Ten ADHD Traits In Women Myths That Aren't Always True
ADHD Traits in Women Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender refer to biology—the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones—and that many people don't belong to a sex binary. Gender and sexes can impact the way ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated. ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. ADHD must show signs before the age of 12 and cause problems in more than one environment to qualify for a diagnoses. 1. Problems with Focusing Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD, and it's a problem for all genders. But women may have more difficulty to get the focus they need, especially because symptoms often manifest differently in men. Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and impulsive, as an example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and struggle to put things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability to concentrate which can lead to a lack productivity at home or work. They're also more likely miss doctor appointments and forget to take their medications. In addition to these innate variations, hormones in women can make their ADHD symptoms more severe. The hippocampus of females is larger, which aids in memory and learning. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal changes can also influence brain function. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD might struggle with their relationships, at school, and at work. They may also have various comorbidities like depression, anxiety and eating disorders. For these reasons, it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the various indications that females with ADHD frequently exhibit. They need to rethink their approach to diagnosing and treating women with ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations and other factors that can influence symptom severity. These patients can then finally receive the treatment they require. 2. Impulsivity Females who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have trouble managing their emotions, particularly when interacting with others. This can lead to emotional dysregulation which is a key element of ADHD symptoms and is associated with many negative life consequences. This includes low self-esteem, coexisting depression and anxiety, problematic romantic relationships, which can lead to violence between partners, problems with friendships, a messy home or personal space, an inability to manage time or money, and a messy house. Gender stereotypes can also affect how women who suffer from ADHD are treated. They may be misunderstood because they are perceived as more sensitive or prone to mood swings. This can cause them to feel more frustrated over being diagnosed with ADHD. The impulse control portion of the brain, known as the prefrontal cortex, is impaired in individuals with ADHD. This means they have more trouble making decisions and executing in their intentions. This can make it hard to resist the urge to eat another piece of cake or to make an inappropriate statement in public. For people who suffer from ADHD medication can assist to improve their ability to manage their impulsivity. Stimulants such as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are able to reduce the behavior of impulsivity. Non-stimulants like clonidine and Guanfacine can also be effective. Patients with ADHD may also benefit from a behavioral therapy, which helps to change their thinking patterns and develop more effective methods of coping. Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet and getting enough rest can all help control restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It is also a great idea to track their symptoms throughout the day and then share the information with their doctor to determine whether their treatment is working. 3. Disorganization Disorganization is a frequent issue for people suffering from ADHD and can have a negative impact on their work and personal lives. They may have trouble to complete their tasks and their efficiency may be reduced. They may also be late and feel overwhelmed on a daily basis. Insanity can cause problems to maintain healthy relationships. They might forget important dates or lose possessions such as keys or purses. They might feel lonely and isolated as a result. Friends and family members may misunderstand their feelings. The disorder can become more severe during perimenopause and menopause when hormones shift and symptoms intensify. It is not uncommon for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms in order to conform with the norms of society and avoid being judged. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. It may also be the reason women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially during adolescence, when symptoms are more evident. As a result women suffering from untreated ADHD may have trouble with their work or school performance. This can affect their work, grades or their overall image. It can also create problems for their personal lives. For instance, it may lead to problems with their relationships with their partners or breakups with family and friends. Women who are constantly disorganized can benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental friend. They can help them learn strategies to stay organized, such as making an agenda of the daily tasks and creating reminders for them. A licensed mental health professional can also suggest medication and lifestyle changes that will help minimize ADHD symptoms. This can include eating small, frequent meals to ensure energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can trigger side effects from stimulant medications. 4. Indecisiveness Indecisiveness affects decision-making in many aspects of daily life. adhd in young women have been developed to measure indecisiveness, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also correlated with neuroticism and with the tendency to employ worst case scenario thinking, where people interpret uncertain situations as dangerous. It was also found to be related to a fear of making a mistake, which could help explain why people with adhd have difficulty making decisions. In the qualitative study on adult women with adhd that were interviewed the participants said they were not in a position to make decisions regarding their professional and personal lives. They found it hard to manage their finances and relationships and had trouble finding an occupation they liked. They often waited for other people to decide or were unable to complete projects on their own, for example, organizing childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms such as the inability to focus and impulsivity, or starting projects were preventing them from progressing. They had difficulty relaxing and maintaining friendships which resulted in mental health problems. They described high levels of stress and anxiety, as well as a sleep deprivation and inadequate nutrition. They also reported feeling stigmatized by media and adults. The diagnosis of ADHD gave them a reason for their struggles, which was helpful for self-esteem because it meant they were not blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to appropriate treatments. adhd women uk revealed that women were extremely positive and able to overcome the effects of ADHD in different areas of their lives. These included a lack possibilities for romance or work as well as difficulties maintaining relationships. an unclean home. 5. Lack of self-esteem Women may conceal their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe these behaviors aren't as acceptable for boys and men. They may also be able to internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping strategies such as self-harm (cutting or burning, or scratching). This can result in low self-esteem, which could contribute to depression, anxiety or eating disorders. A high sense of inner worth is the basis for better relationships and an optimistic outlook on life. When people lack a strong sense of self-worth and feel they are not worthy, they will seek outside things – including careers, relationships, wealth, and power to feel a sense of worthiness. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed psychotherapist, says this can lead to the lack of communication in the relationship. Women with ADHD might also feel they are not worthy of good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire to “keep up” or to please. This can result in a toxic work culture, a negative body image and a dependence on foods or substances. Although these are significant challenges, the women who participated in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They generally describe their ADHD as a gift or a curse, depending on whether they feel they can control it. Some have identified personal strengths they believe are a result of to their ADHD. They have high energy, creativity and determination and the ability to easily get fascinated by new subjects. They also discuss their own struggles within the context of a larger picture that includes gender and biological distinctions, as well as cultural and family issues.