Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often pushed to different expectations from society about how they should handle their careers, families and their home lives. This can lead you to feel frustrated and ashamed if your symptoms hinder your life.
Research shows that women and girls are often under-diagnosed for ADHD when compared to boys and men. This could be because they mask their symptoms or develop coping strategies to hide the signs, for example:
1. Inattentiveness
One of the most common signs of adhd is difficulty paying attention at the classroom or at work. Women with this condition often forget important meetings, fall behind on projects or get confused when trying to follow instructions. They may also have difficulty concentrating in noisy or crowded environments. Certain people with ADHD are prone to what's called "thousand-yard stares" and lose focus during conversations. These signs can cause problems at work or in relationships.
Women and girls are particularly at risk for undiagnosed ADHD particularly as they age. They frequently develop coping mechanisms that hide their symptoms and use these coping methods into adulthood. They may even start to recognize their symptoms as being particular to them, which could make it harder for them to seek help.
In addition, many teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations for girls as frequently as they do for men. If a girl's lack of attention to ADHD is impacting her school performance or social interactions, it is recommended that she consult a medical professional.
Having inattentive ADHD can lead to a lot of emotional stress. It can be frustrating when you feel like you're not able to meet the expectations of your friends, family members and co-workers. It can also be upsetting when you feel like you're not able to get along with your children or siblings. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety and depression that can be exacerbated by their inattention and impulsivity. In addition to seeking assistance there are a few things you can do to decrease the effects of these symptoms. Regular exercise can help release the neurotransmitters that improve concentration and attention. It can also reduce mood swings and anxiety, which are common among people who suffer from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
The impulsive symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to manage. You might make comments you shouldn't, or purchase something on impulse. You could also find yourself arrested by the police because of your actions. In addition, it can be hard to control your emotions and emotions. This could lead to self-harm, like cutting, burning or scratching yourself. This can also cause alcohol or drug abuse.
People with impulsivity can have difficulties with their relationships, school or work performance. You can manage your impulsivity using medications prescribed by your doctor. Drugs like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall Ritalin) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can improve your control over impulses. Non-stimulant medications such as clonidine and guanfacine may also help you to control your impulses.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. This type of ADHD is often difficult to recognize, leading to a misdiagnosis. Women may hide their symptoms to comply with social expectations and norms. This can be particularly difficult in adolescence and adulthood. Some women even employ unhealthy coping strategies, like excessive drinking and drug use to cover up their ADHD issues.
Women with high-functioning ADHD can conceal their symptoms by thriving in specific areas of their lives, such as school or at work. This could make you believe that everything is in order and make you feel overwhelmed. Consult your doctor about the accommodations you can receive at school or at work that will aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms. This is a great opportunity to inform your professors or colleagues of the challenges you have to face.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD and you are unable to keep appointments or being late to work, forgetting dates and becoming oblivious during conversations can lead to frustration, and leave others feeling unappreciated or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to manage your finances and keep track of your schedule and keep track of tasks. For instance, if have trouble remembering what you need to buy for groceries, you could miss out on meals or spend money on unnecessary items.
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a difficult time keeping track of everyday chores, homework and expenses. The disorder can also result in messy homes, messy workspaces and a tendency to pile up. People suffering from ADHD experience a concept known as "time blindness," which makes it difficult to determine the amount of time that has passed and the length of time you've spent on a task. Combined with difficulty staying focused, problems with time management can lead to feelings of guilt and shame about being unorganized.
Research has shown that girls, women and boys are more likely than men to have ADHD. However, the symptoms may be misdiagnosed or concealed. A lot of women don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. In addition, social stigmas and stereotypes could make it difficult for women to receive the help and treatment they require.
Your doctor might prescribe medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate increase and balance neurotransmitters - the brain chemicals that communicate. Antidepressants and atomoxetine which are non-stimulant medicines, can also be used to treat ADHD. However, they work more slowly than stimulants. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in mental health who can help create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
4. Impulsiveness
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult managing their emotions and are often more vulnerable to rejection. This is because the pathway of communication between brain regions that regulate emotional responses and determine what to do with those emotions is affected due to the chemical imbalance connected to ADHD.
Depression and moodiness are common for those with ADHD and the combination of these symptoms with difficulty keeping track of the demands of life can cause issues with relationships with loved ones and family. Women who suffer from ADHD also have lower self-esteem and may have trouble forming friendships and managing social situations. They can go off on tangents or struggle to comprehend what other people are saying. This could make it difficult for them to find a place within the group.
Women suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to motivate themselves to complete routine or boring tasks, like washing dishes cleaning, and doing laundry. This can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors like binge watching television shows or consuming substances. These are particularly risky for girls and adolescents with ADHD who are more likely than their peers to engage in risky activities like early sexual activity with 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. In addition many women conceal their ADHD symptoms due to the multitude of expectations society puts on them (managing the home and the family for instance). It isn't easy for doctors to identify that there is a problem because the symptoms are easy to recognize in both males.
5. Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to manage their daily tasks. They may have difficulty organizing their lives, paying their bills on time, and keeping up with work and school obligations. A variety of emotional symptoms, including mood swings and difficulties in controlling emotions, may make it difficult to connect with others and create problems in personal relationships.
People with ADHD frequently have difficulty picking the social cues and reading body language. add adult women might have trouble following conversations or wander off on a tangent which can cause issues at school or at work and causing tension in relationships. They might also have trouble making new friends or achieving the right balance between home, work, and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary throughout the day, and may be affected by hormones such as during menstruation and pregnancy, or during perimenopausal perimenopausal cycles. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis or a wrong type of medication being prescribed.
While everyone struggles with different difficulties when dealing with ADHD There are a few common symptoms and signs that can help you spot the condition in your loved one. Being aware of these symptoms is a good first step towards obtaining the help and treatment you need to manage your symptoms effectively.
It is important to understand that ADHD doesn't mean you are immune to other mental or physical conditions. Your doctor or therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation. They'll need to inquire about your current and past actions and experiences, look at any medical history, and discuss with you about how your symptoms affect you in various situations.