ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are a reflection of biology, the hormonal makeup of the body and its chromosomal makeup. It also acknowledges that many people don't belong to a sex binary. However, sex and gender can influence the way symptoms of ADHD are identified and treated.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. ADHD must show signs before 12 years of age and cause problems in multiple settings to be eligible for a diagnosis.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD and it's a problem for all genders. However, women may find it more challenging to achieve the attention they require due to the fact that symptoms usually manifest differently in men.
Women are more likely to experience indecisiveness and disorganization for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally afflicted and have a difficult time putting things in perspective. These problems can lead to an inability to focus which can lead to a lack productivity at home or work. They're also more likely not attend doctor appointments or forget to take their medication.
Women's hormones as well as these inherent differences, can cause ADHD symptoms. Females have a bigger hippocampus, which helps with learning and memory, as well as hormone changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopausal changes can affect their brain's functioning.
Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD may struggle in their relationships, at school and at work. They may also have multiple comorbid disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
It is crucial that health care professionals recognize the numerous signs that females with ADHD exhibit. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnosing and treating women with ADHD to account for hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation and other variables that influence the severity of symptoms. This way, patients will finally receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Females suffering from ADHD tend to have difficulty controlling their emotions, particularly when they interact with others. This can result in emotional dysregulation which is a major aspect of ADHD symptoms and is linked to a variety of negative life results. These include low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, difficult romantic relationships that can result in intimate partner violence, trouble with friendships as well as a messy home or personal space, and the inability to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes may also impact the way women with ADHD are treated. Because they are frequently considered to be more sensitive or prone to mood swings, they may be misinterpreted or dismissed as overly emotional. This can lead to their frustration at being diagnosed with ADHD.
The portion of the brain that controls impulses the brain, known as the prefrontal cortex, is affected in people with ADHD. This means they have a harder time making decisions and executing their intentions. This makes it difficult to resist the temptation to eat another piece of cake or to make an inappropriate statement in public.
For people who suffer from ADHD, medication can help to increase their ability to control their impulsivity. stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help to reduce the impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medicines like Guanfacine and clonidine can be effective too. People with ADHD may also benefit from a treatment called behavioral therapy, which helps them change their mental patterns and develop healthier strategies for coping.
Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and practicing meditation can also help in reducing the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It is important to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and communicate this information with their physician to determine if their treatment plan is effective.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a common problem for people suffering from ADHD and can have a negative impact on their professional and personal lives. It may take them longer to complete tasks and reduce their efficiency. They could also be late or overwhelmed each day.
Inability to organize can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. They might forget important dates or lose things like keys or purses. Consequently, they may feel lonely and alone. Family and friends may also be confused about their feelings. The disorder can become more severe during perimenopause and menopause as hormones alter and symptoms become more severe.
It is not unusual for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms to fit in with the norms of society and avoid being judged. This can result in self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It can also be a reason why girls and women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD particularly in adolescence where symptoms become more apparent.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may not perform as well at school or at work. This could affect their career, grades or overall reputation. It can also create problems in their personal life like issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family and friends members.
Women who are constantly disorganized will benefit from the one-on-1 support of a non-judgmental person. They can help them learn strategies to get and keep their lives organized, such as making lists of daily tasks and setting reminders for them. Additionally, a certified mental health professional can recommend medication and lifestyle changes to help minimize ADHD symptoms. This can include eating small, frequent meals to keep energy levels up and avoiding caffeine which can cause adverse effects from stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness affects decision-making in many aspects of life. Indecisiveness can be measured using various instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the Indecisiveness scale. adhd in adult women test is also associated with neuroticism and the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret uncertain situations as threat. It has also been found to be associated with the fear of being wrong, which could help explain why it's common for people suffering from adhd to have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd interviewed they said they were not capable of making decisions about their personal and professional lives. They struggled to find an occupation they enjoyed or stayed in, and also found it difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships and health. They frequently waited for other people to make decisions or were unable to complete projects themselves, such as organizing childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms, such as the inability to focus and impulsivity, or starting projects was preventing them from completing.
They had difficulty finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive, which led to mental health issues. They reported having high levels of stress and anxiety as well as an inability to sleep and a poor diet. They also expressed feeling slighted by media and adults. They were able to articulate their struggles with ADHD, which helped them improve their self-esteem because they weren't blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to appropriate treatments.
The interviews revealed that women had many positive qualities however, they struggled to overcome the impact of their ADHD symptoms on different aspects of their lives. The women reported a lack in career or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships and a messy home.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Some of the symptoms that are a part of ADHD are considered to be less acceptable socially for women and girls than they are for boys and men, so some women hide their hyperactivity, impulsivity, and disorganization. Some women might take on the characteristics of ADHD and adopt coping strategies such as self-harming (cutting or burning). This can lead to low self-esteem, which can contribute to depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
Being able to identify your inner worth is a prerequisite for healthier relationships and a better outlook on life. When people lack a strong sense of self-worth and feel they are not worthy, they will seek outside things - including relationships, careers wealth, power, and relationships to feel a sense of worthiness. Licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can result in an absence of communication within the relationship, which could eventually end it.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel they are not worthy of good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or "keep up" with other people. This can lead to negative work environments as well as a negative image of one's body and a dependence on food or substances.
While these are serious issues but the women who participated in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They described ADHD as either an advantage or a disadvantage depending on the way they perceive their ability to manage it. Many of them also recognize personal strengths that they believe are a result of to their ADHD, including high energy, creativity determination and the ability to get easily 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.