Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women suffering from ADHD are often subjected to different expectations from society on how they should manage careers, families and home life. This can lead to feelings of shame and frustration when your symptoms are getting in the way.
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 conceal their symptoms or develop strategies to manage their symptoms, such as:
1. Inattentiveness
Finding it difficult to focus at school or at work is one of the main signs of adhd. Women with adhd are more likely to forget important meetings or tasks or are misled by directions. They may also have difficulties staying focused in noisy or crowded spaces. People with ADHD are prone to what's known as "thousand-yard stares" and can become distracted during conversations. These symptoms can cause problems at work or with relationships.
Women and girls are at a higher risk of developing undiagnosed ADHD as they get older. They develop strategies to cope that disguise their symptoms and continue to do so until adulthood. They may even start to see their symptoms as being personal attributes, which can make it harder for them to seek help.
In addition, many teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations for girls as often as they do for boys. However should a girl's lack of attention ADHD symptoms have a negative effect on her school performance or social interactions, she should talk to a health care professional.
Inattentive ADHD is a typical reason for emotional stress. It can be frustrating to feel that you aren't able to meet the expectations of your friends, co-workers and family members. It can also be upsetting when you feel you are unable to get along with your children or siblings. Some people with ADHD suffer from anxiety and depression, which can be exacerbated by their impulsivity and inattention. In addition to seeking assistance there are a few things you can do to reduce the impact of these symptoms. Regular exercise can help release neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus. It can also help reduce anxiety and mood swings, which are common among those who suffer from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage. You may blurt out things you shouldn't, purchase something on impulse or get into trouble with the law because of your actions. In addition, it can be difficult to control your emotions and feelings. Self-injury can result, such as cutting, burning or scratching yourself. It could also lead to drug and alcohol abuse.
People who are impulsive often have issues with relationships as well as school or work performance. Your doctor can help manage your impulsivity by prescribing medication. Medications like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall Ritalin, Adderall) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can help you improve your control over impulses. Non-stimulant drugs such as clonidine and guanfacine can also improve your ability to manage yourself.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. But this type of ADHD is difficult to spot, which can result in underdiagnosis. Women may hide symptoms in order to conform to social norms and expectations. This can be particularly problematic in adolescence and early adulthood. Some women use unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse to hide their ADHD challenges.
Women with high-functioning ADHD might conceal their symptoms by succeeding in specific areas of their lives, such as school or work. This could give you a false sense that everything is going well and cause you to feel overwhelmed. Consult your doctor about any adjustments that you can make at work or at school to manage your ADHD symptoms. This is a great opportunity to educate your professors or colleagues of the issues you have to face.
3. Disorganization
If you have ADHD then missing appointments, turning up late to work, forgetting dates and zoning-out during conversations can lead to frustration and make others feel unimportant or offended. The condition can also make it difficult to manage your finances and keep track of your schedule and complete tasks. If you don't know what you'll need for food, you may miss out on meals or spend too much on unnecessary items.
Women suffering from ADHD typically have a difficult managing their the daily chores, homework assignments and bills. adhd in women uk can also result in disorganized homes, messy workspaces and a tendency to accumulate. The "time blindness" that ADHD sufferers experience makes it difficult to gauge how much time has been spent or how long they've worked on a specific task. Combined with difficulty staying focused, problems with time management can lead to feelings of guilt and shame about being not organized.
adhd in young women shows that girls, women and boys are more likely than males to suffer from ADHD. However, the signs may be misdiagnosed or concealed. Many women aren't diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. Social stigma and stereotypes may make it difficult for women to receive the care and support they require.
Your doctor might recommend medication to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine can increase and balance levels of neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals that communicate with one another. Antidepressants and atomoxetine, which are non-stimulant drugs are also used to treat ADHD. However, they work more slowly than stimulants. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in mental health who will assist in developing a treatment program specific to your requirements.
4. Impulsiveness
Women suffering from ADHD may have a hard to control their emotions and are often more vulnerable to rejection. The chemical imbalance that is associated with ADHD interferes with brain's communication between the areas that regulate emotions and interpret how to handle them.
People suffering from ADHD are prone to depression and moodiness. This, along with the difficulty keeping track of their responsibilities, can cause problems with relationships with family and romantic partners. Women with ADHD might also suffer from low self-esteem, and may have difficulty forming relationships and navigating social situations. They may wander off in a tangent or have trouble understanding what other people are saying. This makes it difficult for them to find a spot in an organization.
When it comes to managing their daily responsibilities women with ADHD may have trouble finding the motivation to do routine or boring tasks, like washing dishes, laundry, or cleaning. This could lead them to develop unhealthy coping methods, such as binge-watching TV shows or taking drugs. These habits can be particularly risky for young girls and adolescents with ADHD who are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, such as early beginning of sexual activity, having fewer sexual partners who are protected, and more casual sexual activity 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. Many women conceal their ADHD because of the numerous expectations that society places on them (managing home and family for instance). This can make it difficult for health professionals to see that there's an issue, especially since symptoms are more readily recognized in males and females.
5. Hyperactivity
For women with ADHD daily tasks can be overwhelming. They may have trouble organizing their lives, paying their bills on time and juggling work and school obligations. Emotional symptoms, like mood swings and trouble controlling emotions, may make it difficult to connect with others and create difficulties in relationships with family and friends.
People suffering from ADHD struggle to read body language or social cues. They may go off on a tangent within conversations or struggle to follow the thread of a conversation, leading to issues with school or work performance as well as strained relationships. They might also have trouble making new friends or achieving the right balance between work, home, and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD can change throughout the day, and can be affected hormonally like during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or perimenopause. This can lead to misdiagnosis, or the wrong type of medications being prescribed.
There are some symptoms and signs that are that are typical of ADHD that can aid you or someone you love to recognize the condition. It is crucial to recognize these signs in order to receive the treatment and assistance you require to manage symptoms effectively.
The fact that you have ADHD does not mean that it doesn't mean you're not suffering from other mental health or physical conditions and it's essential that your therapist or doctor conducts a thorough examination. They will ask you questions regarding your past and current behaviors, look over your medical history, and discuss how your symptoms affect you in various settings.