Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women suffering from ADHD typically have different social expectations regarding how they should manage their careers, family and home lives. This can lead to feelings of guilt and anger if your symptoms are getting out of control.
Research shows that girls are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than men and boys. This could be due to the fact that they cover up their symptoms or develop strategies to cover the symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
Having trouble paying attention at work or school is among the primary symptoms of adhd. People with this condition frequently forget important meetings, fall behind on assignments or are misguided when trying to follow instructions. They might also have difficulty focusing or concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. Some people with ADHD can have what is called "thousand-yard stares" and can become distracted during conversations. These symptoms can lead to difficulties at work or in relationships.
Girls and women can be particularly susceptible to undiagnosed ADHD particularly as they age. They frequently develop coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms and employ these strategies into adulthood. They might even begin to recognize their symptoms as being personal characteristics, which could make it difficult for them to seek help.
In addition, many teachers don't suggest ADHD evaluations for girls as often as they do for males. However, if a girl's inattentive ADHD symptoms are causing a negative impact on her school performance or social interactions, she should talk to a health care professional.
Being inattentional ADHD can lead to a lot of emotional stress. It can be a frustrating experience to feel like you're not able to meet the expectations of your colleagues, friends and family members. It can be a bit depressing to feel like you're not able to get along well with your kids or siblings. Many people with ADHD have anxiety and depression that can be exacerbated by their inattention and impulsivity. You can reduce the severity of these symptoms by seeking assistance and doing other activities. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that improve concentration and attention. It can also reduce mood swings, anxiety and other symptoms that are common among people with ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage. You might make comments that you shouldn't or purchase items on impulse. You may also end up in trouble with the law enforcement due to your conduct. Impulsivity can also make it difficult to control your emotions and feelings. This could lead to self-harm, such as burning, cutting or scratching yourself. This can lead to drug or alcohol use.
People who are impulsive can face issues with their relationships, school or work performance. You can manage your impulsivity with medication prescribed by your doctor. Drugs like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall Ritalin) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can help you improve your impulse control. Non-stimulant drugs like clonidine or guanfacine could also help to manage your impulses better.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. This kind of ADHD can be harder to detect, leading to the wrong diagnosis. Women may conceal their symptoms in order to conform to social standards and expectations. This can be particularly problematic in the adolescent years and early adulthood. Women may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms that include excessive drinking and substance abuse, to hide their ADHD issues.
Women who have high-functioning ADHD might conceal their symptoms by excelling in specific areas of their lives, such as school or at work. This can give you a false sense that everything is fine and make you feel overwhelmed. Talk to your doctor for accommodations at school or work that will help you manage your ADHD symptoms. This is a great way to build awareness with your coworkers or professors of the challenges you might face.
3. Disorganization
If you suffer from ADHD then avoiding appointments, showing up late to work, forgetting dates and zoning-out during conversations can lead to frustration and make others feel unimportant or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to keep track of your tasks and manage your finances and schedules. For instance, if are having trouble remembering what you'll need for groceries, you might miss out on meals or spend too much on unnecessary purchases.
Women with ADHD often have a hard to keep track of their the daily chores, homework assignments and even paying bills. The condition can also cause messy homes, messy workspaces and a tendency to accumulate. The "time blindness" that ADHD sufferers experience makes it difficult to know how long has passed or how long they've been working on a particular task. Problems with time management can lead to feelings of guilt or shame when combined with difficulty staying organized.
Although research shows that women and girls are more likely to suffer from ADHD than men and boys, symptoms can be masked and not recognized. Many women aren't diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. In addition, social stigmas and stereotypes can make it difficult for women to access the help and treatment they require.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to manage your ADHD symptoms. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine boost and balance neurotransmitters - brain chemicals that talk to each other. Antidepressants, as well as atomoxetine that are nonstimulant medications, can also be used to treat ADHD. However they are slower to work than stimulants. Your doctor could also refer you to a mental health specialist who can assist in the development of an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to your individual requirements.
4. Impulsiveness
Women who suffer from ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions and are more prone to rejection. The chemical imbalance associated with ADHD interferes with communication between brain areas that regulate emotions, and also interpret how to handle these emotions.
People suffering from ADHD are more prone to depression and moodiness. This, in conjunction with the difficulty keeping track of their responsibilities can lead to problems with romantic and family relationships. adhd in women uk with ADHD might also suffer from low self-esteem, and may have difficulties forming relationships and navigating social situations. They might wander off in a tangent or struggle to comprehend what other people are saying. This makes it difficult for them to find a spot within a group.
When it comes to managing their daily tasks, women with ADHD might have difficulty finding the motivation to do routine or boring tasks, like washing dishes, laundry, and cleaning. This could lead them to develop unhealthy coping habits that include binge-watching television shows or consuming substances. These habits can be particularly dangerous for young girls and adolescents with ADHD, who are more likely to engage in risky sexual actions, such as early initiation of sexual activity, having fewer sexual partners who are protected, and more casual sex than their peers.
As adults, women with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed than men because they tend to have inattentive symptoms instead of hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms. Additionally many women conceal their ADHD symptoms because of the a myriad of expectations society puts on them (managing the home and the family, for example). It isn't easy for doctors to identify that there is a problem since the symptoms are easy to recognize in both boys.
5. Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may struggle to handle their daily tasks. They may have trouble organizing their lives and paying their bills on time, and keeping up with work and school obligations. The emotional symptoms, such as mood swings and trouble controlling emotions, may make it difficult to get along with other people and cause issues in relationships between people.
People suffering from ADHD are unable to discern body language or social cues. They may wander off on a tangent during conversations or struggle to follow the thread of a conversation, leading to difficulties with school or work performance and tension in relationships. They can also have difficulty making new friends or achieving the right balance between work, home and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD can change throughout the day, and may be affected by hormones, as during menstruation or pregnancy, or even perimenopausal. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis or the wrong type of medication being prescribed.
There are certain symptoms and signs common to ADHD that can aid you or a loved one recognize the condition. Recognizing these symptoms is a great first step to getting the help and treatment you require to manage your symptoms effectively.
It's important to note that ADHD does not mean that you are unaffected by other physical or mental conditions. Your therapist or doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation. They'll ask questions about your past and current behavior, review your medical history, and discuss how your symptoms impact you in different situations.