Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often subject to different expectations from society on how they should handle their careers, families and their home lives. This can lead to feelings of shame and frustration when your symptoms are causing you to get in the way.
Research shows that girls and women are frequently under-diagnosed for ADHD as compared to men and boys. This could be due to the fact that they cover up their symptoms or develop coping mechanisms to hide the symptoms.
1. Inattentiveness
One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd is difficulty paying attention at the classroom or at work. Women with adhd are more likely to forget important meetings or tasks or are misled by the instructions. They may also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. Certain people who suffer from ADHD are prone to what's known as "thousand-yard stares" and zone out during conversations. These symptoms can cause difficulties at work or in relationships.
Women and girls are especially susceptible to being diagnosed with ADHD especially as they get older. They develop strategies to cope that cover up their symptoms and continue to do so until adulthood. They may even begin to recognize their symptoms as particular to them, which could make it more difficult to seek help.
In addition, a lot of teachers don't suggest ADHD evaluations for girls as frequently as they do for males. If a girl's inattentive ADHD is impacting her school performance or social interactions, then she should speak to a health professional.
Being inattentional ADHD can cause lots of emotional stress. It can be difficult when you feel you are not able meet the expectations of friends or family members, as well as coworkers. It can also be frustrating when you feel that you are unable to get along with your children or siblings. Inattention and impulsivity can increase anxiety and depression in certain people with ADHD. You can decrease the severity of these symptoms by seeking help and doing other activities. Regular exercise can help release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and attention. It also helps reduce anxiety, mood swings and other symptoms that are common among people suffering from ADHD.
2. Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage. You might say things you shouldn't or buy something on impulse. You may also end up arrested by the police because of your behavior. The urge to be impulsive can make it difficult to control your thoughts and emotions. This can lead to self-injury such as burning, cutting or scratching yourself. This can result in alcohol or drug dependence.
adhd women uk with impulsivity can have difficulties with their relationships, work or school performance. You can control your impulsivity by taking medication prescribed by your doctor. The use of amphetamine, dextroamphetamine (Adderall Ritalin) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can help you improve your impulse control. Non-stimulant drugs like clonidine or Guanfacine can also help to control your impulses.
Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. This type of ADHD can be difficult to recognize, leading to a misdiagnosis. Women may hide their symptoms in order to conform to social expectations and standards. This masking can be especially problematic in adolescence and early adulthood. adhd symptoms in women adults employ unhealthy coping strategies that include drinking excessively and substance use to hide their ADHD problems.
Women with high-functioning ADHD might conceal their symptoms by thriving in specific areas of their lives, like work or school. This could create a false impression that everything is going well and make you feel overwhelmed. Talk to your doctor about accommodations at school or at work to assist you in managing your ADHD symptoms. This is an excellent opportunity to create awareness with your coworkers or professors about the challenges you may face.
3. Disorganization
If you have ADHD then avoiding appointments, showing up late for work, forgetting dates and not paying attention to conversations can lead to anger and make others feel snubbed or offended. The condition can also make it difficult to manage finances manage schedules, keep track of appointments, and follow through on tasks. If adhd in women uk to remember what you'll need for food, you may be unable to eat or spend excessively on unnecessary items.
Women suffering from ADHD often have a hard to keep track of their daily chores, homework and expenses. The condition can also cause disorganized homes, messy workspaces and a tendency to pile up. The "time blindness" that ADHD patients are prone to makes it difficult to gauge how much time has been spent or how long they've been working on a particular task. Time management issues can cause feelings of shame or guilt when they are combined with a struggle to stay organized.
Although research shows that women and girls are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than boys and men the symptoms can be hidden and underdiagnosed. Women are often not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. Social stigma and stereotypes can also make it difficult for women to get the treatment and assistance they require.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help you manage your ADHD symptoms. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine boost and balance neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals that communicate. Nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD, but they work slower than stimulants. Your doctor may refer you to an expert in mental health who can assist in developing a treatment program that is tailored to your specific needs.
4. Impulsiveness
Women suffering from ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions, and are more prone to rejection. The chemical imbalance associated with ADHD affects the brain's communication between the areas that regulate emotions, and also interpret how to handle these emotions.
People with ADHD are prone to depression and moodiness. This, along with the difficulty of keeping track of their responsibilities and obligations, can create problems for family and romantic relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD also tend to have a lower self-esteem and may have difficulty forming friendships and navigating social situations. They might wander off on tangents or have difficulty understanding what others are saying. This makes it difficult for them to find a spot in a group.
Women suffering from ADHD might find it difficult to keep themselves motivated to complete simple or boring tasks such as washing dishes, cleaning, or doing laundry. This can cause them to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-watching TV shows or abusing substances. These are particularly risky for girls and adolescents with ADHD who are more likely than their peers to engage in risky activities such as early sexual activity with fewer protected partners and informal sex.
As adults, women with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed than men because they tend to have inattentive symptoms instead of hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms. Many women conceal their ADHD due to the numerous expectations placed on them by society (managing the household and children for example). This makes it difficult for health professionals to see that there's an issue, particularly since the symptoms are more easily recognized in males and females.
5. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD may struggle to handle their daily tasks. They may have trouble managing their lives, making payments on time and juggling appointments or school/work requirements. Additionally, emotional signs, such as mood swings and trouble managing their emotions, could make it difficult to connect with others and contribute to difficulties in relationships with family and friends.
People with ADHD frequently have difficulty picking the social cues and reading body language. They might have trouble following a conversation or going off on a tangent, which can cause issues at school or at work and straining relationships. They may also have difficulty making new friends or achieving the right balance between their home, work, and social life.
The symptoms of ADHD are able to change throughout the day, and can be affected hormonally like during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or perimenopause. This can result in a misdiagnosis or the wrong medication being prescribed.
There are a few symptoms and signs that are common to ADHD that can aid you or a loved one recognize the condition. Recognizing these symptoms is a great first step towards obtaining the support and treatment you require to manage your symptoms effectively.
Having ADHD does not mean that you don't have other mental health or physical conditions, so it's important that your therapist or doctor performs a thorough evaluation. They'll ask you questions about your past and current behaviors, look over your medical history, and discuss how your symptoms affect you in different situations.