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 do not fit into a sex binary. Sexe and gender can affect the way adhd traits in women symptoms are diagnosed and treated.

undiagnosed adhd in adult women is typically diagnosed in the early years of childhood, before the age of 12. ADHD must present symptoms before the age of 12 and cause problems in multiple settings to qualify for a diagnoses.

1. Difficulty 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 manifest differently than they do in men.

Women are more likely to experience indecisiveness and disorganization for instance. They also are more likely to be emotionally triggered and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These problems can create an inability to concentrate on work, resulting in a decrease in productivity at work or at home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and miss appointments with doctors.

In addition to these inherent differences, women's hormones can make ADHD symptoms more severe. The hippocampus of females is bigger which helps in learning and memory. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopausal cycles can affect brain function.

In the end, women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD can have major struggles in relationships at school, in relationships as well as at work. They might also suffer from various comorbidities including depression, anxiety and eating disorders.

For these reasons, it is crucial for health professionals to recognize the many indications that females with adhd in women over 50 often show. They should rethink their strategies for diagnosing and treating females with ADHD in order to account for hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. This way, patients can finally get the treatment they require.

2. Impulsivity

Women with ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is especially the case when they interact with other people. This can lead to emotional dysregulation which is a major element of ADHD symptoms and is associated with a range of negative life results. These include low self-esteem, depression that is co-occurring with anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones that can result in 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 the way women who suffer from ADHD are treated. They may be misunderstood because they are viewed as being more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings. This can lead to their frustration at being a victim of untreated ADHD.

The impulse control portion of the brain, referred to as the prefrontal cortex is impaired in individuals with ADHD. This means that they are more prone to making decisions and sticking in their intentions. This can make it hard to resist the urge to eat another piece of cake or blurt out an inappropriate statement in public.

Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from medication that helps them control their impulsivity. Stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help reduce the impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medicines like Guanfacine and clonidine can be effective as well. Patients with ADHD may also benefit from a treatment called behavioral therapy, which helps to change their mental patterns and develop more effective methods of coping.

Meditation, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep can all be helpful in reducing the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It is also a great idea to track their symptoms throughout the day, and then share this information with their physician in order to assess whether the treatment is working.

3. Disorganization

Disorganization is a common problem in people with ADHD, and can affect their personal and professional life. It may take them longer to complete their tasks and decrease their efficiency. They could also be late and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis.

Insanity can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. People may forget important events or lose things like keys or purses. They might feel lonely and isolated due to this. They can also feel misunderstood by family and friends. The disorder is more prevalent during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles when hormones are changing and symptoms increase.

Women often mask their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being thought of as a problem. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. This could be the reason girls and women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD, particularly in adolescence when symptoms are more evident.

Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may not perform as well at school or at work. This could affect their job, grades, or overall standing. It can also cause problems in their personal lives like issues with romantic partners, or strained relationships with friends and family members.

Women who are constantly disorganized can benefit from the one-on-one assistance of a non-judgmental individual. They can help women learn to stay organized by making lists and establishing reminders. A licensed mental health professional can recommend medication or lifestyle changes that can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to ensure steady energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can increase the side effects of stimulant medication.

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 can also be linked to neuroticism and the tendency to apply worst case scenario thinking, which is where people interpret ambiguous situations as threatening. It was also discovered to be associated with a fear of making a mistake which could be the reason people suffering from adhd have difficulty making decisions.

In the study of qualitative research on adult women suffering from adhd who were interviewed, they described not being capable of making choices about their professional and personal lives. They had difficulty to manage their finances and relationships and had difficulty finding a job that they liked. They often had to wait for others to make decisions for them, or were unable to complete tasks like arranging childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms like the inability to focus and impulsivity, or getting started on projects were holding them back.

They had difficulty finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive which led to mental health issues. They described having high levels of anxiety and stress, sleeping less and a poor diet. They also reported feeling snubbed by their peers and the media. The diagnosis of adhd in adult women test gave them a reason for their struggles which was beneficial to their self-image because it meant they weren't blamed for their condition. It also gave them access to treatment strategies that were appropriate.

The interviews revealed that the women were extremely positive, but struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD in different areas types of adhd in women their lives. The women complained of a lack in career or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships, and a messy house.

5. Lack of self-esteem

Women can hide their hyperactivity and impulsivity because they feel that their behavior is less acceptable for boys and men. Women who suffer from ADHD may be able to internalize their ADHD and adopt coping strategies such as self-harming (cutting or burning). This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem which can lead to depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.

A sense of inner worth is the precursor to more positive relationships and an optimistic outlook on life. If people do not have a strong sense of self-worth, they tend to seek outside things - including relationships, careers wealth, power, and relationships to feel a sense of worthiness. A licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can result in a lack of communication in a relationship, which can ultimately end it.

Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel that they do not deserve good things in life. These feelings may manifest as a desire for others to "keep up with" or to please. This can cause toxic workplaces, a negative self-image, and a dependence on substances or food.

Despite these challenges, women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as either positive or negative depending on how they feel about their ability to manage it. Some have identified personal strengths they believe are partially due to their ADHD. These include the ability to be creative, energetic and determination and the ability to quickly become interested in new subjects. They also discuss their own struggles within the context of an overall picture that includes biological and gender distinctions, as well as cultural and family issues.