Women who suffer from ADHD experience a wide range of symptoms which can affect their everyday functioning at work, school and at home. Treatments for ADHD include medication and psychotherapy with a mental health professional experienced in treating adults with ADHD.
The symptoms of ADHD are often exacerbated by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopausal.
Inattention or lack of Focus
Women with ADHD may find it difficult to concentrate and feel like their concentration is falling off. They can lose track, forget appointments or other obligations, and struggle with poor performance at work. They also are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety, and to experience relationship difficulties that could lead to intimate partner violence.
As we get older, hormone changes can make it difficult for girls suffering from ADHD, to concentrate. This is due to the fact that estrogen levels decrease during the ovulation cycle, and falls further at the time of the beginning of menstrual cycles. These fluctuations, when paired with progesterone, which is found in the brains of adolescents can cause symptoms to become more apparent. They also increase the chance of being misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety and improperly treated.
Girls with ADHD are more likely to have the inattentive subtype of the condition, rather than the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed subtypes. It is often difficult to diagnose these issues as they grow older, because adults are less likely than their parents or teachers to be aware of the same behavior issues that kids with ADHD might be experiencing. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more adept at hiding their symptoms and relying on their tools to compensate. This can result in a false sense of self-worth and a deep sense of self-doubt that can impact career and financial success.
The impulsivity associated with ADHD in girls and women can lead them to be more sexually active than their peers and at a younger age. This can lead them to have a bad relationships and a greater risk of being forced into unwanted sexual activity, or being a victim of sexual assault. It can also lead to an unhealthy food intake and increase the risk of substance and alcohol abuse.
Regular exercise can help improve concentration and release neurotransmitters that improve working memory and alertness. It can also help reduce stress and improve sleep as well, both of which are common issues for people with ADHD. Try walking, yoga, swimming, or playing any sport.
Disorganization
Women with ADHD often struggle with disorganization and clutter. Even though you may spend your time cleaning and organizing, your home and work life can seem chaotic. Late payments, missed appointments and misplaced papers can affect your work and personal relationships. There is also the possibility of health issues as a result of a inadequate nutrition, skipping doctor visits or not taking medication according to instructions.
It’s hard to maintain your typical level of organization when you have ADHD because your symptoms flare up when you face specific pressures. Your desk at work could be a chaotic mess of receipts, 17 different chapsticks, and even a ticket for the Kings of Leon concert you went to in 2008. Your shopping cart could be overflowing with items to the point of filling it with items you don’t require. Your handbag might contain a random assortment of things, such as scissors keys, keys, a pen and paper, and an additional set of headphones.
Inattentive ADHD is the most frequent kind of disorder. It can be characterized by difficulties paying attention, following directions, or being active in social settings. You might lose your keys, forget appointments or be too gentle with others because you do not realize the trouble they are in. You may find it difficult to complete tasks, become overwhelmed at work or school and feel like you’re not a part of your peers.
Many women and girls aren’t diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms don’t match the stereotype of hyperactivity in women among males and females. Women and girls often exhibit non-attentional symptoms instead of hyperactive which makes it difficult to diagnose. A gender bias could also hinder health professionals from considering ADHD to be the reason of their behavior.
Reduce stress and lower the level of your stress. Meditation and mindfulness exercises can help you manage your impulsivity, control your emotions and stay in the present moment. A healthy diet can also help you manage your symptoms, and avoiding foods that are high in sugar, fat and other chemicals could help you feel more relaxed and focused.
Problems in Making Decisions
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time making decisions because they are easily distracted. This can lead to issues in their personal as well as professional life. They might not be able to keep track on their plans or keep track of appointments and bill payments. Their lack of attention ADHD can make them more likely to lose or misplace items them, which can lead to several issues.
Another common ADHD sign in women of adulthood is mood swings and issues with self-esteem. These problems can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles and pregnancy, as well as menopausal. Women suffering from ADHD might also suffer from depression or anxiety. These symptoms can trigger these conditions, or they may develop independently. They are more likely to have co-occurring disorders, such as eating disorders or tics.
The signs of adhd in women of ADHD are more difficult to recognize in women than in men or boys. This is because they are more likely to have inattentive ADHD symptoms and be less prone to hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms, especially in the mixed subtype of the disorder. This can make it difficult to get diagnosed and can cause people to dismiss their symptoms as “character flaws” or a problem they need to manage.
It can be hard for women to spot their ADHD symptoms, particularly when they’ve had these symptoms for a long time. They can get so used to their inattention and disorganization that they believe it’s normal. This could prevent them from seeking a diagnosis and receiving treatment.
For adult add women diagnosed with ADHD the most effective treatment is generally medication. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants, which function by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain. These include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, amphetamines and salts (Adderall), lisdexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) or antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) desipramine (Norpramin) and nortriptyline (Pamelor), can also help to manage ADHD symptoms.
In addition to medication lifestyle changes can improve adult adhd symptoms women symptoms for women. For instance, exercising can help to elevate mood and boost energy levels. It can also improve social abilities. Women who suffer from ADHD find it easier to manage their symptoms when they are around other people and therefore joining an ADHD support group can be beneficial.
Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are often anxious. This is related to many factors including low self-esteem, difficulty in relationships, and a lack of understanding and support from other people. It may also be linked to workplace issues such as difficulty maintaining a job or adhering to the rules and regulations of the workplace. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from comorbid depression. This can cause feelings of self-doubt or anxiety. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from disordered eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
Inattentive-type symptoms, which cause you to lose or misplace things, forget important appointments, or have trouble remembering what people tell you, are more common in females with adhd than hyperactive/impulsive ADHD. Those with this subtype of adhd have at least six of the following symptoms lasting for at minimum six months: You struggle to stay focused on tasks at home and at school. You are easily distracted by your surroundings or your own thoughts and actions. You have trouble sitting still or focusing your attention on a particular task (you are prone to a glance at a mile). You’re having trouble following directions or making deadlines at work or school. You’re forgetful or unfocused when it comes to daily tasks, such as paying bills and tracking medication.
Some women with ADHD are more successful in masking their symptoms than men, which can make getting the diagnosis difficult. Some women hide their lack of attention by dressing up or using devices that aid them in staying organized and focused. The symptoms can also change due to hormonal changes, particularly estrogen during ovulation and the menstrual cycle.
The diagnosis of adhd can alter the life of many adults who suffer from this condition. It can be a great relief when you know the cause of the issues you face. It will also help you accept yourself better. It can also act as a catalyst for making positive lifestyle changes.
Gender refers to a person’s internal perception of being male or female, nonbinary, or a different gender. Sex refers to the chromosomal makeup of a person, hormones, and anatomy and is determined by birth.
