ADHD Traits in Women

Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related to biology, the hormones and chromosomal makeup of the body, and that many people don't fall into a binary of sex. Genre and gender can influence how ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated.

ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood prior to the age of 12. Symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause problems in more than one setting to be eligible for an assessment.

1. Difficulty Focusing

Inattention is the root of ADHD and affects both women and men. Women may have a tougher time focusing, especially since symptoms may manifest differently than in men.

Women are more likely to experience indecisiveness and disorganization for instance. They're also more likely to become emotional and have trouble putting things into perspective. These problems can lead to an inability to focus and can result in a lack productivity at work or at home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and miss appointments with their doctor.

Women's hormones along with these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is bigger, which aids in learning and memory. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopausal changes can also affect brain function.

Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD might struggle with their relationships, at school and at work. They could also be suffering from various comorbidities including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

For these reasons, it is essential for health professionals to recognize the many clues that females with ADHD frequently exhibit. They should rethink their strategies to diagnose and treat females suffering from ADHD to take into account hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. In this way, these patients can finally get the treatment they require.

2. Impulsivity

Women who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is especially the case when they are interacting with others. This can cause 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 and anxiety, difficult romantic relationships that can result in intimate partner violence, problems with friendships and a messy home 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 could be misunderstood as they are perceived as more sensitive or prone to mood swings. This can increase their frustration at being a victim of untreated ADHD.

The impulse control portion of the brain, referred to as the prefrontal cortex, is impaired in people suffering from ADHD. This means they have a harder time making decisions and executing their intentions. This could make you want to take a bite more cake or to make an inappropriate comment.

Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from medications that help them control their tendency to be impulsive. Stimulants such as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine may reduce the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulants like clonidine or guanfacine are also effective. Behavioral therapy can also be recommended, which can help people with ADHD change their thinking patterns and learn healthier coping skills.

A good night's sleep, eating a healthy diet, and meditating can help control the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It's also a good idea to keep track their symptoms throughout the day, and to share this information with their doctor to determine whether their treatment is working.

3. Disorganization

Disorganization is a common problem in people with adhd test for women and can have a negative impact on their personal and types of adhd in women professional life. They may find it difficult to complete their tasks and their efficiency may be reduced. They may also fail to meet deadlines and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis.

Inability to organize can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They might not remember important dates or even lose things like keys or purses. In the end, they might feel lonely and isolated. Family signs and symptoms of adhd in women friends may also misunderstand them. Disorganization is more common inattentive add in women menopausal and perimenopausal women when hormones change and symptoms become more severe.

It is not unusual for women to hide their ADHD symptoms in order to conform with the norms of society and avoid being judged. This can result in self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It can also be a reason why girls and successful women with adhd are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD, particularly in adolescence where symptoms are more evident.

As a result women suffering from untreated ADHD might experience poor work or school performance. This can negatively impact their career, grades, or their image. It can also create problems for their personal lives. For instance, it may lead to difficulties with relationships with their partners or breakups with family members and friends.

Women who are chronically disorganized can benefit from one-on-one help by a non-judgmental therapist. They can teach women how to stay organized by making a list and setting reminders. Additionally, a certified mental health professional can recommend medications and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. This could include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain a steady energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can worsen the side effects of stimulant medication.

4. Indecisiveness

Indecisiveness is a trait that can affect decision-making in a variety of areas of life. Indecisiveness can be measured with several instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale of Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness is also associated with neuroticism and the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is when people interpret uncertain situations as being threatening. It was also discovered to be linked to the fear of making a mistake, which could be the reason people with adhd have trouble making decisions.

In the qualitative study on adult women suffering from adhd who were interviewed the participants said they were not capable of making choices about their professional and personal lives. They struggled to manage their finances and relationships, and had trouble finding a job that they liked. They often were dependent on others to decide or were unable complete tasks on their own, like organizing childcare. They often felt that they were held back by their ADHD symptoms, like difficulties in starting, staying focused and impulsive.

They had a difficult time keeping friendships and were unable to relax, leading to problems with their mental health. They reported high levels of anxiety and stress as well as sleeping less, and poor nutrition. They also expressed feeling slighted by media and adults. They were able explain their struggles with ADHD, which helped them boost their self-esteem as they were not blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to appropriate treatments.

The interviews revealed that the women had a number of positive characteristics however, they were struggling to overcome the impact of their ADHD symptoms on a variety of aspects of their life. The women complained of a lack in career or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships, and a messy house.

5. Lack of self-esteem

Women might conceal their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they feel that these behaviors aren't as acceptable than for boys and men. Women who suffer from ADHD might take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop strategies to cope, such as self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can cause feelings of self-esteem issues that can cause anxiety, depression or eating disorders.

A sense of inner worth is the basis for better relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who lack self-worth tend to look outside themselves for validation, such as relationships, careers money, power, and relationships. Licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can result in an absence of communication within relationships, which could ultimately end it.

Women suffering from ADHD may also feel they are not worthy of good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or "keep up" with others. This can cause toxic workplaces and a negative self-image and an addiction of substances or food.

Despite these significant issues the women who participated in this study discovered a number of positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as either a blessing or a curse according to how they feel about their ability to control it. Some of them have also identified strengths they believe are partially due to their ADHD. These include the ability to be creative, energetic and determination and the ability to quickly become fascinated by new subjects. They also discuss their individual struggles as part of a bigger picture that includes cultural and family issues, as well as biological and gender differences.