury can manifest from cutting, burning or scratching yourself. It could also lead to alcohol and drug abuse.
People with impulsivity often have problems with relationships and school or work performance. Your doctor can help manage your impulsivity with prescription medications. Drugs like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall Ritalin, Adderall) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can improve your impulse control. Nonstimulant medications like clonidine or Guanfacine can also help to control your impulses.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. But this kind of ADHD is difficult to spot and could result in underdiagnosis. Women might hide their symptoms to comply with social expectations and standards. This can be particularly challenging in the adolescent or early adulthood. Some women use unhealthy strategies for coping, like excessive drinking and substance use, to conceal their ADHD problems.
Women with high functioning ADHD might cover up their symptoms by having success in certain areas of their lives, such as at school or at work. This can create feeling unsecure and make you feel overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life. Talk to your doctor about the accommodations that you can make at work or in school to help manage your ADHD symptoms. This is a great chance to inform your colleagues or professors of the challenges you have to face.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD then avoiding appointments, showing up late for work, forgetting dates and not paying attention to conversations can cause frustration and make others feel snubbed or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to manage finances and keep track of your schedule, and follow through on tasks. If you don't know what you'll need for food, you could miss out on meals, or spend too much on unnecessary items.
Women who suffer from ADHD often have a hard time keeping track of the daily chores, homework assignments and bills. The condition can also cause messy and messy workplaces, and a tendency to hoard. The "time blindness" that ADHD sufferers experience makes it difficult to know how long has passed or how long they've spent on a particular task. Combined with difficulty staying focused, time management problems can result in feelings of guilt and shame about being not organized.
Research has shown that girls, women and boys are more likely than males to have ADHD. However, symptoms can be misdiagnosed or masked. Women are often not given a diagnosis until the age of adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. Social stigma and stereotypes may make it difficult for women to get the care and support they need.
Your doctor might prescribe medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine boost and balance neurotransmitters - the brain chemicals that communicate. Nonstimulant medications such as antidepressants and atomoxetine are also used to treat ADHD however they operate slower than stimulants. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in mental health who can assist in creating a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific requirements.
4. Impulsiveness
Women with ADHD might have a difficult time controlling their emotions and often feel more vulnerable to rejection. The chemical imbalance associated with ADHD disrupts the communication between brain areas that regulate emotions and interpret how to handle these emotions.
Depression and moodiness are typical for people suffering from ADHD, and the combination of these with difficulty keeping track of responsibilities can lead to trouble with family and romantic relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have a low self-esteem and have difficulty in forming relationships and managing social situations. They might go on tangents during conversations or have trouble understanding what others are saying, which may make it difficult for them to figure out their place within groups.
When it comes to managing their daily responsibilities, women with ADHD might have difficulty finding the motivation to do boring or mundane tasks, like washing laundry, dishes, and cleaning. This can lead them to develop unhealthy coping methods, such as binge-watching TV shows or taking drugs. These types of behaviors are especially risky for teens and girls with ADHD who are more likely than their peers to engage in risky activities like early sexual activity with fewer protected partners and casual sex.
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 hide their ADHD due to the numerous expectations set by society (managing home and family for instance). It can be difficult for doctors to recognize that there is a problem because the symptoms are easy to recognize in both males.
5. Hyperactivity
For women who suffer from ADHD daily tasks can be overwhelming. They may struggle with managing their lives, paying off bills on time, and keeping up with schedules or school/work requirements. The emotional symptoms, such as mood swings and difficulty managing emotions, can make it difficult to get along with others and create issues in relationships between people.
People with ADHD struggle to read body language or social cues. They may wander off on a tangent within conversations or struggle to follow the conversation, leading to difficulties with school or work performance and tension in relationships. They may also have difficulty making new friends or balancing work, home, and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary throughout the day, and can be affected hormonally, as during menstruation, pregnancy or perimenopause. This can lead to misdiagnosis, or the wrong types of medications being used.
While everyone struggles with different challenges when they live with ADHD, there are some common symptoms and signs that can help you identify the disorder in your loved one. Being aware of these symptoms is a great first step towards obtaining the support and treatment you need to manage your symptoms effectively.
Being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that it doesn't mean you're not suffering from other mental health or physical conditions, so it's important that your doctor or therapist conducts a thorough examination. adhd symptoms in women will need to inquire about your present and past actions and experiences, examine any medical history, and speak with you about how your ADHD symptoms affect you in a variety of settings.