ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender refer to biology--the hormones and chromosomal makeup of the body, and that many people don't belong to a sex binary. However, gender and sex can affect how symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present prior to age 12 and cause difficulties in more than one environment to be eligible for the diagnosis.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD and is an issue for everyone. Women may have a tougher to concentrate, particularly because symptoms can appear differently than in males.
Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and impulsive, as an example. They also are more likely to become emotional and have trouble putting things in perspective. These problems can create an inability to focus on tasks, leading to a lack of productivity at work or at home. They're also more likely not attend doctor appointments or forget to take their medications.
The hormones of women along with these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. Females have a larger hippocampus, which aids in memory and learning, and hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal cycles can affect brain's function.
Women with undiagnosed ADHD might struggle with their relationships, at school, and at work. add test for women could also be suffering from various comorbidities including anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
It is crucial that health professionals understand the many clues females with ADHD show. They should rethink their approaches to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations and other factors that influence the severity of symptoms. Patients can then receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to control their emotions. This is especially true when they interact with others. This can result in emotional dysregulation, which is a major component of ADHD symptoms and is linked to a variety of negative life consequences. These include poor self-esteem, depression and anxiety, difficult romantic relationships which can lead to intimate partner violence, trouble with friendships and a messy home or personal space, and a failure to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can also influence the way women who suffer from ADHD will be treated. They could be misunderstood as they are perceived as more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings. This can exacerbate their frustrations about being a victim of untreated ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD have a reduced ability to control impulses Also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means that they are more difficult to make decisions and following up with their intentions. This makes it difficult to resist the temptation to eat another piece of cake or make an inappropriate comment in public.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from medications that help them control their impulses. Stimulants such as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can reduce the behavior of impulsivity. Non-stimulants such as clonidine or Guanfacine can also be effective. Behavioral therapy is also suggested, which can help people with ADHD alter their thinking patterns and learn healthier coping skills.
Meditation, eating a balanced diet and getting enough rest can all be helpful in reducing anxiety and impulsiveness among people with ADHD. It's also a good idea to track their symptoms throughout the day and communicate this information with their physician to determine if their treatment regimen is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization can be a problem for people suffering from ADHD and impact their personal and professional lives. They may have trouble to complete tasks and their efficiency may be reduced. They could also miss deadlines or feel overwhelmed throughout the day.
A lack of organization can cause problems in maintaining healthy relationships. People may forget important events or lose possessions such as keys or purses. They might feel lonely and isolated due to this. They can also feel misunderstood by family members and friends. Disorganization can be worse in menopausal or perimenopausal women, when hormones change and symptoms become more severe.
Women often mask their ADHD symptoms to fit into societal norms or to avoid being judged. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It can also be a reason for why girls and women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD, particularly in adolescence where symptoms are more evident.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have poor performance at school or at work. add test for women could affect their work, grades, or even their reputation. It could also cause issues in their personal life like issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family members and friends members.
Women who are chronically unorganized will benefit from the one-on-1 support of a non-judgmental friend. They can help women learn to stay organized by making a list and setting reminders. Additionally, a certified mental health professional can recommend medications and lifestyle changes to help minimize ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain stable energy levels, and avoiding caffeine which can increase the side effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a trait that can affect decision-making in many areas of our lives. Indecisiveness can be measured using various instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale for Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness is also linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is because people perceive ambiguous situations as being threatening. It was also discovered to be linked to the fear of making a mistake, which could explain why people suffering from adhd have difficulty 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 personal and professional lives. They had a difficult time finding the job they wanted or to stay in, and also found it difficult to manage their finances, relationships, and health. They often had to wait for others to take decisions, or were unable to complete tasks like arranging childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms such as the inability to focus and impulsivity, or beginning projects was preventing them from completing.
They had difficulty relaxing and maintaining friendships, which led to mental health issues. They reported stress and anxiety, as well as a sleep deprivation and inadequate nutrition. They also expressed feeling devalued by their peers and the media. They were able explain their struggles with ADHD which helped them improve their self-esteem because they weren't blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews revealed that the women were very positive however, they struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD in different areas of their lives. The women complained of an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships, and a messy house.
5. Lack of Self-Esteem
Some of the signs that comprise ADHD are seen as less acceptable socially for women and girls than they are for men and boys, so some women conceal their impulsivity, hyperactivity and disorder. They also may internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms like self-harm (cutting, burning, scratching). This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem which can lead to anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
A sense of inner worth is the foundation for more positive relationships and a positive outlook on life. If people do not have a strong sense of self-worth, they tend to seek external things - such as careers, relationships wealth, power, and relationships to feel worthy. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can also lead to a lack in communication within relationships.
Women with ADHD might also feel they do not deserve good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a need to please or to "keep up" with others. This can result in toxic workplace cultures, a negative self-image, and a dependence on substances or food.
Despite these major difficulties However, the women who took part in this study found many positive aspects to living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as an advantage or a disadvantage according to the way they perceive their ability to control it. A few of them also point out personal strengths they believe are due to their ADHD, including the ability to be creative, high energy determination, and the ability to become easily interested in new subjects. They also talk about their unique struggles in the context of the larger picture, which includes gender and biological distinctions, as well as cultural and family issues.