ADHD Traits in Women

Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that gender and sex are dependent on biology, which includes the body's chromosomal make-up and hormones. Many people do not fall into the binary sex. However, sex and gender can affect the way symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed and treated.

ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood, before the age of 12. ADHD must show signs before 12 years of age and cause problems in multiple settings to qualify for a diagnoses.

1. Difficulty Focusing

Inattention is the core of ADHD and is a problem for all genders. Women may have a tougher time focusing, especially since symptoms can appear differently than in men.

Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and impulsive, as an example. They also are more likely to experience emotional stress and struggle to put things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to focus and can result in a lack productivity at work or at home. They're also more likely to not attend doctor appointments or neglect to take their medications.

The hormones that women experience along with these inherent differences, can cause ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is larger, which aids in memory and learning. Hormone fluctuations during menstruation or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopausal cycles can affect brain function.

Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD might struggle with their relationships, at school and at work. They could also struggle with a myriad of co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.

This is why it's critical for health professionals to be aware of the various indications that females with ADHD frequently exhibit. They need to rethink their methods to diagnose and treat females with ADHD in order to account for hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. These patients can then finally receive the treatment they need.

2. Impulsivity

Females who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have trouble controlling their emotions, particularly when they interact with other people. This can lead to emotional dysregulation, which is a major component of ADHD symptoms and is associated with a range of negative life consequences. This includes low self-esteem, anxiety and depression that coexist, problematic romantic relationships that can result in violence between partners, problems with friendships, a messy home or personal space, an inability manage time or money and a messy home.

Gender stereotypes can affect how women with ADHD are treated. Because they are typically viewed as more sensitive or prone to mood swings, they can be misunderstood or dismissed as overly emotional. This can increase their frustration in being a victim of untreated ADHD.

The portion of the brain that controls impulses the brain, also known as the prefrontal cortex, is affected in people with ADHD. This means that they have a harder time making decisions and following through with their intentions. This can make you want to indulge in more cake or make a snide comment.

Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication that helps them control their tendency to be impulsive. stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can aid in decrease the impulsive behavior while nonstimulant medications such as clonidine and guanfacine can be efficient too. People suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a treatment called behavioral therapy, which helps them change their mental patterns and develop better coping techniques.

Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet and getting enough rest can all be helpful in reducing restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It's also a good idea to track their symptoms throughout the day and then share the information with their doctor 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. They may have trouble to complete tasks and their productivity could be reduced. They could also be late and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis.

Lack of organization can also cause problems in maintaining healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose things like keys or purses. They might feel lonely and isolated due to this. Friends and family may be confused about them. The disorder is more prevalent in menopausal and perimenopausal women when hormones change and symptoms become more severe.

It is not uncommon for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms to fit in with society's norms and avoid being judged. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. It can also be a reason why women and girls are often not diagnosed with adhd in adults women, particularly in adolescence when symptoms are more obvious.

In the end women suffering from untreated ADHD may have trouble with their academic or work performance. This can have a negative impact on their job, grades or reputation. This can also cause problems for their personal life. For example, it may lead to issues with relationships with their partners or breakups with family and friends.

successful women with adhd who are constantly disorganized could benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental friend. They can assist women in learning to stay organized by creating an agenda and setting reminders. A qualified mental health professional may also suggest medication and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. This could include eating smaller, frequent meals to ensure energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can trigger side effects of stimulant medications.

4. Indecisiveness

Indecisiveness can affect decision-making in many aspects of life. There are a variety of instruments that have been created to measure indecisiveness, such as the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness has also been linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret uncertain situations as being dangerous. It has also been proven to be linked with the fear of being wrong, which may help explain why it is common for people with adhd to struggle with making decisions.

In the qualitative study of adult adhd symptoms women women with adhd interviewed, they described not being capable of making decisions about their professional and personal lives. They found it hard to manage their finances and relationships and struggled to find an occupation they liked. They frequently were dependent on others to make decisions or were unable to finish projects on their own, for example, arranging childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms such as inattention and impulsivity or difficulty getting started on projects was preventing them from completing.

They had a difficult time keeping relationships and had trouble relaxing and recharging their mental health. They described high levels of stress and anxiety, a sleeping insufficiently and having poor nutrition. They also described feeling stigmatized by adults and the media. They were able explain their struggles with ADHD and helped boost their self-esteem as they were not blaming themselves. They also had access to the appropriate treatment.

The interviews revealed that the women were very optimistic, but struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD in different areas of their lives. The women complained of an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships, and a messy house.

5. Lack of self-esteem

Women might conceal their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they feel that these behaviors aren't as acceptable for men and boys. They may also internalize their adhd in women checklist symptoms and develop coping strategies such as self-harm (cutting burns, scratching, cutting). This can result in feelings of self-esteem issues that can cause anxiety, depression or eating disorders.

A sense of inner worth is the foundation for better 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 careers, relationships as well as wealth and power to feel worthy. A licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can result in an absence of communication in the relationship, which could eventually end it.

Women suffering from inattentive adhd in women may also feel they are not worthy of good things in life. These feelings may manifest as a desire to please or "keep up" with other people. This can lead to a toxic work culture and a negative image of the body and a dependence on food or substances.

Although these are significant challenges, the women who participated in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They generally identify their ADHD as a gift or a curse, based on whether they believe they can manage it. Some have identified their own strengths that they believe are partially due to their ADHD. They have high energy, creativity and determination, as well as the ability to quickly become fascinated by new subjects. In addition, they describe their unique challenges as part of a larger picture that encompasses family and cultural issues, as well as biological and gender differences.