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 do not fit into a sex binary. Sexe and gender can affect the way ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is diagnosed in childhood, usually before the age of 12. ADHD must present symptoms before the age of 12 and cause problems in multiple settings to be able to receive a diagnosis.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is the root of ADHD and can affect both women and men. Women may have a harder time focusing, especially since symptoms may manifest differently than in men.
Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and indecisive, for example. They are also more likely to experience emotional stress and have trouble putting things into perspective. adhd traits in women can lead to an inability to focus and can result in an absence of productivity at home or work. They're also more likely miss doctor appointments and forget to take their medications.
The hormones that women experience along with these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is bigger which helps with learning and memory. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation as well as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause may also affect brain function.
Women with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school and at work. They could also be suffering from a variety of comorbid disorders, such as 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 often show. They should rethink their approaches to diagnosing and treating women with ADHD to account for emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations, and other factors that influence the severity of symptoms. That way, these patients will finally receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is particularly true when they are interacting with other people. This can cause emotional dysregulation which is a component of ADHD symptoms. It is also associated with negative outcomes in life. These include poor self-esteem, depression that is co-occurring with anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones that can result in intimate partner violence, trouble with friends and a messy home or personal space, and a failure to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes may also impact the way women with ADHD are treated. Because they are frequently considered to be more sensitive or prone to mood swings, they could be misinterpreted or dismissed as overly emotional. This can cause them to feel more frustrated in being a victim of untreated ADHD.
People with ADHD have impaired impulse control Also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have more trouble making decisions and sticking with their goals. This can make it difficult to resist the temptation to eat a second piece of cake or make an inappropriate statement in public.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications that help to control their impulsivity. The use of stimulants such as amphetamine or dextroamphetamine may reduce the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulants such as clonidine or Guanfacine are also effective. Behavioral therapy can also be recommended, which can help people with ADHD alter their thinking patterns and learn more effective ways of coping.
Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet and getting enough sleep can all help control restlessness and impulsiveness in people with ADHD. It's also a good idea to track their symptoms throughout the day, and then share the information with their doctor to determine whether or not their treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a typical issue for people suffering from ADHD, and can affect their professional and personal lives. It could take longer to complete tasks, and decrease their productivity. They could also be late and become overwhelmed on a daily basis.
A lack of organization can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. They might forget important dates or lose things like keys or purses. In the end, they might feel lonely and alone. Friends and family may be confused about them. The disorder is more prevalent during perimenopause or menopause when hormones change and symptoms are increasing.
Women often cover up their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to social norms or to avoid being judged. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. It could also be the reason women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially evident in adolescence when symptoms are more evident.
Women who are not treated for ADHD may not perform as well at school or at work. This could affect their career, grades or their overall image. It can also create problems in their personal life including issues with romantic partners, or strained relationships with family members and friends members.
Women with chronic disorganization could get help one-on-one from a non-judgmental, supportive person. They can help women learn to stay organized by making a list and setting reminders. A qualified mental health professional could also suggest medication and lifestyle changes that can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. This may include eating smaller meals throughout the day to maintain a steady energy levels, and avoiding caffeine which can cause an increase in the side effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a trait that can affect decision-making in many areas of life. Indecisiveness can be measured with various instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale of Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness is also associated with neuroticism and with the tendency to employ worst-case scenario thinking, where people perceive ambiguous situations as potentially dangerous. It was also discovered to be associated with a fear of making a mistake, which could explain why people suffering from adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study on adult women with adhd that were interviewed they said they were not capable of making decisions regarding their personal and professional lives. They had a difficult time finding an occupation they enjoyed or to stay in, and were difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships and health. They often had to wait for others to make decisions, or were unable complete projects such as scheduling childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms, such as the inability to focus and impulsivity, or beginning projects were holding them back.
They had a difficult time keeping friendships and were unable to relax which led to issues with their mental health. They described having high levels of anxiety and stress, sleeping less and a poor diet. They also reported feeling snubbed by their peers and the media. The diagnosis of ADHD provided them with a reason for their struggles which was beneficial for self-esteem since it meant they were not blamed for their condition. Additionally, it gave them access to treatment strategies that were appropriate.
The interviews revealed that women were very positive and able to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects 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 cover up their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe these behaviors aren't as acceptable for boys and men. They also may be able to internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping strategies such as self-harm (cutting, burning, scratching). This can result in feelings of low self-esteem that can cause anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
Having high inner worth is a precursor to healthier relationships and a better outlook on life. When people lack a strong sense of self-worth, they tend to seek external things - such as careers, relationships, wealth, and power to feel worthy. A licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can result in an absence of communication within relationships, which could ultimately end it.
Women with ADHD might also feel they don't deserve the best things in life. These feelings may manifest as a desire for others to "keep up with" or to please. This can lead to negative work environments as well as a negative image of one's body, and an addiction to food or other substances.
While these are major challenges however, the women who took part in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They described ADHD as a blessing or a curse depending on the way they perceive their ability to control it. Some of them have identified their own strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD. They have the ability to be creative, energetic and determination, as well as the ability to easily get interested in new subjects. They also describe their unique challenges as part of a larger picture that includes family and cultural issues, as in addition to gender and biological differences.