12 Stats About ADHD Symptoms In Women To Make You Think Smarter About Other People

adhd in older women in Women
Women with ADHD are often challenged to meet the expectations of society in many ways. This includes caring for others while juggling work and home life, and managing relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. A bias based on gender can cause health care professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.
1. Lack of Focus
Having trouble concentrating is one of the most common symptoms of adhd in women. It's a problem that can manifest in different ways, from forgetting appointments to not being able to finish work, to losing focus during conversations, making people feel disregarded. It's also a frequent problem that makes it difficult for women to keep up with their finances, and is often the reason they do not get jobs or financial opportunities.
Women are more adept at masking ADHD symptoms than other women, making it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't sure why that is, but they theorize that it could be related to gender stereotypes and the expectation that women and girls should be more "restrained." Masking ADHD symptoms can result in poor performance at school or work and could hinder them from seeking the help and assistance they require.
In addition, lack of focus is a common symptom that can be confused with other ailments, including depression and anxiety. For instance, depression could affect your concentration by making you less attentive and unmotivated. undiagnosed adhd in women with generalized anxieties disorder have difficulty concentrating because they are often overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best method to increase concentration. This means hiring a professional or therapist who has experience with ADHD in girls and women. It's also an excellent idea to find out about the kinds of accommodations you can request your employer or educational institution for like flexible hours or working at home. A healthy sleeping routine can aid you in having more restful nights and also help you stay focused throughout the day. This means getting to bed every night at the same time, listening to soothing music or audiobooks, and limiting screen time.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have impulsivity symptoms. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or shifting topics during a conversation, making quick decisions without thinking and taking risks that are not the best for their interests. They may also have trouble reading other people's body language or recognizing social cues. Symptoms of impulsivity can worsen during perimenopausal - the time prior to menopausal onset - and when hormone levels begin to decline.
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have inattentive-type symptoms, which can be harder to notice than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This can cause health professionals to overlook ADHD in them, misdiagnose them, or dismiss their symptoms as anxiety or mood problems. Gender bias may also play a role, as research on ADHD is mostly focused on boys and men.
When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers often notice impulsive behavior. It's not uncommon for children to be restless or irritable at times. However, those behaviors tend to improve as kids grow older and learn to manage their issues.
Adults with adhd may experience impulsive behavior and distraction that can impact their work, relationships, and school. They can cause procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as difficulties following through with commitments. They can also make it difficult for people to find and keep jobs. They also can interfere with healthy eating habits.
Treatment for adult ADHD generally involves taking medication. Your doctor might recommend a combination treatment depending on your lifestyle, symptoms, and any other health conditions. They might also recommend psychotherapy which includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and change negative thinking patterns or couples counseling if your relationship has been affected by your ADHD, or family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind and reduce symptoms, as well as assist you in staying focused. This is especially important for impulsivity and distraction. Try activities such as yoga, dancing or group workouts, like running and swimming.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are common and cause a wide array of physical symptoms. These include dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. These symptoms can cause a person to think they are having an attack or that the world is close to ending. People who suffer from anxiety are often mistakenly diagnosed as having a heart problem due to these physical signs. This can lead to an extended journey of medical treatments that do not treat the root cause. Psychotherapy is effective for most anxiety disorders, whether used on its own or when combined with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically, can help a person discover new ways of thinking and reacting to situations that could reduce anxiety.
Unlike men and boys, who are more likely to have hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, women are more likely to have the inattentive subtype of the disorder. Women may also be more likely to be a mixed type. It's important for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out a thorough physical exam and ask questions about how the disorder affects their life.
Women with ADHD might have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools used to diagnose the disorder are biased towards male behavior. Women can also conceal their symptoms to fit in with society. In the end, they may not be diagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional, like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurses, can diagnose ADHD. The doctor will take a detailed medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to determine the severity of a patient's symptoms and determine if any other medical conditions might be contributing to the symptoms.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD may experience disordered behavior. This is a chronic problem that can cause disruptions in school and work and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial difficulties. Disorganization is characterized by the lack of organization skills like not keeping track of bills or appointments, and having trouble making decisions. The disorder can be caused by other issues like anxiety, traumatizing event in life or depression. It can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD can perform at a high level and their symptoms don't affect their daily lives or relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." It doesn't mean they do not experience certain symptoms. These include difficulty paying attention or concentrating on things, feeling anxious, and being in a state of forgetfulness.
For some, disorder is a constant battle and it's not uncommon for people with ADHD to be prone to searching for lost items or putting off important tasks. It can also cause poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also trigger various health issues, such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can further aggravate the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen levels decrease when ovulating, during the middle of menstrual cycle, and at the end when progesterone levels are higher. These fluctuations can worsen ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that, while biological differences could play a part, some of the disorganization or impulsivity in women suffering from ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls can be conditioned to be quiet and reserved and this can cause them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women are more likely than men to mask their problems with attention, which can lead them to be incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. In reality, they might even think that they have better concentration and time-management abilities than they actually do. However, these people tend to lose things and miss appointments, or pay their bills on time. They also struggle with disorganization both at work and at home.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more prone to develop the inattentive subtype the disorder. They're less likely to have the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed symptoms, which must be present in at least two settings for six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. They may also have trouble staying silent and speak to themselves or make nonsensical noises or phrases. However, they are less likely to experience these symptoms than men.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the first line of treatment is medication. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly prescribed, but nonstimulant medicines that target the way neurotransmitters interact with the brain are also possible. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial for women with ADHD. These therapies can help you identify automatic or irrational thoughts and learn healthy ways to regulate your mood and behavior. Alongside medication exercise and a balanced diet can help you manage ADHD symptoms of disorientation, impulsivity and restlessness. For energy-boosting, try activities like dancing, yoga, group classes like swimming or aerobics, and biking. Try to do at least four to five sessions of exercise each week of around 30 minutes each session. Make sure to take a variety of fresh vegetables and whole grains, as well as healthy fats, and protein to boost your focus and mood.