Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women with ADHD are often pushed to different expectations from society on how they should handle their family, careers and their home lives. This can cause you to be irritated and embarrassed when your symptoms cause problems.
Research has shown that girls and women are often under-diagnosed for ADHD as compared to men and boys. This could be due to the fact that they mask their symptoms or use strategies to manage them, like:
1. Inattentiveness
Being unable to pay attention at school or at work is among the primary symptoms of adhd. Women suffering from this condition tend to miss important meetings, get behind on their work or become misguided when trying to follow instructions. They might be unable to concentrate in situations that are noisy or busy. Certain people with ADHD are prone to what's known as "thousand-yard stares" and zone out during conversations. These symptoms can lead to issues at work or in relationships.
Girls and women can be particularly at risk for undiagnosed ADHD especially as they age. They frequently develop coping mechanisms that cover up their symptoms and use these coping methods throughout their adulthood. They may even begin to consider their symptoms personal characteristics, which could make them less likely to seek assistance.
A lot of teachers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for girls as they do for males. If a girl's inattentive ADHD is impacting her school performance or social interactions, then she should speak to a health professional.
Inattentive ADHD is a typical reason for emotional stress. It can be a frustrating experience to feel that you aren't being able to meet the standards of your colleagues, friends and family members. It can be frustrating to feel as if you're not getting along with your siblings or kids. Some people with ADHD experience depression and anxiety that can be exacerbated by their impulsivity and inattention. In addition to seeking help there are a few things you can do to lessen the effects of these symptoms. Regular exercise can help release the neurotransmitters that improve concentration and attention. It also helps reduce mood swings, anxiety, and other symptoms that are common to people with ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
The impulse-driven symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to manage. You may utter things you shouldn't say, buy something on a whim or be a target for the law due to your actions. It can also make it hard to control your emotions and emotions. Self-injury can result in self-injury, including burning, cutting or scratching yourself. This can also lead to drug or alcohol dependence.
People who are impulsive usually have issues with relationships as well as school or work performance. Your doctor can help manage your impulsivity by prescribing medication. The use of amphetamine, dextroamphetamine (Adderall Ritalin) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can help you improve your ability to control your impulses. Non-stimulant medications such as clonidine and guanfacine could also help to manage your impulses better.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. But this kind of ADHD is difficult to spot and could result in underdiagnosis. Women may hide their symptoms to meet societal expectations and standards. This can be particularly difficult in adolescence and adulthood. Some women employ unhealthy coping strategies that include drinking excessively and drug use to hide their ADHD challenges.
women and adhd who have high-functioning ADHD might conceal their symptoms by thriving in certain areas of their lives, like school or at work. This can give you a false sense of security and cause you to feel overwhelmed by the demands of life. Consult your doctor about any adjustments that you can make at work or in school to help manage your ADHD symptoms. This is an excellent way to increase awareness with your coworkers or professors about the issues you may encounter.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD then you may be unable to attend appointments, turning up late for work, forgetting dates and zoning-out during conversations can cause frustration and make others feel snubbed or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to manage finances, keep track of schedules, and follow through on tasks. For example, if you struggle to remember what you'll need for groceries, you may be unable to eat or overspend on unnecessary purchases.
Women who suffer from ADHD often have a hard time keeping track of everyday chores, homework and expenses. The disorder can also lead to messy and messy workplaces, and a tendency to pile up. The "time blindness" that ADHD patients are prone to makes it difficult to gauge how much time has been passed or how much time they've spent on a particular task. Time management issues can trigger feelings of guilt or shame when combined with the difficulty of staying organized.
While research suggests that women and girls are more likely to suffer from ADHD than men and boys the symptoms can be hidden and underdiagnosed. Many women are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. Additionally, social stigma and stereotypes may make it harder for women to receive the help and treatment they require.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to manage your ADHD symptoms. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are able to boost and regulate levels of neurotransmitters, which are the brain chemicals that communicate with one another. Nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine and antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD however, they perform slower than stimulants. Your doctor might refer you to an expert in mental health, who can assist in creating a treatment plan specific to your needs.
4. Impulsiveness
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time controlling their emotions and are often more vulnerable to rejection. The chemical imbalance associated with ADHD interferes with communication between brain regions that regulate emotions, and also interpret how to handle them.
People with ADHD are more prone to depression and moodiness. This, in conjunction with a difficulty in keeping track of their responsibilities and obligations, can create problems for romantic and family relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD might also suffer from low self-esteem and have difficulty in forming relationships and managing social situations. They might wander off on tangents or have difficulty understanding what others are saying. high functioning adhd in women makes it difficult for them to find a place within an organization.
Women suffering from ADHD might find it difficult to get motivated to finish routine or boring tasks, like washing dishes cleaning, and washing laundry. This can result in unhealthy coping strategies like binge watching TV shows or taking drugs. These behaviors are especially dangerous for teens and girls with ADHD who are more likely than their peers to engage in risky behavior like early sexual activity, fewer protected partners, and casual sex.
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. Many women are unable to recognize their ADHD due to the numerous expectations that society places on them (managing home and family for instance). It isn't always easy for doctors to recognize that there is a problem since the symptoms are easy to detect in men and boys.
5. Hyperactivity
For women with ADHD, everyday tasks can be difficult to handle. They may have trouble managing their lives, paying their bills on time, and keeping up with work and school obligations. Additionally, emotional issues like mood swings and difficulty controlling their emotions, can make it difficult to get along with others and cause problems in personal relationships.
People with ADHD are often unable to pick social cues or understanding body language. They may have difficulty following conversations or wander off on a tangent, creating issues at school or at work and causing tension in relationships. They may also have difficulty making new friends or finding a balance between work, home and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD can be different throughout the day and be influenced by hormone levels, like those that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, or as they move through perimenopause (the run-up to menopause). This could lead to misdiagnosis or the wrong types of medications being used.
Although everyone faces different issues when it comes to ADHD, there are some typical indicators and signs that can help you identify the condition in yourself or a loved one. Recognizing adhd in older women is a great first step towards getting the help and treatment you require to effectively manage your symptoms.
It is important to understand that ADHD does not mean you are free of other physical or mental disorders. Your therapist or doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation. They will need to ask questions about your present and past behavior and experiences, review any medical history, and speak with you about how your symptoms affect your life in a variety of settings.