ADHD Traits in Women

Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that gender and sex are dependent on biology, which includes the body's chromosomal make-up and hormones. Many people don't fit neatly into an unisexual sex. However, gender and sex influence how symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed.

inattentive adhd in women is typically diagnosed in childhood prior to the age of 12. ADHD must present symptoms before 12 years of age and cause problems in multiple settings to be able to receive a diagnosis.

1. Difficulty Focusing

Inattention is the core of ADHD and is an issue for everyone. Women may have a tougher time focusing, especially since symptoms can appear differently than in males.

Women are more likely to be prone to disorganization and indecisiveness, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotional and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to focus which can lead to an absence of productivity at work or at home. They're also more likely miss doctor appointments and neglect to take their medications.

In addition to these innate variations, hormones in women can make ADHD symptoms more severe. Females have a larger hippocampus that aids in memory and learning, and hormone changes 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. They could also be suffering from a variety of comorbid disorders including depression, anxiety and eating disorders.

It is important that health professionals are aware of the numerous signs that females with adhd in women test exhibit. They need to rethink their approach to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations and other variables that influence the severity of symptoms. Patients can then receive the treatment they need.

2. Impulsivity

Women with ADHD often struggle to control their emotions. This is especially true when they interact with other people. This can cause emotional dysregulation which is a major element of ADHD symptoms and is linked to a variety of negative life consequences. This includes low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones which can lead to intimate partner violence, trouble with friends as well as a messy home or personal space, and the inability to manage time or money.

The gender stereotypes of women can influence the way women who suffer from ADHD will be treated. They may be misunderstood because they are perceived as more sensitive or prone to mood swings. This can increase their frustration at being a victim of untreated ADHD.

The part of the brain that controls impulses the brain, also known as the prefrontal cortex, is affected in people with ADHD. This means that they are more difficult to make decisions and following through with their intentions. This could make you want to indulge in more cake or make an inappropriate comment.

For people who suffer from ADHD medications can help to enhance their ability to control their impulsivity. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can reduce impulsive behavior. Nonstimulants like clonidine or guanfacine are also effective. People with ADHD might also benefit from a treatment called behavioral therapy, which can help them change their mental patterns and develop healthier methods of coping.

Sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet, and meditating can also help to control impulsiveness and restlessness in people with ADHD. It is also a good idea to track their symptoms throughout the day and to share the information with their doctor so they can assess whether their treatment for adhd in women plan is working.

3. Disorganization

Disorganization can be a problem for people suffering from ADHD and can affect their professional and personal life. They may have trouble to complete their tasks and their efficiency may be reduced. They may also miss deadlines and become overwhelmed on a daily basis.

A lack of organization can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. People may forget important events or lose belongings like keys or purses. Consequently, they may feel lonely and isolated. Family and friends may also misunderstand them. Disorganization is more common during perimenopause or menopause when hormones change and symptoms become more severe.

Women often cover up their ADHD symptoms to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being thought of as a problem. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. It can also be a reason why girls and women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD particularly during adolescence, when symptoms are more evident.

As a result women suffering from untreated ADHD might have poor work or school performance. This could negatively impact their career, grades, or reputation. It could also cause issues in their personal lives like issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with friends and family members.

Women with chronic disorganization can receive one-on-one assistance from a non-judgmental, supportive person. They can assist women in learning to stay organized by making an agenda and establishing reminders. In addition, a qualified mental health professional may recommend changes in lifestyle and medications to help minimize ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain stable energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can worsen the adverse effects of stimulant medication.

4. Indecisiveness

Indecisiveness is one of the traits that influences decision-making in many areas of 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 is also linked to neuroticism, and the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret ambiguous circumstances as threatening. It has also been found to be linked with a fear of being wrong, which may be the reason why it is common for people suffering from adhd to have difficulty making decisions.

In the qualitative study of adult women suffering from adhd who were interviewed the participants said they were not able to make decisions regarding their professional and personal lives. They struggled to manage their finances and relationships, and had trouble finding a job that they liked. They often waited for others to take decisions, or were unable to complete tasks such as organizing childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsivity or difficulty getting started on projects were holding them back.

They struggled to keep relationships and had trouble relaxing and recharging their mental health. They reported high levels of anxiety and stress, sleeping less and a poor diet. They also reported feeling snubbed by adults and the media. They were able to articulate their struggles with ADHD, which helped them improve their self-esteem because they weren't blaming others. Additionally, it gave them access to treatment strategies that were appropriate.

The interviews revealed that women had a number of positive characteristics but were struggling to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on different aspects of their lives. The women complained of a lack in career or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships, and a messy house.

5. Lack of Self-Esteem

Certain of the symptoms that comprise ADHD are seen as less socially acceptable for women and girls than they are for men and boys, so some women conceal their impulsivity, hyperactivity, and disorganization. They may also internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms like self-harm (cutting burns, scratching, cutting). This can cause feelings of low self-esteem which can lead to anxiety, depression or eating disorders.

A high self-esteem is a precursor to better relationships and a more positive outlook on life. People who lack self-worth tend to look outside themselves to find validation, including relationships, careers as well as money and power. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed psychotherapist, says this can lead to the lack of communication in relationships.

In addition to a lack of self-worth, women who have ADHD frequently struggle with a feeling that they don't deserve the good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or to "keep up" with others. This can cause toxic workplaces and a negative self-image and an addiction of substance or food.

Despite these significant difficulties However, the women who took part in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. Most of them say that they view their ADHD as a gift or a curse, depending on whether they believe they can control it. Some of them have also identified personal strengths they believe are due to their ADHD. These include high energy, creativity and determination, as well as the ability to effortlessly become fascinated by new subjects. They also describe their unique struggles as part of a larger picture that encompasses cultural and family issues, as well as biological and gender differences.