Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women suffering from ADHD are often subjected to different expectations from society regarding how they can manage their families, careers, and their home lives. This can lead you to be irritated and embarrassed if your symptoms get in the way.
Research shows that girls are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than boys and men. This could be due to the fact that they cover up their symptoms or develop strategies to hide their symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
One of the most common symptoms of adhd is difficulty paying attention in school or at work. People with this condition frequently miss important meetings, get behind on assignments or are confused when trying to follow instructions. They might also have difficulty focusing or concentrate in situations that are noisy or busy. Certain people with ADHD might experience "thousand-yard gazes" or a tendency to lose focus when they are talking. These symptoms can cause issues at work or in relationships.
Girls and women can be particularly susceptible to undiagnosed ADHD especially as they get older. They develop coping strategies that cover up their symptoms and continue to do so into adulthood. They may even begin to consider their symptoms individual characteristics, which can make them less likely to seek assistance.
A lot of teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations as often for girls as they do for males. If a girl's numbness or ADHD is impacting her school performance or social interactions, it is recommended that she consult a health professional.
Inattentive ADHD is a frequent reason for emotional stress. It can be frustrating when you feel you are not able meet the expectations of friends or family members, as well as coworkers. It can also be upsetting when you feel like you're not able to get along with your children or siblings. Inattention and impulsivity can cause depression and anxiety in some people suffering from ADHD. In addition to seeking assistance there are some things you can do to reduce the impact of these symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters to improve concentration and attention. It can also help reduce anxiety, mood swings and other symptoms that are common among those suffering from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage. You might make comments you shouldn't, or purchase something on impulse. You may also end up in trouble with the police because of your actions. The urge to be impulsive can make it difficult to control your emotions and emotions. This could lead to self-harm, such as burning, cutting or scratching yourself. This can result in alcohol or drug dependence.
People who are impulsive can face issues with their relationships, school or work performance. Your doctor can help manage your impulsivity with prescription medications. Medications like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Ritalin) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can help you improve your control over impulses. Non-stimulant drugs like clonidine or guanfacine could also help to control your impulses.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. But this type of ADHD is more difficult to detect and could result in underdiagnosis. Women may hide symptoms to conform to social expectations and standards. This masking is especially problematic during adolescence or early adulthood. Some women even employ unhealthy coping strategies, like excessive drinking and substance use to hide their ADHD challenges.
Women with high-functioning ADHD can conceal their symptoms by excelling in specific areas of their lives, such as school or work. This can create a false sense of security and make you feel overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life. Ask your healthcare provider for accommodations at school or at work that can aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms. This is a great chance to educate your colleagues or professors of the issues you have to face.
3. signs and symptoms of adhd in women
If you have ADHD then missing appointments, arriving late to work, forgetting dates and zoning-out during conversations can cause frustration and make others feel unimportant or offended. The condition can also make it difficult to manage finances and keep track of your schedule, and follow through on tasks. For instance, if have trouble remembering what you need to buy for groceries, you might be unable to eat or spend money on unnecessary items.
Women with ADHD have difficulty keeping the track of their daily chores, bills and homework. The condition can also cause disorganized homes, messy workspaces and a tendency to accumulate. People with ADHD experience a concept known as "time blindness," which makes it difficult to know how long it has taken and how long you've been working on a project. In addition to being unable to stay focused, time management problems can lead to feelings of guilt and shame being unorganized.
While research has shown that women and girls are more likely to have ADHD than men and boys, symptoms can be masked and not recognized. A lot of women don't receive a diagnosis until the age of adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. Social stigma and stereotypes can also make it difficult for women to access the treatment and assistance they require.
Your doctor may recommend medication to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine can increase and balance levels of neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals that communicate with one another. Non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants and atomoxetine can also be used to treat ADHD however, they perform slower than stimulants. Your doctor may also recommend you to a mental health professional, who can help develop an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
4. Impulsiveness
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult to control their emotions and often feel more sensitive to rejection. This is because the pathway of communication between brain regions that regulate emotional reactions and interpret what to do with those feelings is impaired due to the chemical imbalance connected to ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD are more susceptible to moodiness and depression. This, combined with the difficulty of keeping track of their responsibilities, can cause problems with romantic and family relationships. Women with ADHD also have lower self-esteem and may have trouble forming friendships and managing social situations. They may wander off in a tangent or struggle to comprehend what other people are saying. This can make it hard for them to find a spot in a group.
Women suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to motivate themselves to complete simple or boring tasks like washing dishes, cleaning, and doing laundry. This can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors like binge watching TV shows or taking drugs. These behaviors can be especially risky for young girls as well as adolescents with ADHD who are more likely to engage in risky sexual actions, such as early initiation of sexual activities, 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. In addition, many women hide their ADHD symptoms due to the long list of expectations society puts on them (managing the family and home for instance). It can be difficult for doctors to determine if there is a problem because the symptoms are easy to detect in men and males.
5. Hyperactivity
For women who suffer from ADHD daily tasks can be difficult to handle. They may have trouble organizing their lives and paying their bills on time and keeping up with school/work requirements. Additionally, emotional signs, such as mood swings and trouble managing their emotions, could make it hard to be a good friend and can cause difficulties in personal relationships.
People with ADHD often have trouble picking social cues or reading body language. They may wander off on a tangent within conversations or have trouble following the conversation, leading to problems with work or school performance as well as strained relationships. They can also have a difficult time making new friends or achieving the right balance between their work, home, and social life.
Symptoms of ADHD can be different throughout the day and be affected by hormone levels, such as those during menstruation or pregnancy, or when they move through perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause). This could lead to confusion or the wrong type of medication being prescribed.
While everyone struggles with different difficulties when dealing with ADHD, there are some typical symptoms and signs that can help you identify the condition in your loved one. It is important to be aware of these signs to get the treatment and help you require to manage your symptoms effectively.
The fact that you have ADHD doesn't mean you don't have any other physical or mental health conditions, so it's important that your therapist or doctor conducts a thorough assessment. They'll have to ask questions about your present and past actions and experiences, look at any medical history, and talk with you about how your symptoms impact you in a variety of situations.