A Brief History Of The Evolution Of ADHD Symptoms In Women
AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women with ADHD struggle to live up to society's expectations. Women with ADHD often struggle to live up to expectations of society such as caring for others as well as balancing work and home life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. A bias based on gender can cause health professionals to not recognize ADHD in girls and women or misdiagnose them.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd in women is the difficulty of in concentrating. It's a problem that can manifest in a variety of different ways, from not remembering appointments to being unable to finish tasks at work, to losing focus when talking to others and making them feel unimportant. It's also a typical problem that makes it hard for women to keep up with their finances, and is often the reason why they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
Women are more adept in masked ADHD symptoms than other women and this makes it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers don't know why, however, they think it could be due to gender roles and the expectation of women and girls to be more "restrained." Masking ADHD can result in poor performance at work or in school and prevent people from seeking help and assistance.
Focus issues are also an atypical symptom that could be confused with other illnesses like anxiety and depression. Depression can affect concentration by making you forgetful and demotivated. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder have difficulty concentrating because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
The best method to increase your ability to concentrate is to manage your ADHD symptoms through treatment. That means finding a clinician or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD for girls and women. It is also important to know about the accommodations you can request from your school or employer, such as flexible working hours or working at home. A healthy sleep routine will assist you in having more restful nights and also help you stay focused throughout the day. This includes sleeping each night at the same time, and listening to relaxing music or an audiobook, and limiting the time you spend on your computer.
2. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity symptoms. They may be prone to interrupting others or switching topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not beneficial to their health. They may also have difficulty reading body language or interpreting social signals. Symptoms of impulsivity often get worse during perimenopause, the period that comes before menopause and after which hormone levels start to decline.
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have inattentive-type symptoms, which can be harder to notice than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This can cause health professionals to miss ADHD in them, misdiagnose them or ignore their symptoms as mood or anxiety problems. Research on ADHD is focused on males and females. This may lead to a gender bias.
Teachers and parents might notice impulsive behavior in children with ADHD. It's normal for kids to be restless, impatient, or impulsive at times. However, those behaviors tend to improve as children grow up and learn to manage their problems.
Adults with adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting which can affect their work, relationships, and school. They can lead to delay, forgetfulness, and trouble following through on commitments. They can also make finding and keeping a job difficult and can hinder healthy eating.
Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication. Your doctor will suggest a combination of treatments depending on the specific symptoms you have and lifestyle, as well as other health conditions you may have. They might also recommend psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change negative thoughts patterns and couples counseling when your relationship has been affected by your ADHD or family therapy. Physical exercise can help calm your brain and reduce symptoms, especially in the case of distraction and impulsivity. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group workouts like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide array of physical symptoms. Dizziness, headaches, palpitations and sweating are a few of the signs. These symptoms can cause a person to believe they are suffering from an attack or that the world is about to end. Due to these physical signs, people who experience anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having heart disease. inattentive adhd in women can lead to lengthy medical treatments without addressing the root cause. Fortunately, the majority of anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy alone or in combination with medication. Particularly, cognitive behavior therapy can help a person discover new ways of thinking and reacting that can reduce anxiety.
Unlike men and boys, who are more likely to have hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, women are more likely to have the inattentive subtype of the disorder. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with mixed subtypes. It is crucial for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will perform an extensive physical exam and ask questions about how the disorder affects their life.
Women with ADHD may have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that many of the diagnostic tools utilized for the disorder are biased towards male behavior. Women often attempt to conceal their symptoms in order to fit into society. They could be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment delayed. A qualified professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The professional will conduct a thorough history, physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to evaluate the symptoms of a person and determine if they have other conditions that could be contributing to them.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD can experience disorganization which is a constant issue that can disrupt work and schoolwork habits which can cause emotional stress and create tension in relationships, and can lead to financial problems. Disorganization can be caused by a lack of organization like not paying bills on time or keep appointments, and difficulties in making decisions. In many cases, it is connected to other issues, like anxiety, traumatizing life incident, or depression and can be difficult to treat.
Some women who suffer from ADHD have a high level of functioning and their symptoms do not significantly impact their daily interactions and relationships. The condition is known as "high-functioning ADHD." However it doesn't mean they don't have the common symptoms. This includes forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating or paying attention to tiny details.
For some, a lack of organization is a constant struggle, and it's common for those with ADHD to spend time searching for lost items or put off important tasks. It can also lead to poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also trigger various health issues like anxiety or sleep disorders.
Another issue that can cause disorder in women suffering from ADHD is hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, the middle of menstruation, and at the end the cycle, while progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can cause ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, although biological differences could play a part, some of the disorder or impulsivity among women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls can be conditioned to be quiet and reserved and this can cause them to suppress or hide their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women often find it easier to mask their attention problems than men and can result in underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. They may think that they're better at time management and concentration than they actually are. In reality, these people are likely to lose things, forget appointments, or fail to pay their bills on time. They also face issues with organization both at work and at home.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop the inattentive subtype the disorder. They're less likely to have the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed symptoms, which must be present in at least two settings for six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. They may also have trouble being silent, and may even talk to themselves or make a variety of nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men.
Medication is the primary treatment option for many adults suffering from ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with the brain may also be a possibility. They include atomoxetine and the guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial for women suffering from ADHD. These treatments can help you recognize thoughts that are irrational or automatic and teach you healthy ways to self regulate your emotions and behaviors. A healthy diet and exercise along with medication can help you manage ADHD symptoms like anxiety, impulsivity and disorientation. For energy-boosting try activities such as yoga, dancing, or classes in groups such as aerobics or swimming and biking. Try to get at least four to five sessions of exercise per week, lasting about 30 minutes per session. Be sure to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein to boost your focus and mood.