ADHD Traits in Women

Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender refer to biology--the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones--and that many people don't belong to a sex binary. Genre and gender can influence the way ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated.

ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present before 12 years of age and cause difficulties in multiple settings to be eligible for an assessment.

1. Difficulty Focusing

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

Women are more likely to experience indecisiveness and disorganization for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotional and have a difficult time putting things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to focus on work, resulting in an inability to perform at work or at home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and miss doctor's appointments.

Women's hormones along with these inherent differences, can cause ADHD symptoms. The female hippocampus is larger, which aids in memory and learning. Menstrual hormone fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal changes can also influence brain function.

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

For these reasons, it's critical for health care professionals to recognize the many indicators that females suffering from ADHD often show. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnose and treat females suffering from adhd and depression in women to take into account hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. Patients can then receive the treatment they need.

2. Impulsivity

Women suffering from adhd in middle aged women frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is particularly true when they interact with other people. This can lead to emotional dysregulation, which is a major element of ADHD symptoms and is linked to a variety of negative life results. This includes low self-esteem, anxiety and depression and a strained relationship with a partner that can result in violence between partners, problems with friendships, a messy house or personal space, an inability to manage time or money, and a messy house.

Gender stereotypes may also impact how women who suffer from ADHD are treated. They might be misunderstood since they are thought to be more sensitive or prone to mood swings. This can increase their frustration over 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 difficult to make decisions and following up with their intentions. This makes it difficult to resist the temptation to eat another piece of cake or blurt out an inappropriate statement in public.

For people who suffer from ADHD medication can assist to improve their ability to control their impulses. Stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help reduce the impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medications such as Guanfacine and clonidine can be effective as well. People suffering from adhd screening women might also benefit from a behavioral therapy, which helps to change their mental patterns and develop more effective methods of coping.

Getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet, and practicing meditation can help control impulsiveness and restlessness in people with ADHD. It is also a great idea to keep track their symptoms throughout the day, and to share this information with their physician to determine whether their treatment is working.

3. Disorganization

Disorganization is a frequent issue in people with ADHD, and can affect their personal and professional life. They may find it difficult to complete tasks, and their productivity may be diminished. They could also be late or overwhelmed throughout the day.

A lack of organization can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose belongings like keys or purses. They might feel lonely and isolated because of this. They may also feel that they are not understood by family members and friends. Disorganization is more common in menopausal and perimenopausal understanding women with adhd (More suggestions) when hormones are changing and symptoms increase.

Women often hide their ADHD symptoms in order to fit into societal norms or to avoid being judged. This can result in self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. This could be the reason girls and women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD especially during adolescence, when symptoms are more evident.

In the end women suffering from untreated ADHD might experience poor academic or work performance. This can negatively impact their career, grades, or their image. It could also cause issues in their personal lives including issues with romantic partners or strained relationships with friends and family members.

Women who are chronically unorganized will benefit from the one-on-1 assistance of a non-judgmental individual. They can teach women how to stay organized by making a list and setting reminders. A qualified mental health professional may also suggest medication and lifestyle changes that will aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. This could include eating smaller, frequent meals to keep energy levels up and avoiding caffeine that can trigger side effects from stimulant medications.

4. Indecisiveness

Indecisiveness is a characteristic that can affect decision-making in a variety of areas of our lives. Indecisiveness can be measured using various instruments, such as the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the Indecisiveness scale. Indecisiveness has also been linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is because people perceive ambiguous situations as dangerous. It has also been found to be associated with the fear of being wrong, which could be the reason why it is common for people suffering from adhd to have trouble making decisions.

In the qualitative study on adult adhd symptoms women women with adhd that were interviewed the participants said they were not in a position to make decisions about their professional and personal lives. They had a difficult time finding a job they liked or to stay in, and were difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships and health. They often waited for others to take decisions, or were unable complete projects such as scheduling childcare. They often felt they were being held back by their ADHD symptoms, like difficulties with getting started or staying focused and impulsive.

They had a difficult time keeping friendships and were unable to relax which led to issues with their mental health. They described having high levels of stress and anxiety as well as sleeping less and a poor diet. They also reported feeling snubbed by their peers and the media. They were able explain their struggles with ADHD and helped increase their self-esteem since they were not blaming themselves. They also had access to the appropriate treatment strategies.

The interviews revealed that women were extremely positive, but struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on various aspects of their lives. The women reported a lack in career or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships, and a messy house.

5. Insecurity about oneself

Women may cover up their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe that their behavior is less acceptable than for men and boys. Some women may be able to internalize their ADHD and adopt coping strategies such as self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem which can lead to anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.

Having high inner worth is a prerequisite for healthier relationships and a better outlook on life. When people lack a strong sense of self-worth, they tend to seek outside things - like careers, relationships wealth, power, and relationships to feel a sense of worthiness. Therapist licensed Cheryl Clarke says this can cause an absence of communication within relationships, which could ultimately end it.

Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel that 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 as well as a negative self-image and an addiction of substance or food.

While these are serious issues but the women who participated in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as a blessing or a curse depending on the way they perceive their ability to control it. A few of them also point out their own strengths that they believe are partly due to their ADHD such as high energy, creativity determination, and the ability to get easily interested in new topics. They also discuss their unique struggles as part of a larger picture that includes cultural and family issues as well as biological and gender differences.