ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that sex and a gender are dependent on biology, which includes the body's chromosomal makeup as well as hormones. Many people do not easily fit into an unisexual gender. Gender and sexes can impact the way ADHD symptoms are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of the early years of childhood, typically before the age of 12. ADHD must present symptoms before the age of 12 and cause problems in multiple settings to be able to receive a diagnosis.
1. Trouble focusing
Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD and it's an issue for everyone. Women may have a tougher time focusing, especially since symptoms can appear differently than in men.
Women are more likely to be prone to disorganization and indecisiveness for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally afflicted and struggle to put things in perspective. These problems can create an inability to focus on tasks, leading to a decrease in productivity at work or home. They are also more likely to not attend doctor appointments or forget to take their medications.
simply click for source that women experience as well as these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. Females have a larger hippocampus, which aids in memory and learning, and hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopausal changes can affect their brain's function.
As a result, women with undiagnosed ADHD may face major difficulties in relationships, at school, and at work. They might also suffer from various comorbidities including anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
This is why it is crucial for health professionals to recognize the many indications that females with ADHD often show. They should rethink their approaches to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to take into account hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation and other variables that affect the severity of symptoms. Patients can then receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Females with ADHD are often unable to controlling their emotions, particularly when they interact with other people. This can lead to emotional dysregulation that is a major cause of ADHD symptoms. It is also associated with negative life outcomes. This includes low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, difficult romantic relationships which can lead to intimate partner violence, problems with friends as well as a messy home or personal space, and an inability to manage time or money.
The gender stereotypes of women can influence the way women with ADHD are treated. Because they are often considered to be more sensitive or prone to mood swings, they may be misunderstood or dismissed as emotionally unstable. This can increase their frustration about living with untreated ADHD.
The impulse control portion of the brain, referred to as the prefrontal cortex, is affected in people with ADHD. This means that they have more trouble making decisions and sticking in their intentions. This can make you want to take a bite more cake or to make a snide comment.
For people who suffer from ADHD medication can assist to increase their ability to control their behavior. Stimulants like amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help reduce impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medications such as clonidine and guanfacine can be efficient too. People with ADHD might also benefit from a treatment called behavioral therapy, which helps them change their thinking patterns and develop better strategies for coping.
Meditation, eating a balanced diet and getting enough rest can all help to control restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It's important to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and to share this data with their doctor to assess whether their treatment plan is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization can be a problem for those suffering from ADHD and can affect their work and personal lives. They may have trouble to complete tasks and their efficiency may be reduced. They could also be late and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis.
A lack of organization can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They might not remember important dates or even lose things like purses or keys. This can cause them to feel isolated and lonely. They can also feel misunderstood by family and friends. Disorganization is more common during perimenopause or menopause when hormones are changing and symptoms increase.
It is not unusual for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms in order to conform with societal norms and avoid being thought of as a problem. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of guilt or shame. This could be a reason for why women and girls are often not diagnosed with ADHD particularly in adolescence where symptoms are more obvious.
Women who are not treated for ADHD might have a poor performance at work or in school. This could affect their work, grades, or their image. It can also create problems in their personal life, such as difficulties with romantic partners or strained relationships with family and friends members.
Women with chronic disorganization can receive one-on-one assistance by a non-judgmental therapist. They can assist women in learning to stay organized by creating a list and setting reminders. In addition, a qualified mental health professional can recommend medication and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. This can include eating small frequent meals to maintain energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can cause adverse effects from stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness influences decision-making in a variety of aspects of life. There are a variety of instruments that have been created to assess indecisiveness. These include the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness has also been linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is when people perceive ambiguous situations as dangerous. It is also believed to be correlated with the fear of being wrong, which could be the reason why it is common for people suffering from adhd to struggle with making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd that were interviewed, they described not being in a position to make decisions about their personal and professional lives. They had a difficult time finding an occupation they enjoyed or to stay in, and found it difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships, and health. They often had to wait for others to make decisions, or were unable complete projects like arranging childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms such as inattention and impulsivity or difficulty beginning projects was preventing them from completing.
They struggled to maintain friendships and had difficulty relaxing, leading to problems with their mental health. They reported high levels of anxiety and stress as well as an inability to sleep and a poor diet. They also reported feeling snubbed by other adults and by the media. They were able to explain their struggles with ADHD which helped them boost their self-esteem as they weren't blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to appropriate treatments.
The interviews revealed that women were very optimistic however, they struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD in different areas of their lives. The women reported the absence of a job or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships, and a messy house.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Women can hide their hyperactivity and impulsivity because they believe that their behavior is less acceptable for men and boys. They also may internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping strategies such as self-harm (cutting or burning, or scratching). This can cause feelings of low self-esteem which can lead to anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
A high self-esteem is a key factor in better relationships and a more positive outlook on life. When people lack a strong sense of self-worth, they tend to seek outside things - like careers, relationships wealth, power, and relationships - to feel worthy. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can lead to a lack in communication within a relationship.
Women with ADHD may also feel they do not deserve good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire for others to "keep up with" or to please. This can cause toxic workplaces, a negative self-image, and a dependence on substance or food.
While these are major challenges but the women who participated in this study also discovered a number of positive aspects of living with ADHD. They generally identify their ADHD as a gift or a curse, depending on whether they believe they have control over it. Some of them have also identified personal strengths they believe are due to their ADHD. They have the ability to be creative, energetic and determination, as well as the ability to easily get interested in new topics. They also describe their own struggles within the context of a larger picture that includes gender and biological distinctions, as well as cultural and family issues.