Need Inspiration? Try Looking Up ADHD Traits In Women

ADHD Traits in Women Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related to biology, the hormones and chromosomal makeup of the body, and that many people don't fit into a sex binary. However, sex and gender can affect the way symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed. ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. Symptoms must be present before 12 years of age and cause difficulties in more than one setting to be eligible for the diagnosis. 1. Problems with Focusing Inattention is the root of ADHD and is a problem that affects both men and women. However, women may have more difficulty to achieve the focus they need particularly since symptoms typically manifest differently for men. Women are more likely to experience disorganization and indecisiveness for instance. They're also more likely to be emotionally triggered and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability to focus on tasks, leading to an inability to perform at work or at home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and skip appointments with their doctor. The hormones of women, in addition to these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. Females have a larger hippocampus, which aids in learning and memory, as well as hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles and during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal cycles can affect brain's function. Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD might struggle with their relationships, at school, and at work. They could also be suffering from multiple comorbid disorders including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. It is crucial that health professionals understand the numerous signs that females with ADHD display. They must recalibrate their approaches for diagnosing and treating females suffering from ADHD to account for emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. The patients will then receive the treatment they require. 2. Impulsivity Women with ADHD often struggle to control their emotions. This is especially the case when they interact with others. This can result in emotional dysregulation, which is a major component of ADHD symptoms and is associated with many negative life results. These include poor self-esteem, depression that is co-occurring with anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones that can result in violence between intimate partners, issues with friends, a messy house or personal space, and an inability to manage time or money. Gender stereotypes can affect the way women with ADHD are treated. They could be misunderstood as they are thought to be more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings. This can increase their frustration about living with untreated ADHD. People with ADHD suffer from impaired impulse control Also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means they are more prone to making decisions and following through in their intentions. This can make it difficult to resist the temptation to eat another piece of cake or to make an inappropriate statement in public. For adults with ADHD, medication can help to improve their ability to manage their impulsivity. Stimulants like amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can aid in reduce the impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medications such as the guanfacine and clonidine are efficient too. People suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a treatment called behavioral therapy, which can help them alter their mental patterns and develop healthier strategies for coping. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and practicing meditation can help control impulsiveness and restlessness in people with ADHD. It's also a good idea to track their symptoms throughout the day, and to share this information with their doctor in order to assess whether the treatment is working. 3. Disorganization Disorganization can be a problem for people with ADHD and impact their work and personal lives. It can take them longer to complete their tasks and reduce their productivity. They might also miss deadlines and become overwhelmed on a daily basis. Inability to organize can cause problems in maintaining healthy relationships. People may not remember important dates or even lose things like keys or purses. They may feel lonely and unloved as a result. Family and friends may also be confused about them. Disorganization can be worse in menopausal or perimenopausal women, when hormones change and symptoms intensify. It is not uncommon for women to hide their ADHD symptoms to fit in with the norms of society and avoid being considered a failure. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. This could also be the reason women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. adhd in women treatment is particularly during adolescence, when symptoms are more evident. Women with untreated ADHD might have a poor performance at work or in school. This can impact their job, grades, or overall standing. It can also cause problems in their personal life 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 support of a non-judgmental person. They can teach them strategies to get and keep their lives organized, such as making lists of daily tasks and setting reminders for them. A qualified mental health professional could also suggest medication and lifestyle changes that will aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. This may include eating small, frequent meals to ensure energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can cause adverse effects of stimulant medication. 4. Indecisiveness Indecisiveness is one of the traits that can affect decision-making in many areas of our lives. 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 correlated with neuroticism and the tendency to employ worst-case scenario thinking, which is where people perceive ambiguous situations as potentially dangerous. It has also been proven to be correlated with anxiety about being wrong, which could help explain why it's common for people suffering from adhd to struggle with making decisions. In the qualitative study on adult women with adhd interviewed, they described not being able to make decisions regarding their personal and professional lives. They had difficulty to manage their finances and relationships and had difficulty finding an occupation they liked. They frequently had to wait for others to make decisions or were unable to complete projects on their own, for example, organizing childcare. They often felt they were being held back by their ADHD symptoms, such as difficulties in starting, staying focused and impulsivity. They struggled to maintain friendships and had difficulty relaxing which led to issues with their mental health. They reported having high levels of anxiety and stress and an inability to sleep and a poor diet. They also expressed feeling slighted by media and adults. They were able to explain their struggles with ADHD, which helped them increase their self-esteem since they weren't blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to the appropriate treatment. The interviews revealed that the women were very positive, but struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD in different areas of 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 may conceal their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe their behavior is less acceptable than for boys and men. They also may take on their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms such as self-harm (cutting, burning, scratching). This can cause feelings of self-esteem issues which can lead to anxiety, depression or eating disorders. A high self-esteem is a precursor to healthier relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who lack a strong self-worth are more likely to look outside themselves for validation, such as careers, relationships money, power, and relationships. Therapist licensed Cheryl Clarke says this can also cause an absence of communication within relationships, which could eventually end it. Alongside a feeling of lack of self-worth, women who have ADHD frequently struggle with a feeling that they don't have enough of the good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire for others to “keep up” or to please. This can result in toxic workplace cultures and a negative self-image and a dependence on food or substances. While these are serious issues, 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 feel they can manage it. Some of them have identified personal strengths they believe are a result of to their ADHD. They have the ability to be creative, energetic and determination and the ability to effortlessly become interested in new subjects. They also describe their unique struggles as part of a bigger picture that includes family and cultural issues, as well as biological and gender differences.