ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that gender and sexuality are dependent on biology, which includes the body's chromosomal make-up and hormones. Many people do not fit neatly into the binary sex. However, gender and sex influence the way symptoms of ADHD are identified and treated.
ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of childhood, usually before age 12. ADHD must show signs before the age of 12 and cause problems in multiple settings to qualify for a diagnoses.
1. Trouble focusing
Inattention is the root of ADHD and affects both women and men. Women may find it more challenging to get the attention they require, especially because symptoms often manifest in different ways in men.
Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and indecisive, for example. They're also more likely to be emotionally triggered and have trouble putting things into perspective. These issues can cause an inability to concentrate on tasks, leading to a decrease in productivity at work or home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and miss appointments with doctors.
In addition to these natural gender differences, hormones of women can make their ADHD symptoms worse. Females have a larger hippocampus, which helps with learning and memory, as well as hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles and during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal cycles can affect brain's functioning.
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 co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety eating disorders, bipolar disorder.
It is important that health professionals understand the numerous signs that females with ADHD display. They need to rethink their methods to diagnose and treat females suffering from ADHD to recognize hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. Patients can then receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is especially the case when they are interacting with other people. This can cause emotional dysregulation which is a component of ADHD symptoms. It can also be associated with negative outcomes in life. This includes low self-esteem coexisting depression and anxiety as well as problematic relationships with loved ones which can lead to conflicts between partners, problems with friendships, a messy house or personal space, an inability manage time or money and a messy home.
Gender stereotypes can affect how women who suffer from ADHD are treated. Because they are typically viewed as more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they may be misunderstood or dismissed as emotionally unstable. This can increase their frustration about being a victim of untreated ADHD.
The part of the brain that controls impulses the brain, referred to as the prefrontal cortex is impaired in individuals with ADHD. This means that they have more trouble making decisions and following through with their intentions. This could cause you to want to indulge in more cake or make a rude comment.
For those who suffer from ADHD medication can assist to increase their ability to manage their impulsivity. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine may reduce the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine can also be effective. Behavioral therapy may also be advised, which will help people with ADHD alter their thinking patterns and develop healthier coping skills.
Meditation and eating a balanced diet and getting enough rest can all help control restlessness and impulsiveness in people with ADHD. It's also a good idea to track their symptoms throughout the day and share the information with their doctor to assess whether their treatment plan is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a frequent issue in people with ADHD and can impact their professional and personal lives. It may take them longer to complete tasks, and reduce their efficiency. They could also be late and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis.
A lack of organization can cause problems in maintaining healthy relationships. People may forget important events or lose things like keys or purses. They might feel lonely and isolated due to this. They may also feel unloved by family members and friends. The disorder can become more severe during perimenopause and menopause, when hormones change and symptoms become more severe.
It is not unusual for women to mask their ADHD symptoms in order to conform with the norms of society and avoid being considered a failure. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of guilt or shame. It could also be a reason for why women and girls are often not diagnosed with ADHD particularly during adolescence, when symptoms are more obvious.
In the end, women with untreated ADHD might experience poor academic or work performance. This can affect their job, grades, or their overall image. It can also create problems for their personal lives. For instance it could lead to issues with romantic partners or strain relationships with family members and friends.
add women www.iampsychiatry.uk with chronic disorganization could get help one-on-one by a non-judgmental therapist. They can help them learn strategies to get and remain organized, for example, making an agenda of the daily tasks and setting reminders for them. A qualified mental health professional may recommend medication or lifestyle changes that will aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. This could include eating smaller, frequent meals to ensure energy levels and avoiding caffeine that can cause adverse effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is one of the traits that affects decision making in many areas of our lives. Indecisiveness is measured by several instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the Indecisiveness scale. Indecisiveness is also correlated with neuroticism and with the tendency to use worst case scenario thinking, which is where people perceive ambiguous situations as potentially dangerous. It was also found to be linked to the fear of making a mistake, which could help explain why people suffering from adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the study of qualitative research on adult women with adhd interviewed, they described not being capable of making decisions regarding their professional and personal lives. They found it hard to manage their finances and relationships, and had trouble finding an occupation they liked. They often waited for other people to decide or were unable to finish tasks on their own, like organizing childcare. They often felt that they were held back by their ADHD symptoms, for example, difficulty with starting or staying focused and impulsivity.
They struggled to keep relationships and had trouble relaxing and recharging their mental health. They described having high levels of stress and anxiety, sleeping less, and poor nutrition. They also expressed feeling slighted by the media and adults. They were able explain their struggles with ADHD which helped them boost their self-esteem as they weren't blaming others. Additionally, it gave them access to appropriate treatment strategies.
The interviews showed that the women had many positive qualities but struggled to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on a variety of aspects of their lives. The women complained of an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships and a messy home.
5. Lack of Self-Esteem
Women can hide their hyperactivity and impulsivity because they believe these symptoms are less acceptable than for boys and men. They also may be able to internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms like self-harm (cutting or burning, or scratching). This can cause feelings of self-esteem loss that contribute to anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.
Being able to identify your inner worth is a precursor to healthier relationships and a positive outlook on life. If people do not have a strong sense of self-worth and feel they are not worthy, they will seek outside things - like careers, relationships, wealth, and power to feel a sense of worthiness. Licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can result in an absence of communication in the relationship, which could ultimately end it.
Alongside a feeling of lack of self-worth, those with ADHD often have the feeling that they don't have enough of the good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a need to please or "keep up" with others. This can result in toxic workplace cultures, a negative self-image, and a dependence on substance or food.
Despite these significant issues However, the women who took part in this study found many positive aspects to living with ADHD. They generally describe their ADHD as a gift or a curse, depending on whether they believe they can manage it. Some of them have identified strengths they believe are partially due to their ADHD. They have the ability to be creative, energetic and determination, as well as the ability to effortlessly become fascinated by new subjects. They also talk about their individual struggles in the context of a larger picture that includes biological and gender differences, as well cultural and family issues.