ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are a reflection of biology, the hormones and chromosomal makeup of the body, and that many people do not fit into a sex binary. However, gender and sex influence the way symptoms of ADHD are identified and treated.
ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of early childhood, typically before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause difficulties in more than one environment to be able to receive the diagnosis.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is at the core of ADHD and can affect both men and women. Women may have a tougher focus, particularly since symptoms can appear differently than in men.
Women are more likely to experience indecisiveness and disorganization for instance. They are also more likely to become emotional and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These problems can create an inability to concentrate on tasks, leading to an inability to perform at work or home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and miss appointments with doctors.
Women's hormones along with these innate differences can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is larger which helps with memory and learning. Menstrual hormone fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal cycles can affect brain function.
Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school, and at work. They may also be struggling with a myriad of comorbid conditions, including anxiety, depression eating disorders, bipolar disorder.
It is important that health professionals understand the many clues females with ADHD exhibit. They need to rethink their approach to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to take into account hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation, and other factors that can influence symptom severity. That way, these patients will finally receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This is particularly true when they are interacting with others. This can cause emotional dysregulation which is a key component of ADHD symptoms and is linked to a variety of negative life outcomes. This includes low self-esteem anxiety and depression and a strained relationship with a partner which can lead to conflicts between partners, problems with friendships, a messy house or personal space, an inability manage time or money and a messy home.
Gender stereotypes can also influence how women who suffer from ADHD are treated. Because they are typically considered to be more sensitive or prone to mood swings, they may be viewed as overly emotional. This can cause them to feel more frustrated in living with untreated ADHD.
The impulse control portion of the brain, known as the prefrontal cortex, is impaired in individuals with ADHD. This means that they have a harder time making decisions and executing their intentions. This can make it hard to resist the temptation to eat another piece of cake or blurt out an inappropriate statement in public.
For people who suffer from ADHD medications can help to improve their ability to manage their impulses. Stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help to decrease the impulsive behavior while nonstimulant medicines like the guanfacine and clonidine are effective too. Behavioral therapy can also be recommended, which can aid people suffering from ADHD modify their thinking patterns and learn healthier coping skills.
Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet and getting enough rest can all help control anxiety and impulsiveness among people suffering from ADHD. It's also a good idea to keep 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 frequent issue in people with ADHD and can impact their professional and personal lives. They may find it difficult to complete their tasks, and their productivity may be reduced. They might also miss deadlines and feel overwhelmed on a daily basis.
A lack of organization can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They may not remember important dates or even lose items like keys or purses. This can cause them to feel isolated and lonely. They may also feel that they are not understood by their family and friends. It is more difficult to organize during perimenopause and menopause, when hormones change and symptoms intensify.
It is not unusual for women to hide their ADHD symptoms to fit in with society's norms and avoid being considered a failure. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of guilt or shame. This could also be the reason women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly true in adolescence, when symptoms are more apparent.
In the end women suffering from untreated ADHD might experience poor work or school performance. This can affect their work, grades, or their image. It can also create problems in their personal lives like issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family members and friends members.
Women with chronic disorganization can get help one-on-one from a non-judgmental, supportive person. They can help women learn to stay organized by making lists and establishing reminders. A licensed mental health professional could also suggest medication and lifestyle changes that can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. This can include eating small, frequent meals to keep energy levels up and avoiding caffeine, which can trigger side effects from stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a trait that influences decision-making in a variety of areas of life. A variety of instruments have been developed to measure indecisiveness, such as the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is when people interpret ambiguous circumstances as threatening. It has also been proven to be associated with a fear of being wrong, which could be the reason why it is common for people suffering from adhd to have trouble making decisions.
In the study that was qualitative of adult women suffering from adhd the participants said they were incapable of making decisions in their work and personal lives. They had a difficult time finding the job they wanted or to stay in, and were difficult to manage their finances, relationships and health. They often were dependent on others to make decisions or were unable complete projects on their own, for example, organizing childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms like impulsivity and difficulty focusing or starting projects were holding them back.
They struggled to maintain friendships and were unable to relax which led to issues with their mental health. They reported high levels of stress and anxiety, as well as a sleeping insufficiently and having poor nutrition. They also described feeling stigmatized by adults and the media. The diagnosis of ADHD gave them a reason for their difficulties which was beneficial for self-esteem since it meant they were not blaming themselves. It also gave them access to appropriate treatment strategies.
The interviews revealed that the women were very optimistic however, they struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects of their lives. These included a lack possibilities for romance or work, difficulty maintaining relationships and an unclean home.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Women may cover up their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe these behaviors aren't as acceptable than for men and boys. Some women might be able to internalize their ADHD and develop strategies to cope, such as self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can result in feelings of self-esteem issues which can lead to depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A high self-esteem is a prerequisite for healthier relationships and a better outlook on life. People who lack self-worth are more likely to look outside themselves to find validation, including relationships, careers as well as money and power. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can also result in the lack of communication in relationships.
In www.iampsychiatry.uk to a sense of self-worth, women who have ADHD frequently struggle with feeling like they don't deserve the good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or to "keep up" with other people. This can result in an unhealthy work environment and a negative image of the body, and an addiction to food or substances.
Although these are significant challenges but the women who participated in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. The majority of them identify their ADHD as a gift or a curse, based on whether they believe they have control over it. Many of them also recognize their own strengths that they believe are a result of to their ADHD, including the ability to be creative, high energy determination, and the ability to become easily interested in new topics. In addition, they describe their unique struggles as part of a larger picture that includes cultural and family issues as well as biological and gender differences.