7 Secrets About ADHD Traits In Women That Nobody Can Tell You

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. Genre and gender can influence how ADHD symptoms are treated and diagnosed. ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of early childhood, typically before age 12. The symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause difficulties in multiple settings to be able to receive the diagnosis. 1. Problems with Focusing Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD and it's a problem for all genders. Women may have a difficult time focusing, especially since symptoms can manifest differently than they do in males. Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and indecisive, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to concentrate on tasks, leading to a decrease in productivity at work or at home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and skip appointments with doctors. In addition to these natural gender differences, hormones of women can make ADHD symptoms worse. The female hippocampus is larger which helps with memory and learning. Menstrual hormone fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause may also influence brain function. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school and at work. They might also struggle with a host of co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder. It is important that health care professionals recognize the many clues females with ADHD exhibit. They must recalibrate their approaches for diagnosing and treating females suffering from ADHD in order to account for emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. These patients can then finally receive the treatment they need. 2. Impulsivity Females who suffer from ADHD tend to have difficulty controlling their emotions, particularly when they interact with other people. This can lead to emotional dysregulation, which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It is also linked to negative life outcomes. These include poor self-esteem, depression that is co-occurring with anxiety, difficult romantic relationships which can lead to violence between intimate partners, issues with friendships and a messy home or personal space, and the inability to manage time or money. Gender stereotypes may also impact how women with ADHD are treated. They might be misunderstood since they are viewed as being more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings. This can exacerbate their frustrations about being a victim of untreated ADHD. People suffering from ADHD suffer from impaired impulse control, also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means that they have a harder time making decisions and following through in their intentions. This could make you want to take a bite more cake or to make an inappropriate comment. Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from medications that help them control their impulsivity. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can reduce the behavior of impulsivity. Non-stimulants such as clonidine or Guanfacine can also be effective. Behavioral therapy may also be advised, which will help those suffering from ADHD modify their thinking patterns and develop better ways to cope with stress. Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet and getting enough rest can all be helpful in reducing the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It's also a great idea to track their symptoms throughout the day and to share the information with their doctor to determine whether their treatment is working. 3. Disorganization Disorganization can be a major issue for those suffering from ADHD and affect their personal and professional lives. They may have trouble to complete tasks and their productivity could be diminished. They might also be late and feel overwhelmed on a daily basis. A lack of organization can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. People may forget important dates or lose things like purses or keys. They might feel lonely and unloved because of this. Friends and family may confuse them. The disorder can become more severe during perimenopause and menopause, when hormones change and symptoms become more severe. Women often mask their ADHD symptoms in order to fit into societal norms or to avoid being considered a failure. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. This could be a reason for why women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly during adolescence, when symptoms are more apparent. In the end women suffering from untreated ADHD may have trouble with their work or school performance. This can affect their career, grades, or reputation. This can also cause problems for their personal life. For example it could lead to difficulties with romantic partners or strained relationships with family and friends. Women who are chronically unorganized can benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental person. They can help women learn to stay organized by making lists and establishing reminders. A qualified mental health professional can also suggest medication and lifestyle changes that will help minimize ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to ensure steady energy levels, and avoiding caffeine which can worsen the adverse effects of stimulant medications. 4. Indecisiveness Indecisiveness is one of the traits that can affect decision-making in a variety of 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 the tendency to use worst-case scenario thinking, in which people interpret uncertain situations as threatening. It has also been proven to be associated with the fear of being wrong, which could help explain why it is common for people with adhd to have trouble making decisions. In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd, interviewees said they were incapable of making decisions regarding their work and personal lives. They struggled to manage their finances and relationships, and struggled to find a job that they liked. They often waited for others to make decisions, or were unable to finish projects like organizing childcare. They often felt that they were held back by their ADHD symptoms, like difficulties in starting, staying focused and impulsivity. They had a difficult time keeping friendships and had difficulty relaxing, leading to problems with their mental health. They described high levels of stress and anxiety, a lack of sleep and inadequate nutrition. adhd in women uk expressed feeling slighted by media and adults. They were able to articulate their struggles with ADHD which helped them boost their self-esteem as they were not blaming themselves. They also had access to the appropriate treatment. The interviews revealed that the women had a number of positive characteristics, but they were struggling to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on a variety of aspects of their lives. This included a lack of possibilities for romance or work, difficulty maintaining relationships and an unclean home. 5. Lack of self-esteem Women can cover up their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe these symptoms are less acceptable for boys and men. Women who suffer from ADHD may internalize their ADHD and develop coping strategies like self-harming (cutting or burning). This can result in low self-esteem, which could contribute to depression, anxiety or eating disorders. A high sense of inner worth is the precursor to more positive relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who lack 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 a relationship, which can eventually end it. Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel that they do not deserve good things in their lives. These feelings may manifest as a desire to please or “keep up” with others. This can lead to an unhealthy work environment and a negative image of the body and an addiction to food or other substances. Although these are significant challenges, the women who participated in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as either an advantage or a disadvantage according to the way they perceive their ability to manage it. Several of them also identify personal strengths they believe are due to their ADHD, including high energy, creativity determination and the ability to be easily interested in new topics. They also discuss their individual struggles in the context of the larger picture, which includes gender and biological distinctions, as well as cultural and family issues.