ADHD Traits in Women

Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender refer to biology--the hormonal makeup of the body and its chromosomal makeup. It also acknowledges that many people don't fall into a binary of sex. However, sex and gender can influence how symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed.

ADHD is diagnosed in childhood, usually before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present prior to age 12 and cause problems in more than one environment to qualify for an assessment.

1. Problems with Focusing

Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD and is a problem for all genders. Women may have a harder focus, particularly since symptoms can appear differently than they do in males.

Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and impulsive, for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and struggle to put things in perspective. These problems can lead to an inability of concentration, which can lead to an absence of productivity at home or work. They are also more likely to not remember their medication or miss doctor's appointments.

In addition to these innate differences, women's hormones can make their undiagnosed adhd in women symptoms more severe. Females have a larger hippocampus that aids in memory and learning, and hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal changes can affect their brain function.

This is why women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD can have major struggles in relationships at school, in relationships, and at work. They may also have various comorbidities, such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders.

For these reasons, it's critical for health professionals to recognize the many indicators that females suffering from ADHD often exhibit. They should rethink their approaches to diagnosing and treating women with ADHD to account for hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation and other factors that can influence symptom severity. That way, these patients will receive the treatment they require.

2. Impulsivity

Females suffering from ADHD are often unable to controlling their emotions, especially when they interact with other people. This can lead to emotional dysregulation, which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It is also associated with negative outcomes in life. These include poor self-esteem, depression and anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones that can result in intimate partner violence, trouble with friendships and a messy home or personal space, and an inability to manage time or money.

Gender stereotypes can affect the way women who suffer from ADHD are treated. They could be misunderstood as they are thought to be more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings. This can increase their frustration about being a victim of untreated ADHD.

People with ADHD have impaired impulse control which is also referred to as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have a harder time making decisions and executing in their intentions. This can make it hard to resist the urge to eat another piece of cake or to make an inappropriate comment in public.

Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from medications that help them manage their tendency to be impulsive. Stimulants like amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help to reduce the impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medications such as the guanfacine and clonidine are effective as well. Patients with adhd symptoms for women might also benefit from a add treatment for women called behavioral therapy, which helps to change their mental patterns and develop better strategies for coping.

Sleeping enough, eating a healthy diet, and practicing meditation can also help in reducing the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It is also a good idea to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and communicate this data with their doctor to determine if their treatment plan is effective.

3. Disorganization

Disorganization can be a problem for people suffering from ADHD and affect their personal and professional lives. They may find it difficult to complete tasks, and their productivity may be reduced. They could also miss deadlines and become overwhelmed on a radical guide for women with adhd daily basis.

A lack of organization can cause problems to maintain healthy relationships. They might forget important dates or lose things like keys or purses. This can cause them to feel lonely and alone. They can also feel misunderstood by their family and friends. Disorders are more common during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles when hormones change and symptoms are increasing.

Women often cover up their ADHD symptoms in order to fit into societal norms or to avoid being judged. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. This could be a reason why girls and women are typically not diagnosed with adhd women assessment especially during adolescence, when symptoms are more evident.

Women with untreated ADHD may not perform as well at school or at work. This could have a negative impact on their job, grades or their image. This could also cause issues for their personal life. For instance it could lead to issues with romantic partners or strain relationships with family members and friends.

Women with chronic disorganization can get help one-on-one by a non-judgmental therapist. They can assist women in learning to stay organized by creating a list and establishing reminders. Additionally, a certified mental health professional can recommend changes in lifestyle and medications to help minimize ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to ensure steady energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can cause an increase in the adverse effects of stimulant medications.

4. Indecisiveness

Indecisiveness can affect decision-making in many aspects of life. Several instruments have been developed to measure indecisiveness, such as the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also correlated with neuroticism, and the tendency to apply worst case scenario thinking, which is where people interpret ambiguous situations as dangerous. It is also believed to be associated with a fear of being wrong, which could be the reason why it is common for people suffering from adhd to have trouble making decisions.

In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd that were interviewed, they described not being capable of making decisions regarding their professional and personal lives. They struggled to find the job they wanted or stayed in, and were difficult to manage their finances, relationships, and health. They often waited for others to make decisions, or were unable complete projects such as arranging childcare. They often felt they were being held back by their ADHD symptoms, for example, difficulties with getting started or staying focused and impulsivity.

They had difficulty finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive which resulted in mental health issues. They reported high levels of anxiety and stress, sleeping less and a poor diet. They also expressed feeling devalued by adults and the media. They were able to explain their struggles with ADHD which helped them boost their self-esteem as they were not blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to the appropriate treatment.

The interviews revealed that women were very positive and able to overcome the effects of ADHD on different 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 may conceal their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they feel that these behaviors aren't as acceptable for men and boys. They may also take on their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms like self-harm (cutting, burning, scratching). This can lead to lower self-esteem and could cause anxiety, depression or eating disorders.

A sense of inner worth is the foundation for better relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who do not have a strong self-worth tend to look outside themselves for validation, such as relationships, careers, money, and power. Therapist licensed Cheryl Clarke says this can cause an absence of communication in the relationship, which could eventually end it.

Women suffering from ADHD might also feel they don't deserve the best things in life. These feelings may manifest as a desire to "keep up" or to please. This can cause toxic workplaces, a negative self-image, and a dependence on food or substances.

Despite these difficulties the women who participated in this study discovered many positive aspects to living with ADHD. They generally identify their ADHD as a blessing or a curse, depending on whether they feel they have control over it. Some of them have also identified their own strengths that they believe are a result of to their ADHD. They have the ability to be creative, ADHD Traits in Women energetic and determination, as well as the ability to quickly become fascinated by new subjects. They also discuss their own struggles within the context of an overall picture that includes biological and gender differences, as well as cultural and family issues.