ADHD Traits in Women

Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that sex and a gender are dependent on biology, which includes the body's chromosomal make-up and hormones. Many people don't fall into a binary sexuality. However, gender and sex influence how symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed.

ADHD is diagnosed in the early years of childhood, typically before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause problems in more than one environment to be eligible for the diagnosis.

1. Trouble focusing

Inattention is at the core of ADHD and is a problem that affects both genders. Women may have a harder to concentrate, particularly because symptoms can appear differently than men.

Women are more likely than men to be unorganized and impulsive, for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally afflicted and struggle to put things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability to concentrate on work, resulting in an inability to perform at work or home. They're also more likely to not attend doctor appointments or forget to take their medication.

The hormones of women, in addition to these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. Females have a larger hippocampus, which aids in learning and memory, and hormone changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, breastfeeding, add and adhd in women menopause can affect their brain function.

Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD might struggle with their relationships, at school, and at work. They may also be struggling with a host of comorbid conditions, including depression, anxiety eating disorders, bipolar disorder.

It is important that health professionals are aware of the numerous signs that females with ADHD show. They should rethink their approaches to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations, and other factors that influence the severity of symptoms. That way, these patients can finally get the treatment they need.

2. Impulsivity

Women with ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is particularly true when they are interacting with other people. This can result in emotional dysregulation which is a key aspect of ADHD symptoms and is linked to a variety of negative life results. These include poor self-esteem, depression that is co-occurring with anxiety, difficult relationships which can lead to violence between intimate partners, issues with friendships, a messy house or personal space, and an inability to manage time or money.

The gender stereotypes of women can influence how women who suffer from ADHD will be 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 in being diagnosed with ADHD.

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

For those who suffer from ADHD, medication can help to increase their ability to control their impulses. The use of stimulants such as amphetamine or dextroamphetamine are able to reduce the behavior of impulsivity. Non-stimulants like clonidine and guanfacine are also effective. People with ADHD might also benefit from a behavioral therapy, which helps them alter their thinking patterns and develop healthier strategies for coping.

Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can all help to control restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It's also a good idea to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and to share this data with their doctor so they can assess whether their treatment plan is effective.

3. Disorganization

Disorganization is a typical issue for people suffering from ADHD and can have a negative impact on their work and personal lives. They may find it difficult to complete their tasks, and their productivity may be reduced. They may also be late and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis.

A lack of organization can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They might not remember important dates or even lose items like keys or purses. This can cause them to feel isolated and lonely. They may also feel that they are not understood by family and friends. The disorder can become more severe in menopausal or perimenopausal women, when hormones change and symptoms increase.

It is not uncommon for women to mask their ADHD symptoms to conform with the norms of society and avoid being thought of as a problem. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. It can also be a reason why girls and women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD especially inattentive add in women adolescence when symptoms become more apparent.

As a result, women with untreated ADHD might experience poor academic or work performance. This can impact their job, grades, or their overall image. It can also create problems in their personal life like issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family and friends members.

Women with chronic disorganization could receive one-on-one assistance by a non-judgmental therapist. They can teach women how to stay organized by making lists and establishing reminders. In addition, a qualified mental health professional may recommend medication and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. This can include eating small, frequent meals to keep energy levels up and avoiding caffeine which can trigger side effects from stimulant medications.

4. Indecisiveness

Indecisiveness affects decision-making in many aspects of our lives. Indecisiveness can be measured with various instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale for Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness has also been linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret uncertain situations as being dangerous. It is also believed to be linked with anxiety about being wrong, which may be the reason why it is common for people with adhd to have difficulty making decisions.

In the qualitative study of women who have adhd in their adult lives the participants said they were incapable of making decisions in their personal and professional lives. They had difficulty to manage their finances and relationships and had difficulty finding jobs they enjoyed. They often had to wait for others to decide or were unable to complete tasks on their own, like scheduling childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms like inattention and impulsivity or difficulty beginning projects were holding them back.

They had difficulty in establishing and maintaining friendships which resulted in mental health problems. They described high levels of stress and anxiety, as well as a lack of sleep and inadequate nutrition. They also reported feeling snubbed by other adults and by the media. They were able to explain their struggles with ADHD, which helped them boost their self-esteem as they weren't blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to treatment strategies that were appropriate.

The interviews revealed that the women were very positive however, they struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on various aspects of their lives. The women complained of an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships, and a messy house.

5. Lack of Self-Esteem

Women might cover up their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe their behavior is less acceptable for boys and men. Women may take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop coping strategies like self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can result in low self-esteem, which could contribute to depression, anxiety or eating disorders.

A strong sense of self-esteem and worth is the basis for more positive relationships and an optimistic outlook on life. When people lack a strong sense of self-worth, they tend to seek outside things - like relationships, careers, wealth, and power - to feel worthy. Licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can cause an absence of communication in a relationship, which can eventually end it.

In addition to a sense of self-worth, women who have ADHD often struggle with the feeling that they don't have enough of the good things happening in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or "keep up" with other people. This can lead to negative work environments, a negative body image and an addiction to food or substances.

While these are major challenges however, the women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with adhd in adult women treatment. Most of them describe their ADHD as a gift or a curse, based on whether they believe they can manage it. A few of them also point out their own strengths that they believe are a result of to their ADHD, including high energy, creativity, determination, and the ability to be easily interested in new subjects. In addition, they describe their unique struggles as part of a bigger picture that encompasses cultural and family issues as in addition to gender and biological differences.