ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender refer to biology--the hormonal makeup of the body and its chromosomal makeup. It also acknowledges that many people do not fit into a sex binary. However, sex and gender can affect how symptoms of ADHD are identified and treated.
ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. ADHD must show signs before 12 years of age and cause problems in more than one environment to be able to receive a diagnosis.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is the root of ADHD and affects both women and men. Women may have a harder time focusing, especially since symptoms can appear differently than males.
Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and indecisive, for example. They also are more likely to be emotionally triggered and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to focus which can lead to an inability to perform at home or work. They are also more likely to not remember their medication or miss appointments with doctors.
In addition to these inherent variations, hormones in women can make ADHD symptoms worse. The hippocampus of females is larger which helps in memory and learning. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal changes can also influence brain function.
This is why women who do not have a diagnosis of ADHD can have major struggles in relationships at school, in their relationships and at work. They might also struggle with a variety of comorbid conditions, including depression, anxiety eating disorders, bipolar disorder.
For these reasons, it is essential for health professionals to be aware of the various indicators that females suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit. They must recalibrate their approaches for diagnosing and treating females with ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. These patients can then finally receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This is particularly true when they interact with others. This can lead to emotional dysregulation, which is a major element of ADHD symptoms and is associated with a range of negative life results. This can include low self-esteem, anxiety and depression and a strained relationship with a partner, which can lead to conflict between partners, issues with relationships, a messy home or personal space, an inability to manage time or money, and a messy house.
Gender stereotypes can affect how women with ADHD are treated. Because they are often perceived as being more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they may be viewed as overly emotional. This can cause them to feel more frustrated at being a victim of untreated ADHD.
Individuals with ADHD have a reduced ability to control impulses which is also referred to as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have a difficult time making decisions and following through with their intentions. This could make you want to take a bite more cake or to make a rude comment.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from medications that help to control their impulsivity. Stimulants such as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are able to reduce impulsive behavior. Nonstimulants like clonidine or guanfacine are also effective. People suffering from ADHD might also benefit from behavioral therapy, which helps to change their thinking patterns and develop more effective coping techniques.
A good night's sleep and eating a balanced diet, and practicing meditation can also help to control impulsiveness and restlessness in people with ADHD. It's important to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and communicate this data with their doctor so they can assess whether the treatment regimen is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a common issue for those suffering from ADHD and impact their personal and professional lives. They may find it difficult to complete their tasks and their productivity could be reduced. They could also fail to meet deadlines or feel overwhelmed throughout the day.
Lack of organization can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They may miss important dates or misplace things like keys or purses. They may feel lonely and unloved as a result. Family and friends may also confuse them. Disorganization can be worse during perimenopause and menopause as hormones alter and symptoms increase.
Women often hide their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to social norms or to avoid being judged. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. This could also be the reason women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly during adolescence, when symptoms are more evident.
As a result women suffering from untreated ADHD might have poor work or school performance. This can impact their career, grades or their overall image. It can also create problems in their personal lives like issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family members and friends members.
Women with chronic disorganization could receive one-on-one assistance from a nonjudgmental support person. add symptoms in adult women can teach women how to stay organized by making a list and establishing reminders. Additionally, a certified mental health professional can recommend medications and lifestyle changes to help minimize ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain a steady energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can increase the adverse effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a trait that can affect decision-making in a variety of areas of our lives. Indecisiveness can be measured with several instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale of Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness can also be linked to neuroticism and the tendency to apply worst case scenario thinking, which is where people perceive ambiguous situations as threatening. It was also discovered to be associated with the fear of making a mistake which could explain why people with adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd the participants said they were unable to make decisions regarding their work and personal lives. They had a difficult time finding a job they liked or stayed in, and also found it difficult to manage their finances, relationships and health. They often were dependent on others to take decisions, or were unable complete projects such as scheduling childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and difficulty focusing or getting started on projects was preventing them from completing.
They had difficulty in establishing and maintaining friendships, which led to mental health issues. They reported high levels of anxiety and stress and a lack of sleep and a poor diet. They also reported feeling stigmatized by media and adults. The diagnosis of ADHD offered them an explanation for their struggles, which was helpful for self-esteem since it meant they weren't blaming themselves. They also had access to the appropriate treatment strategies.
The interviews revealed that women were very positive however, they struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD in different areas of their lives. These included a lack of romantic or career opportunities and difficulties in maintaining relationships. an unclean home.
5. Lack of Self-Esteem
Certain of the symptoms that are a part of ADHD are viewed as less socially acceptable for girls and women than they are for males and females Some women choose to are able to hide their impulsivity, hyperactivity, and disorganization. They may also take on their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms like self-harm (cutting burns, scratching, cutting). This can result in low self-esteem, which can cause depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
Being try these out to identify your inner worth is a key factor in healthier relationships and a positive outlook on life. If someone isn't feeling a solid sense of self-worth and feel they are not worthy, they will seek outside things - like careers, relationships, wealth, and power to feel a sense of worthiness. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, says that this can also result in an absence of communication within the relationship.
Alongside a feeling of lack of self-worth, women who have ADHD frequently struggle with feeling like they don't deserve the good things in their lives. These feelings may manifest as a desire to please or "keep up" with other people. This can lead to toxic work cultures, a negative self-image, and an addiction to substance or food.
While these are major challenges however, the women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as a blessing or a curse according to how they feel about their ability to manage it. Some have identified personal strengths 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 topics. They also discuss their individual struggles in the context of a larger picture that includes biological and gender distinctions, as well as cultural and family issues.