Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women suffering from ADHD are often pushed to different expectations from society regarding how they should handle their careers, families and home life. This can cause you feel frustrated and ashamed if your symptoms get in the way.
Research suggests that girls are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than men and boys. This could be because they conceal their symptoms or use coping strategies to hide their symptoms, such as:
1. Inattentiveness
Having trouble paying attention at school or work is among the primary signs of adhd. People with adhd tend to forget important meetings or projects or are misled by the instructions. They may also have trouble staying focused in noisy or crowded spaces. People who suffer from ADHD can have what is called "thousand-yard stares" and can become distracted during conversations. These symptoms can lead to issues at work or in relationships.
Girls and women can be particularly at risk for undiagnosed ADHD particularly as they get older. They often develop coping mechanisms that cover up their symptoms and continue to use these coping methods throughout their adulthood. They may even begin to see their symptoms as personal attributes, which can make it harder for them to seek help.
Teachers are not recommending ADHD evaluations as often for girls as they do for males. If inattentive adhd in women is affecting her school performance or social interactions, it is recommended that she consult an expert in health.
Having inattentive ADHD can create a lot of emotional stress. It can be difficult when you feel you are not able meet the expectations of friends or family members as well as colleagues. It can be frustrating to feel that you're unable to get with your children or siblings. Certain people suffering from ADHD have anxiety and depression that can be exacerbated by their inattention and impulsivity. You can reduce the severity of these symptoms by seeking assistance and doing other things. Regular exercise can help release neurotransmitters that improve attention and concentration. It also helps reduce anxiety and mood swings which are common among people who suffer from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage. You might rant about things you shouldn't, buy things on impulse, or be a target for the law due to your behavior. The urge to be impulsive can make it difficult to control your emotions and emotions. This can lead to self-injury, such as burning, cutting, or scratching yourself. This could also lead to drug or alcohol use.
People with impulsivity can have difficulties with their relationships, work or school performance. Your doctor can help you manage your impulsivity by prescribing medications. The use of amphetamine, dextroamphetamine (Adderall Ritalin) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can improve your ability to control your impulses. Non-stimulant drugs such as clonidine and Guanfacine can improve your ability to control yourself.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. This type of ADHD can be harder to detect, resulting in an incorrect diagnosis. Women may hide symptoms to conform to societal standards and expectations. This can be particularly difficult in adolescence and adulthood. Some women turn to unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse to hide their ADHD problems.
Women with high functioning ADHD may mask their symptoms by having success in particular areas of their lives, such as at school or at work. This can lead to a false sense of security and cause you to feel overwhelmed by the demands of life. Talk to your doctor about the accommodations you can receive at school or at work that can help you manage your ADHD symptoms. This is an excellent way to increase awareness among your colleagues or professors of the challenges you may face.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD then missing appointments, turning up late for work, not remembering dates and not paying attention to conversations can result in frustration and make others feel snubbed or offended. The disorder can also make it difficult to manage your finances, keep track of schedules and complete tasks. For example, if you are having trouble remembering what you need to buy for groceries, you may be unable to eat or overspend on unnecessary items.
Women with ADHD often have a hard to keep track of their daily chores, homework and bills. The disorder can also lead to disorganized workspaces, messy homes and a propensity to hoard. People with ADHD are affected by a phenomenon known as "time blindness," which makes it difficult to know how much time has passed and the length of time you've spent on a particular task. Time management issues can cause feelings of guilt or shame when combined with difficulty staying organized.
Although research shows that girls and women are more likely to suffer from ADHD than men and boys the symptoms can be hidden and underdiagnosed. Many women are not diagnosed until they reach the age of adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. In addition, social stigmas and stereotypes may hinder women to get the support and treatment they require.
Your doctor might recommend medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine can increase and balance levels of neurotransmitters, which are the brain chemicals which communicate with one another. Antidepressants and atomoxetine which are non-stimulant drugs, can also be used to treat ADHD. However they perform more slowly than stimulants. Your doctor may also recommend you to a mental health specialist, who can help develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your individual requirements.
4. Impulsiveness
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions, and they are more prone to rejection. The chemical imbalance that is associated with ADHD affects the brain's communication between the areas that regulate emotions, and also interpret how to handle them.
Moodiness and depression are common for people suffering from ADHD, and the combination of these symptoms with difficulties in keeping track of obligations can cause problems with family and romantic relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD also tend to have lower self-esteem and may have trouble forming friendships and navigating social situations. They might wander off in a tangent or struggle to comprehend what other people are saying. This makes it difficult for them to find a spot within an organization.
Women with ADHD may have difficulty to motivate themselves to complete simple or boring tasks like washing dishes, cleaning, and washing laundry. This can lead them to develop unhealthy coping strategies that include binge-watching television shows or taking drugs. These habits can be particularly dangerous for young girls and teens with ADHD, who are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, including early initiation of sexual activity, having fewer protected sexual partners, and more casual sexual activity 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. In addition, many women hide their ADHD symptoms because of the a myriad of expectations that society places on them (managing the family and home for instance). This makes it difficult for health care professionals to see that there's a problem, especially because symptoms are more easily identified in males and females.
5. Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to manage their daily tasks. They may have trouble managing their time, paying their bills on time, and juggling work and school obligations. Additionally, emotional signs, such as mood swings and trouble controlling their emotions, can make it hard to connect with others and can cause difficulties in relationships between people.
People suffering from ADHD are unable to discern body language or social cues. They can go off on a tangent within conversations or struggle to follow the thread of conversation, which can cause difficulties with school or work performance and strained relationships. They may also have difficulty making new friends or finding a balance between work, home, and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD are able to change throughout the day and may be affected by hormones such as during menstruation, pregnancy or perimenopause. This could lead to a misdiagnosis or the wrong type of medication being prescribed.
There are some signs and symptoms that are common to ADHD that can aid you or a loved one recognize the condition. Being aware of these symptoms is a great first step towards obtaining the help and treatment you need to effectively manage your symptoms.
It is important to remember that ADHD does not mean that you are immune to other physical or mental disorders. Your therapist or doctor must conduct a thorough examination. They'll have to ask questions about your past and present behavior and experiences, examine any medical history, and discuss with you about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in a variety of situations.