ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are a reflection of biology, the hormones and chromosomal makeup of the body, and that many people don't fall into a binary of sex. Sexe and gender can affect the way ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood prior to the age of 12. ADHD must show signs before 12 years of age and cause problems in multiple settings to be eligible for a diagnosis.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD and it's a problem for all genders. Women may have a tougher to concentrate, particularly because symptoms can appear differently than in men.
Women are more likely to experience disorganization and indecisiveness, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These problems can create an inability to concentrate on tasks, leading to an inability to perform at work or home. They're also more likely not attend doctor appointments or forget to take their medication.
The hormones that women experience along with these inherent differences, can cause ADHD symptoms. Females have a bigger hippocampus, which aids in learning and memory, and hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause can affect their brain's functioning.
Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school, and at work. They might also struggle with a myriad of comorbid conditions, including depression, anxiety eating disorders, bipolar disorder.
This is why it's critical for health professionals to recognize the many clues that females with ADHD often exhibit. They should rethink their strategies to diagnose and treat females suffering from ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. This way, patients will finally receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to control their emotions. This is especially the case when they are interacting with other people. This can lead emotional dysregulation which is a component of ADHD symptoms. It is also associated with negative outcomes in life. This includes low self-esteem coexisting depression and anxiety as well as problematic relationships with loved ones, which can lead to conflict between partners, issues with relationships, a messy home or personal space, inability to manage time or money, and a messy house.
Gender stereotypes may also impact how women with ADHD are treated. Because they are often perceived as being more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they may be misinterpreted or dismissed as being emotionally prone. This can lead to their frustration in living with untreated ADHD.
The impulse control portion of the brain, known as the prefrontal cortex, is affected in people with ADHD. This means that 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.
For people who suffer from ADHD medication can assist to increase their ability to control their impulsivity. Stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help to reduce the impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medications such as clonidine and guanfacine can be effective too. Behavioral therapy is also recommended, which can aid people suffering from ADHD modify their thinking patterns and learn more effective ways of coping.
A good night's sleep and eating a balanced diet, and practicing meditation can also help in reducing restlessness and impulsiveness in those with ADHD. It is important to track 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 can be a problem for people suffering from ADHD and can affect their professional and personal life. They may find it difficult to complete their tasks and their efficiency may be diminished. They could also be late and feel overwhelmed on a daily basis.
A lack of organization can cause problems in maintaining healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose things like keys or purses. adhd symptoms for women might feel lonely and isolated as a result. They may also feel unloved by family members and friends. The disorder is more prevalent during perimenopause or menopause when hormones are changing and symptoms increase.
It is not uncommon for women to hide their ADHD symptoms in order to conform with societal norms and avoid being judged. adhd symptoms in women can cause women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. This could be a reason why women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly true in adolescence, when symptoms become more obvious.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might have a poor performance at school or at work. This could affect their job, grades or even their reputation. It could also cause issues in their personal lives, such as difficulties with romantic partners or strained relationships with family and friends members.
Women with chronic disorganization can get help one-on-one by a non-judgmental therapist. They can assist women in learning to stay organized by making lists and establishing reminders. A licensed mental health professional can also suggest medication and lifestyle changes that can reduce ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain a steady energy and avoiding caffeine, which can worsen the negative effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a trait that can affect decision-making across a wide range of aspects of our lives. Indecisiveness can be measured with several instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale for Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness is also correlated with neuroticism, and the tendency to employ worst case scenario thinking, where people interpret uncertain situations as dangerous. It was also found to be linked to a fear of making a mistake, which could help explain why people suffering from adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the study that was qualitative of adult women with adhd participants, they described being not able to make decisions regarding their work and personal lives. They struggled to manage their finances and relationships, and had difficulty finding jobs they enjoyed. They often were dependent on others to make decisions, or were unable to finish projects like arranging childcare. They often felt like they were being hindered by their ADHD symptoms, such as difficulty with starting or staying focused and impulsivity.
They had trouble relaxing and maintaining friendships, which led to mental health problems. They described high levels of stress and anxiety, a lack of sleep and inadequate nutrition. They also felt stigmatized by the media and adults. The diagnosis of ADHD offered them an explanation for their difficulties which was beneficial to their self-image because it meant they weren't blaming themselves. It also gave them access to the appropriate treatment strategies.
The interviews revealed that women were very positive and able to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects of their lives. This included a lack of possibilities for romance or work, difficulty maintaining relationships and a messy home.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Women can conceal their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe that their behavior is less acceptable for men and boys. They may also be able to internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms such as self-harm (cutting, burning, scratching). This can cause low self-esteem, which could cause anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
A sense of inner worth is the foundation for more positive relationships and a positive outlook on life. If people do not have a strong sense of self-worth they tend to look for external things - such as relationships, careers wealth, power, and relationships - to feel worthy. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can lead to a lack in communication within a relationship.
In addition to a lack of self-worth, women who have ADHD frequently struggle with a feeling that they don't deserve the positive things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or "keep up" with others. This can result in an unhealthy work environment, a negative body image, and an addiction to foods or substances.
Despite these major difficulties the women who participated in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as positive or negative depending on how they feel about their ability to control it. A few of them also point out personal strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD, including the ability to be creative, high energy determination and the ability to be easily interested in new subjects. They also talk about their unique struggles in the context of the larger picture, which includes biological and gender differences, as well cultural and family issues.