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 fit into a sex binary. Genre and gender can influence how ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood, before the age of 12. ADHD must present symptoms before 12 years of age and cause problems in multiple environments to be eligible for a diagnosis.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD and it's an issue for everyone. Women might have a harder time to achieve the focus they need particularly since symptoms typically manifest in different ways in men.
women and adhd are more likely than men to be disorganized and impulsive, for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and struggle to put things in perspective. These problems can create an inability to concentrate on tasks, leading to a decrease in productivity at work or home. They are also more likely to not attend doctor appointments or forget to take their medications.
Women's hormones along with these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is larger, which aids in learning and memory. Menstrual hormone fluctuations or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause may also influence brain function.
As a result, women with undiagnosed ADHD may face major difficulties in relationships at school, in relationships, and at work. They might also struggle with a variety of co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety eating disorders, bipolar disorder.
This is why it's critical for health care professionals to be aware of the various indicators that females suffering from ADHD often exhibit. They need to rethink their approach to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to take into account hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation and other variables that can influence symptom severity. This way, patients can finally get the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Females suffering from ADHD are more likely to have trouble controlling their emotions, especially when they interact with other people. This can result in emotional dysregulation, which is a major component of ADHD symptoms and is associated with many negative life consequences. This can include low self-esteem, anxiety and depression as well as problematic relationships with loved ones, which can lead to violence between partners, problems with friendships, a messy house or personal space, inability to manage time or money, and a messy house.
Gender stereotypes can also influence how women with ADHD are treated. They might be misunderstood since they are viewed as being more sensitive or prone a mood swings. This can cause them to feel more frustrated about being a victim of untreated ADHD.
The impulse control portion of the brain, also known as the prefrontal cortex is affected in people with ADHD. This means they are more difficult to make decisions and executing their intentions. This makes it difficult to resist the temptation to eat a second piece of cake or make an inappropriate comment in public.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from medications that help them control their impulsivity. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are able to reduce the behavior of impulsivity. Non-stimulants like clonidine and guanfacine are also effective. Behavioral therapy may also be recommended, which can help those suffering from ADHD change their thinking patterns and develop better ways to cope with stress.
Meditation, eating a balanced diet and getting enough rest can all be helpful in reducing restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It's important to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and communicate this data with their doctor to determine if their treatment plan is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a common problem in people with ADHD and can have a negative impact on their personal and professional life. They may have trouble to complete tasks and their efficiency may be diminished. They may also fail to meet deadlines or feel overwhelmed throughout the day.
A lack of organization can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They might miss important dates or misplace things like keys or purses. They may feel lonely and isolated due to this. They can also feel misunderstood by family and friends. Disorganization is more common in menopausal and perimenopausal women when hormones are changing and symptoms increase.
Women often hide their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being thought of as a problem. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It may be a reason why women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially evident in adolescence when symptoms become more obvious.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may not perform as well at school or at work. This could affect their work, grades or overall reputation. It could also cause issues in their personal life like issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family and friends members.
Women who are chronically unorganized will benefit from the one-on-1 support of a non-judgmental friend. They can teach women how to stay organized by creating lists and setting reminders. A qualified mental health professional may also recommend medication and lifestyle changes that can help minimize ADHD symptoms. This may include eating small frequent meals to ensure energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can cause adverse effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is one of the traits that can affect decision-making in many areas of our lives. Indecisiveness is measured by various instruments, such as the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the Indecisiveness scale. Indecisiveness has also been associated with neuroticism and the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is because people perceive ambiguous situations as being threatening. It was also discovered to be associated with the fear of making a mistake which could be the reason people with adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd that were interviewed, they described not being able to make decisions regarding their personal and professional lives. They struggled to manage their finances and relationships and had trouble finding jobs they enjoyed. They often had to wait for others to make decisions or were unable complete tasks on their own, like organizing childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsivity or difficulty getting started on projects were preventing them from progressing.
They struggled to keep friendships and were unable to relax and recharging their mental health. They reported stress and anxiety, as well as a sleep deprivation and poor nutrition. They also described feeling stigmatized by adults and the media. They were able to articulate their struggles with ADHD and helped boost their self-esteem as they weren't blaming themselves. They also had access to the appropriate treatment strategies.
The interviews showed that the women had a number of positive characteristics however, they struggled to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on different aspects of their life. The women reported an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships and a messy home.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Some of the signs that comprise ADHD are viewed as less acceptable socially for girls and women than they are for boys and men Some women choose to are able to hide their impulsivity, hyperactivity, and disorganization. They also may be able to internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms like self-harm (cutting or burning, or scratching). This can result in feelings of low self-esteem that can cause depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.
A sense of inner worth is the foundation for better relationships and an optimistic outlook on life. People who lack self-worth tend to look beyond themselves for validation, such as relationships, careers as well as money and power. Therapist licensed Cheryl Clarke says this can also cause an absence of communication within the relationship, which could eventually end it.
Alongside a feeling of lack of self-worth, women who have ADHD frequently struggle with the feeling that they don't have enough of the good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire to "keep up with" or to please. This can result in a toxic work culture, a negative body image and an addiction to food or other substances.
While these are serious issues but the women who participated in this study also discovered a number of positive aspects of living with ADHD. They described ADHD as either an advantage or a disadvantage depending on how they feel about their ability to control it. Some of them have identified their own strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD. They have high energy, creativity and determination as well as the ability to easily get interested in new topics. They also talk about their unique struggles in the context of a larger picture that includes biological and gender differences, as well cultural and family issues.