What Is ADHD Traits In Women And Why You Should Care

ADHD Traits in Women

Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related to biology, the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones--and that many people don't belong to a sex binary. Gender and sexes can impact how ADHD symptoms are treated and diagnosed.

ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. Symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause difficulties in multiple settings to qualify for a diagnosis.

1. Trouble focusing

Inattention is at the heart of ADHD, and it's a problem for all genders. Women may have a tougher time focusing, especially since symptoms can manifest differently than in men.

Women are more likely than men to be unorganized and impulsive, as an example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These problems can lead to an inability of concentration which can lead to a lack productivity at work or at home. They're also more likely skip doctor appointments and forget to take their medication.

Women's hormones, in addition to these innate differences can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is larger, which aids in learning and memory. Hormone fluctuations during menstruation as well as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopausal changes can also affect brain function.

Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school and at work. They might also suffer from various comorbidities, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

It is important that health professionals are aware of the numerous signs that females with ADHD exhibit. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnosing and treating women with ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations, and other factors that influence the severity of symptoms. Patients can then receive the treatment they require.

2. Impulsivity

Women with ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This is especially the case when they are interacting with others. This can result in to emotional dysregulation, which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It is also associated with negative outcomes in life. This includes low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones that can result in intimate partner violence, trouble with friends as well as a messy home or personal space, and a failure to manage time or money.

Gender stereotypes can also influence how women who suffer from ADHD are treated. They may be misunderstood because they are thought to be more sensitive or prone to mood swings. This can lead to their frustration in being diagnosed with ADHD.

The impulse control portion of the brain, referred to as the prefrontal cortex is impaired in people suffering from ADHD. This means that they have a difficult time making decisions and following through with their intentions. This can make it hard to resist the temptation to eat another piece of cake or to make an inappropriate comment in public.

Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications that help them manage their impulses. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can reduce impulsive behavior. Non-stimulants such as clonidine or guanfacine are also effective. People suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a treatment called behavioral therapy, which can help them change their thinking patterns and develop more effective coping techniques.

Getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet, and practicing meditation can also help in reducing the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It's important to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and share this data with their doctor to determine if their treatment plan is working.

3. Disorganization

Disorganization is a common problem in people with ADHD and can have a negative impact on their work and personal lives. They may have trouble to complete their tasks and their productivity could be reduced. They could also miss deadlines and become overwhelmed on a daily basis.

A lack of organization can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose possessions such as keys or purses. They might feel lonely and isolated because of this. Friends and family members may be confused about them. The disorder can become more severe during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when hormones shift and symptoms increase.

It is not uncommon for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms to conform with societal norms and avoid being judged. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. It could be a reason why women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially true in adolescence, when symptoms are more evident.

Women with untreated ADHD may have poor performance at work or in school.  adhd in women adults  can affect their job, grades, or overall standing. It can also create problems in their personal lives. For example it can cause issues with relationships with their partners or breakups with family and friends.

Women with chronic disorganization can benefit from one-on-one help from a nonjudgmental support person. They can teach women how to stay organized by making a list and setting reminders. A licensed mental health professional may recommend medication or lifestyle changes that can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. This may include eating small frequent meals to maintain energy levels and avoiding caffeine that can cause adverse effects of stimulant medication.

4. Indecisiveness

Indecisiveness can affect decision-making in many aspects of daily life. Indecisiveness is measured by various instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the Indecisiveness scale. Indecisiveness is also correlated with neuroticism, and the tendency to use worst-case scenario thinking, where people interpret ambiguous situations as potentially dangerous. It was also found to be associated with a fear of making a mistake, which could explain why people with adhd have trouble making decisions.

In the study that was qualitative of women who have adhd in their adult lives the participants reported being incapable of making decisions in their work and personal lives. They struggled to find an occupation they enjoyed or to stay in, and found it difficult to manage their finances, relationships, and health. They frequently were dependent on others to make decisions or were unable to finish tasks on their own, like arranging childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms like impulsivity and difficulty focusing or starting projects was preventing them from completing.

They had trouble relaxing and maintaining friendships which resulted in mental health problems. They described having high levels of anxiety and stress as well as sleeping less and a poor diet. They also described feeling stigmatized by adults and the media. The diagnosis of ADHD gave them a reason for their difficulties which was beneficial for self-esteem because it meant they weren't blamed for their condition. Additionally, it gave them access to the appropriate treatment strategies.

The interviews showed that the women had a lot of positive qualities, but they struggled to overcome the impact of their ADHD symptoms on different aspects of their lives. The women complained of an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships, and a messy house.

5. Insecurity about oneself

Some of the signs that make up ADHD are seen as less acceptable socially for girls and women than they are for boys and men Some women choose to hide their hyperactivity, impulsivity, and disorganization. They may also be able to internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping strategies such as self-harm (cutting burns, scratching, cutting). This can result in feelings of self-esteem issues which can lead to depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.

Having high inner worth is a precursor to better relationships and a more positive outlook on life. People who lack a strong self-worth are more likely to look outside themselves to find validation, including relationships, careers, money, and power. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can also lead to a lack in communication within the relationship.

In addition to a sense of self-worth, women with ADHD often struggle with a feeling that they don't have enough of the good things happening in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a need to please or "keep up" with others. This can lead to toxic work cultures and a negative self-image and a dependence on substance or food.

While these are serious issues however, the women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. The majority of them say that they view their ADHD as a blessing or a curse, based on whether they believe they can manage it. A few of them also point out personal strengths they believe are a result of to their ADHD, including the ability to be creative, high energy, determination and the ability to become easily interested in new topics. They also discuss their individual struggles as part of a larger picture that encompasses cultural and family issues as in addition to gender and biological differences.