Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women suffering from ADHD are often pushed to different expectations from society regarding how they can manage their careers, families and their home lives. This can cause you be embarrassed and frustrated if your symptoms hinder your life.
Research has proven that girls and women are frequently under-diagnosed for ADHD compared to males and boys. This could be due to the fact that they mask their symptoms or develop strategies to manage them, like:
1. Inattentiveness
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd is difficulty paying attention at school or at work. Women with adhd are more likely to miss important meetings or assignments, or are misguided by directions. They may also have difficulty staying focused in noisy or crowded settings. Certain people with ADHD may experience "thousand-yard gazes" or zone out when they are talking. These symptoms can cause problems at work or with relationships.
Women and girls are at a higher risk of developing undiagnosed ADHD as they age. They typically develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms and then continue to use these coping methods into adulthood. They might even begin to see their symptoms as personal characteristics, which could make them less likely to seek assistance.
Teachers are not recommending ADHD assessments as often for girls as they do for males. If a girl's numbness or ADHD is affecting her school performance or social interactions, it is recommended that she consult a health professional.
Being a bit inattentional ADHD can create a lot of emotional stress. It can be a frustrating experience to feel like you're not being able to meet the standards of your coworkers, friends and family members. It can be a bit upsetting when you feel you are unable to get along with your children or siblings. Inattention and impulsivity can cause anxiety and depression in some people suffering from ADHD. You can decrease the severity of these symptoms by seeking out help and doing other things. Regular exercise can help release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus. It also helps reduce anxiety and mood swings which are common among people with ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage. You might rant about things you shouldn't, buy things on impulse, or even get in trouble with the law due to your actions. The urge to be impulsive can make it difficult to control your feelings and emotions. Self-injury can manifest from cutting, burning or scratching oneself. It can also lead to alcohol and drug abuse.
People who are impulsive may have issues with their relationships, school or work performance. You can control your impulsivity by taking medication prescribed by your doctor. Drugs like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall Ritalin, Adderall) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can enhance your impulse control. Non-stimulant drugs such as clonidine and Guanfacine can improve your ability to manage yourself.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. This kind of ADHD is often difficult to detect, resulting in a misdiagnosis. Women may hide symptoms to conform to societal norms and expectations. This can be particularly problematic in adolescence and early adulthood. Some women resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse to hide their ADHD challenges.
Women who have high-functioning ADHD can conceal their symptoms by succeeding in particular areas of their lives, such as school or at work. This can give you an illusion of security and make you feel overwhelmed by the demands of life. Talk to your doctor about the accommodations that you can make at work or in school to manage your ADHD symptoms. This is an excellent opportunity to create awareness among your colleagues or professors of the challenges you may encounter.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD and you are unable to keep appointments or being late to work, forgetting dates, and zoning out during conversations can cause frustration, and leave others feeling at a loss or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to stay on top of tasks and manage your finances and schedules. If signs of add in adult women to remember what you need to get for groceries, then you may not be able to cook your meals, or spend too much on unnecessary things.
Women with ADHD struggle to keep the daily chores, homework, and bills. The disorder may also contribute to disorganized workspaces, messy homes and a tendency to hoard. People who suffer from ADHD suffer from a condition known as "time blindness," which makes it difficult to know how long it has taken and how long you've been working on a particular task. Together with the difficulty of staying focused, issues with time management can result in feelings of guilt and shame over being unorganized.
While research suggests that girls and women are more likely to suffer from ADHD than boys and men, symptoms can be masked and undiagnosed. A lot of women don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. Social stigma and stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive the care and support they require.
Your doctor may recommend medication to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine boost and balance neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals that communicate. Nonstimulant medicines like antidepressants and atomoxetine can also be used to treat ADHD however they operate slower than stimulants. Your doctor might also recommend you to a mental health specialist, who can help develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your particular requirements.
4. Impulsiveness
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a hard managing their emotions, and are often more sensitive to rejection. This is due to the fact that the communication trail between brain regions that regulate emotional reactions and interpret what to do with those feelings is affected by the chemical imbalance that's associated with ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD are prone to moodiness and depression. This, in conjunction with the difficulty managing their obligations and obligations, can create problems for relationships with family and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD also tend to be less confident in themselves and may have trouble forming friendships and navigating social situations. They might go on tangents during conversations or have trouble comprehending what other people are saying, which may make it difficult for them to determine their place in a group.
When it comes to managing their daily tasks, women with ADHD might have difficulty finding the motivation to do routine or boring tasks, such as laundry, dishes, and cleaning. This can result in unhealthy coping strategies like binge-watching television shows or consuming substances. These behaviors can be especially risky for girls in their teens and teens with ADHD who are more likely to engage in sexually risky actions, such as early initiation of sexual activity, having fewer protected sex 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. Additionally women often hide their ADHD symptoms due to the multitude of expectations that society places on them (managing the home and the family for instance). This makes it difficult for health professionals to recognize that there's an issue, particularly since the symptoms are more easily identified in males and females.
5. Hyperactivity
For women suffering from ADHD the daily chores can be difficult to handle. They may struggle with organizing their lives, making payments on time and juggling appointments or school/work requirements. Additionally, emotional issues such as mood swings and trouble managing their emotions, could make it difficult to get along with others and can cause difficulties in relationships between people.
People suffering from ADHD struggle to read social cues or body language. They may struggle to follow a conversation or going off on a tangent, creating difficulties at school or at work and causing tension in relationships. They can also have difficulty making new friends or finding the right balance between their work, home and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary throughout the day, and may be affected by hormones such as during menstruation, pregnancy or perimenopause. This could lead to misdiagnosis or the wrong type of medication being taken.
There are some symptoms and signs that are that are typical of ADHD that can aid you or a loved one recognize the condition. It is essential to be aware of these signs to receive the treatment and support you need to manage symptoms effectively.
It is important to understand that ADHD does not mean that you are immune to other physical or mental conditions. Your doctor or therapist must conduct a thorough examination. They'll have to ask questions about your present and past behavior and experiences, review any medical history, and speak with you about how your symptoms affect you in a variety of settings.