ADHD Traits in Women

Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that gender and sex are determined by biology, including the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones. A lot of people do not fit neatly into the binary gender. Gender and sexes can impact the way ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated.

ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. ADHD must show signs of add in adult women before 12 years of age and cause problems in multiple settings to be eligible for a diagnosis.

1. Problems with Focusing

Inattention is the root of ADHD and can affect both men and women. However, women may find it more challenging to get the attention they require due to the fact that symptoms usually manifest in different ways in men.

Women are more likely to experience disorganization and indecisiveness, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally afflicted and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability of concentration, which can lead to an inability to perform at work or at home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and skip doctor's appointments.

The hormones of women as well as these inherent differences, can cause ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is bigger which helps with learning and memory. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopausal cycles can 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 could also be suffering from multiple comorbid disorders including anxiety, depression and eating disorders.

In these circumstances, it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the numerous clues that females with ADHD frequently exhibit. They need to rethink their methods for Diagnosing Adhd In Women and treating females suffering from ADHD to take into account hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. That way, these patients will finally receive the treatment they require.

2. Impulsivity

Females who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have trouble managing their emotions, particularly when they interact with others. This can cause emotional dysregulation which is a key component of ADHD symptoms and is linked to a variety of negative life consequences. This includes low self-esteem anxiety and depression that coexist and a strained relationship with a partner, 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. They might be misunderstood since they are thought to be more sensitive or prone to mood swings. This can exacerbate their frustrations about living with untreated ADHD.

The portion of the brain that controls impulses the brain, known as the prefrontal cortex, is impaired in individuals with ADHD. This means they are more prone to making decisions and executing in their intentions. This can make you want to take a bite more cake or to make an inappropriate comment.

Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications that help to control their impulses. The use of stimulants such as amphetamine or dextroamphetamine are able to reduce the behavior of impulsivity. Nonstimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine are also effective. Patients with ADHD might also benefit from a behavioral therapy, which helps them alter their thinking patterns and develop more effective methods of coping.

Meditation and eating a balanced diet and getting enough rest can all help control restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It is important to track their symptoms throughout the day and communicate this data with their doctor so they can assess whether their treatment regimen is working.

3. Disorganization

Disorganization can be a problem for those suffering from ADHD and can affect their work and personal lives. It can take them longer to complete tasks and decrease their efficiency. They might also miss deadlines and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis.

Inability to organize can cause problems in maintaining 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 members may misunderstand their feelings. The disorder can become more severe during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when hormones shift and symptoms increase.

Women often mask their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being considered a failure. This can result in self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It could also be the reason women and girls are often not diagnosed with ADHD, particularly in adolescence when symptoms are more obvious.

Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have poor performance at work or in school. This can affect their work, grades or overall reputation. It could also cause issues in their personal lives like issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with friends and family members.

Women who are chronically disorganized will benefit from the one-on-1 assistance of a non-judgmental individual. They can help them learn strategies to get and keep their lives organized, such as making a list of daily tasks and creating reminders for them. A licensed mental health professional can also suggest medication and lifestyle changes that will reduce ADHD symptoms. This could include eating smaller, frequent meals to ensure energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can trigger side effects from stimulant medications.

4. Indecisiveness

Indecisiveness affects decision-making in many aspects of daily life. Indecisiveness is measured by several instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the Indecisiveness scale. Indecisiveness can also be linked to neuroticism, and the tendency to use worst case scenario thinking, which is where people interpret uncertain situations as dangerous. It was also discovered to be related to the fear of making a mistake, which could help explain why people suffering from adhd in women test free have difficulty making decisions.

In the qualitative study of adult women suffering from adhd women assessment participants, they reported being unable to make decisions in their personal and professional lives. They found it hard to manage their finances and relationships and struggled to find an occupation they liked. They often waited for other people to make decisions or were unable to finish projects on their own, for example, scheduling childcare. They often felt that they were restricted by their ADHD symptoms, for example, difficulties with getting started or staying focused and impulsive.

They struggled to maintain friendships and were unable to relax which led to issues with their mental health. They described stress and anxiety, a sleeping insufficiently and having inadequate nutrition. They also expressed feeling devalued by other adults and by the media. They were able to articulate their struggles with ADHD and [Redirect Only] helped increase their self-esteem since they were not blaming themselves. It also gave them access to treatment strategies that were appropriate.

The interviews revealed that women were very optimistic however, they struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD in different areas of their lives. The women complained of an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, difficulties maintaining relationships, and a messy house.

5. Lack of Self-Esteem

Women might conceal their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe that their behavior is less acceptable than for boys and men. They may also internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms like self-harm (cutting, burning, scratching). This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem which can lead to anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.

A sense of inner worth is the precursor to more positive relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who do not have a strong self-worth are more likely to look outside themselves for validation, such as jobs, relationships, money, and power. Licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can result in an absence of communication within the relationship, which could ultimately end it.

Women with ADHD might also feel they do not deserve good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or to "keep up" with others. This can result in toxic workplace cultures as well as a negative self-image and an addiction of food or substances.

Despite these issues, women who took part in this study discovered a number of positive aspects to living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as an advantage or a disadvantage depending on how they feel about their ability to control it. A few of them also point out personal strengths that they believe are a result of to their ADHD, including high energy, creativity, determination, and the ability to become easily interested in new subjects. They also describe their unique challenges as part of a larger picture that encompasses cultural and family issues, as also gender and biological differences.