AdHD Symptoms in Women

Women who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty meeting many societal expectations. Women with ADHD often struggle to live up to expectations of society such as caring for others as well as balancing work and home life, and navigating relationships.



Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. The gender bias can also cause health professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.

1. Inattention and lack of Focus

One of the most common symptoms of adhd in women is difficulty concentration. It can show up in many different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments to not being able to complete tasks at work to zoning out during conversations, making people feel disregarded. It's also a common sign that makes it difficult for women to manage their finances, and it's often the reason why they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.

Women may be more adept at masking ADHD symptoms than other women, making it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they speculate that it could be related to gender stereotypes and the belief that women and girls should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can result in poor performance at school or work and may prevent them from seeking the help and support they need.

Lack of focus can also be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses such as depression or anxiety. Depression can affect concentration by making you irritable and forgetful. People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder typically have difficulty focusing due to the fact that they are more likely to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and feelings.

The best method to increase your concentration is to control your ADHD symptoms by seeking treatment. This involves seeking out a therapist or a clinician who has experience with ADHD in women and girls. You should also learn about the options for accommodations from your employer or school, such as flexible working hours or at home. A healthy sleeping routine can help you to have more peaceful nights and also help you stay focused throughout the day. This includes going to bed each night at the same time, while listening to soothing music or audiobooks, and limiting screen time.

2. Impulsivity

Women who suffer from ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity symptoms. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or changing topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that are not the best for their interests. They might also have trouble understanding body language or social signals. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopausal, the period prior to menopausal onset - and when hormone levels begin to drop.

Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have inattentive-type symptoms, which can be harder to notice than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This could result in health professionals not recognizing ADHD in girls and women and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as a mood or anxiety issue. The gender bias could also play a role since research on ADHD is predominantly focused on males and females.

Teachers and parents might notice impulsive behavior in children who suffer from ADHD. It's normal for children to be restless, impatient or impulsive at times. These behaviors can improve as children age and begin to manage their symptoms.

Adults who suffer from adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting that affect their work, relationships, and school. They can lead to procrastination and forgetfulness as well as difficulty keeping commitments. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-in-women/ can also make locating and maintaining a job difficult and interfere with healthy eating.

Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication. Your doctor will suggest a combination of treatments depending on the specific symptoms you have, your lifestyle, and other health conditions you may have. They may also recommend psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you to recognize and change negative thoughts, couples counseling, if your relationship is affected by ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can also aid in calming your brain and reduce symptoms, particularly when it comes to distraction and impulsivity. You can take on activities such as yoga, dancing, and group exercises like running and swimming.

3. Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are common and cause a variety of physical symptoms. Palpitations, headaches, dizziness and sweating are a few of the symptoms. They can make people feel like they are having an attack of the heart or that the world is ending. People who experience anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart condition due to these physical signs. This can lead to an extended journey of medical treatments that do not tackle the root of the issue. Fortunately, the majority of anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy on its own or in combination with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular it can help people to develop new ways of thinking or reacting to situations that could reduce anxiety.

Unlike men and boys, who are more likely to have hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, women are more likely to have the inattentive subtype of the disorder. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with mixed subtypes. It's important for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will conduct an exhaustive physical exam and ask detailed questions about how the disorder affects their lives.

Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble getting a correct diagnosis, as the majority of diagnostic tools are geared toward male behavior. Additionally, women often try to hide their ADHD in order to fit into the society. They can be misdiagnosed and their ADHD treatment may be delayed. A qualified professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced registered nurses may be able to diagnose ADHD. The professional will make use of a detailed medical history, a physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to determine the severity of a patient's symptoms and determine if any other medical conditions might be contributing.

4. Disorganization

Women suffering from ADHD might experience disorganization, which is a persistent issue that can cause disruption to work and schoolwork habits which can cause emotional stress and strain relationships and contribute to financial problems. Disorganization can be characterized by a poor organizational skill for example, forgetting to pay bills or keeping appointments, or having difficulty making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, such as anxiety, traumatizing a life event, or depression and can be difficult to treat.

Some women who suffer from ADHD have a high degree of functioning and their symptoms don't significantly affect their day-to-day activities and relationships. This is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." It doesn't mean they don't experience some of the symptoms. This includes difficulty in concentrating or paying attention to particulars, feeling uneasy and forgetful.

People who struggle with disorder every day. They may be searching for lost items or delay important tasks. It can also lead to low productivity and stressed relationships. It can also cause various health issues, including anxiety and sleep disorders.

Hormone fluctuations can also contribute to the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen levels are lower when ovulating, during the middle of menstruation and at the end of when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

It's possible that, while biological differences may be a factor, a portion of the disorder or impulsivity among women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Girls and young women are typically socialized to be quiet and reserved, so they may not be able to hide their ADHD symptoms.

5. Attention

Women are more likely than men to hide their problems with attention, which can lead them to be wrongly diagnosed and receive delayed treatment. In reality, they may even think that they have better concentration and time-management skills than they do. In reality, these people are likely to lose things, forget appointments, or not pay their bills on time. They also struggle with problems with organization at work and at home.

Women suffering from ADHD are more prone to develop the inattentive type of the disorder. They're less likely to have the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed symptoms, which must be present in at least two settings for six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. They may also have trouble being quiet and can talk to themselves incessantly or say nonsensical phrases or sounds, however they're much less likely to have these symptoms than males are.

For many adults with ADHD the first option for treatment is medication. stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate are often prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that target the way neurotransmitters communicate with your brain are also available. These include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.

Women with ADHD also may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you recognize the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and teach you healthy ways to self regulate your mood and behavior. A healthy diet and exercise along with medication can help manage ADHD symptoms like inattention, restlessness and disorientation. To boost your energy levels Try activities such as yoga, dancing, group classes like aerobics or swimming and biking. Try to exercise for at least four to five sessions per week, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. To improve your mood and focus consume a variety of foods, including whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats.