5 Lessons You Can Learn From ADHD Traits In Women

ADHD Traits in Women

Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender refer to biology--the hormonal makeup of the body and its chromosomal makeup. It also acknowledges that many people do not belong to a sex binary. However, sex and gender can influence how symptoms of ADHD are identified and treated.

ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood prior to the age of 12. ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and cause problems in multiple settings to be able to receive a diagnosis.

1. Difficulty Focusing

Inattention is the core of ADHD and is an issue for everyone. However, women may find it more challenging to achieve the focus they need due to the fact that symptoms usually appear in different ways than for men.

Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and impulsive, as an example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally afflicted and have a difficult time putting things in perspective. These problems can create an inability to concentrate on tasks, leading to a lack of productivity at work or at home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and skip appointments with doctors.

The hormones that women experience, in addition to these innate differences can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. The female hippocampus is larger, which aids in memory and learning. Hormone fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause may also affect brain function.

Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school, and at work. They could also be suffering from a variety of comorbid disorders like depression, anxiety and eating disorders.

In these circumstances, it's critical for health care professionals to be aware of the various clues that females with ADHD frequently exhibit. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnose and treat females suffering from ADHD in order to recognize emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. These patients can then finally receive the treatment they require.

2. Impulsivity

Females who suffer from ADHD tend to have difficulty controlling their emotions, especially when interacting with others. This can lead emotional dysregulation which is a component of ADHD symptoms. It can also be associated with negative life outcomes. These include low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones that can result in violence between intimate partners, issues with friendships, a messy house or personal space, and a failure to manage time or money.

women and adhd  can affect how women with ADHD will be treated. Because they are frequently viewed as more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they could be misinterpreted or dismissed as being emotionally prone. This can cause them to feel more frustrated about living with untreated ADHD.

People with ADHD have impaired impulse control Also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have a harder time making decisions and following up with their intentions. This could make you want to take a bite more cake or to make a snide comment.

Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from medication that helps them manage their impulses. Stimulants like amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can aid in reduce the impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medicines like Guanfacine and clonidine can be effective too. People with ADHD may also benefit from a treatment called behavioral therapy, which helps them change their thinking patterns and develop healthier methods of coping.

A good night's sleep and eating a balanced diet, and meditating can also help in reducing impulsiveness and restlessness in people with ADHD. It's also a good idea to track their symptoms throughout the day and to share this data with their doctor so they can assess whether their treatment plan is working.

3. Disorganization

Disorganization can be a problem for people with ADHD and impact their personal and professional lives. They may have difficulty to complete their tasks and their productivity could be reduced. They may also be late and feel overwhelmed on a daily basis.

An absence of organization could cause problems to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose possessions such as keys or purses. In the end, they might feel isolated and lonely. They may also feel that they are not understood by their family and friends. It is more difficult to organize during perimenopause and menopause when hormones shift and symptoms increase.

It is not unusual for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms to conform with societal norms and avoid being considered a failure. This can result in self-blame and feelings of guilt or shame. It can also be a reason why girls and women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD particularly during adolescence, when symptoms become more apparent.

Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might have a poor performance at school or at work. This could affect their career, grades, or even their reputation. It could also cause issues in their personal lives like issues with romantic partners, or strained relationships with family and friends members.

Women with chronic disorganization could receive one-on-one assistance by a non-judgmental therapist.  undiagnosed adhd in women  can help them learn strategies to get and remain organized, for example, making an agenda of the daily tasks and creating reminders for them. A qualified mental health professional can also recommend medication and lifestyle changes that will reduce ADHD symptoms. This can include eating small frequent meals to keep energy levels up and avoiding caffeine that can trigger side effects of stimulant medication.

4. Indecisiveness

Indecisiveness affects decision-making in many aspects of life. A variety of instruments have been developed to assess indecisiveness.  undiagnosed adhd in women  include the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also correlated with neuroticism and the tendency to use worst case scenario thinking, which is where people interpret uncertain situations as potentially dangerous. It was also discovered to be linked to the fear of making a mistake, which could explain why people suffering from adhd have difficulty making decisions.

In the qualitative study of women who have adhd in their adult lives participants, they said they were not able to make decisions regarding their work and personal lives. They struggled to manage their finances and relationships, and struggled to find a job that they liked. They often waited for other people to decide or were unable to complete tasks on their own, like organizing childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms like the inability to focus and impulsivity, or beginning projects was preventing them from completing.

They had a difficult time keeping friendships and were unable to relax which led to issues with their mental health. They reported high levels of anxiety and stress, sleeping insufficiently and having inadequate nutrition. They also reported feeling snubbed by their peers and the media. They were able to explain their struggles with ADHD and helped boost their self-esteem as they weren't blaming themselves. It also gave them access to the appropriate treatment strategies.

The interviews revealed that women were very optimistic however, they struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects of their lives. This included a lack of possibilities for romance or work as well as difficulties maintaining relationships. a messy home.

5. Lack of self-esteem

Women can cover up their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they feel that these behaviors aren't as acceptable for boys and men. They also may internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms like self-harm (cutting, burning, scratching). This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem that can cause anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.

A high self-esteem is a key factor in better relationships and a more positive outlook on life. When people lack a strong sense of self-worth and feel they are not worthy, they will seek outside things - including relationships, careers as well as wealth and power - to feel worthy. A licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can result in an absence of communication within the relationship, which could eventually end it.

Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel that they do not deserve good things in their lives. These feelings may manifest as a desire to please or "keep up" with other people. This can lead to an unhealthy work environment, a negative body image, and an addiction to food or substances.

Despite these significant difficulties the women who participated in this study found many positive aspects to living with ADHD. They described ADHD as a blessing or a curse according to the way they perceive their ability to manage it. Some have identified their own strengths that they believe are a result of to their ADHD. They have high energy, creativity and determination and the ability to quickly become interested in new subjects. They also discuss their individual struggles as part of a larger picture that encompasses family and cultural issues, as in addition to gender and biological differences.