ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that gender and sexuality are determined by biology, including the body's chromosomal make-up and hormones. A lot of people do not fit neatly into an unisexual sexuality. However, sex and gender influence the way symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood, before the age of 12. Symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause difficulties in multiple settings to be able to receive an assessment.
1. weblink focusing
Inattention is at the heart of ADHD, and it's a problem for all genders. However, women might have a harder time to achieve the focus they require particularly since symptoms typically appear in different ways than for men.
Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and indecisive, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotional and struggle to put things in perspective. These problems can lead to an inability of concentration which can lead to an inability to perform at work or home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and miss appointments with their doctor.
In addition to these innate gender differences, hormones of women can make their ADHD symptoms more severe. Females have a bigger hippocampus that aids in learning and memory, as well as hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles and during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause can affect their brain's function.
As a result, women who do not have a diagnosis of ADHD can have major struggles in relationships at school, in relationships and at work. They could also be suffering from various comorbidities, such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
It is crucial that health care professionals recognize the many signs females suffering from ADHD exhibit. They need to rethink their methods to diagnose and treat females suffering from ADHD in order to account for hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. This way, patients will receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is especially true when they are interacting with others. This can lead to emotional dysregulation which is a key element of ADHD symptoms and is associated with many negative life results. These include low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, difficult romantic relationships which can lead to intimate partner violence, trouble with friends and a messy home or personal space, and an inability to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can also affect how women with ADHD are treated. They might be misunderstood since they are thought to be more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings. This can lead to their frustration at being diagnosed with ADHD.
Individuals with ADHD have a reduced ability to control impulses which is also referred to as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have more trouble making decisions and executing with their goals. This could cause you to want to eat more cake or make a snide comment.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from medications that help them control their tendency to be impulsive. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are able to reduce impulsive behavior. Non-stimulants like clonidine and Guanfacine can also be effective. Behavioral therapy can also be suggested, which can help those suffering from ADHD alter their thinking patterns and develop better ways to cope with stress.
Getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet, and practicing meditation can also help to control restlessness and impulsiveness in those with ADHD. It's also a good idea to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and share this information with their physician so they can assess whether their treatment plan is effective.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a common problem in people with ADHD, and can affect their personal and professional life. They may have trouble to complete their tasks, and their productivity may be diminished. They could also be late or overwhelmed each day.
An absence of organization could also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They might forget important dates 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 family members and friends. It is more difficult to organize during perimenopause and menopause, when hormones change and symptoms become more severe.
It is not uncommon for women to hide their ADHD symptoms in order to conform with society's norms and avoid being judged. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. This could be the reason women and girls are often not diagnosed with ADHD especially in adolescence where symptoms are more evident.
Women who are not treated for ADHD may have poor performance at school or at work. This can impact their work, grades or their overall image. This could also cause issues in their personal lives. For example it can cause issues with relationships with their partners or breakups with family and friends.
Women who are constantly disorganized can benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental friend. They can assist women in learning to stay organized by making an agenda and setting reminders. A licensed mental health professional can also suggest medication and lifestyle changes that will aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. This may include eating small frequent meals to keep energy levels up and avoiding caffeine, which can increase side effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a trait that affects decision making in a variety of areas of our lives. There are a variety of instruments that have been created to measure indecisiveness, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also correlated with neuroticism and the tendency to apply worst case scenario thinking, where people interpret uncertain situations as threatening. It is also believed to be correlated with anxiety about being wrong, which could help explain why it is common for people with adhd to struggle with making decisions.
In the study of qualitative research on adult women with adhd interviewed, they described not being capable of making choices about their personal and professional lives. They struggled to manage their finances and relationships, and had difficulty finding a job that they liked. They often waited for others to make decisions, or were unable to finish projects like arranging childcare. They often felt they were being restricted by their ADHD symptoms, for example, difficulties with getting started or staying focused and impulsivity.
They had difficulty relaxing and maintaining friendships, which led to mental health issues. They described stress and anxiety, as well as a sleeping insufficiently and having inadequate nutrition. They also reported feeling snubbed by their peers and the media. The diagnosis of ADHD gave them a reason for their difficulties which was beneficial to their self-esteem since it meant they were not blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to treatment strategies that were appropriate.
The interviews revealed that the women were extremely positive however, they struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on various aspects of their lives. The women complained of the absence of a job or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships, and a messy house.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Women may conceal their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they feel that these behaviors aren't as acceptable for boys and men. Women might be able to internalize their ADHD and develop strategies to cope, such as self-harming (cutting or burning). This can result in low self-esteem, which can contribute to depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A high sense of inner worth is the precursor to better relationships and an optimistic 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. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can also lead to a lack in communication within relationships.
In addition to a sense of self-worth, those with ADHD often struggle with feeling like they don't have enough of the good things happening in their lives. These feelings may manifest as a desire to please or to "keep up" with others. This can result in an unhealthy work environment, a negative body image, and an addiction to food or other substances.
While these are serious issues, the women who participated in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as positive or negative depending on how they feel about their ability to manage it. Some have identified strengths they believe are due to their ADHD. These include high energy, creativity and determination and the ability to quickly become interested in new topics. They also discuss their individual struggles as part of a bigger picture that encompasses family and cultural issues, as also gender and biological differences.