What Is The Secret Life Of ADHD Traits In Women
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 don't belong to a sex binary. Genre and gender can influence the way ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated. ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and cause problems in multiple settings to be eligible for a diagnosis. 1. Difficulty Focusing Inattention is at the heart of ADHD and it's a problem for all genders. Women may have a tougher focus, particularly since symptoms may manifest differently than they do in men. Women are more likely to experience disorganization and indecisiveness for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally afflicted and have a difficult time putting things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability to focus, which can lead to an absence of productivity at home or work. They are also more likely to forget their medication and skip doctor's appointments. Women's hormones along with these inherent differences, can cause ADHD symptoms. Females have a bigger hippocampus, which helps with learning and memory, as well as hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause can affect their brain function. This is why women who do not have a diagnosis of ADHD might have a difficult time in relationships at school, in their relationships and at work. They may also have a variety of comorbid disorders like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. It is crucial that health professionals understand the many clues females with ADHD show. They need to rethink their methods to diagnose and treat females with ADHD in order to account for emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. Patients can then receive the treatment they need. 2. Impulsivity Women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This is especially true when they interact with others. This can cause emotional dysregulation which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It can also be associated with negative life outcomes. These include poor self-esteem, depression that is co-occurring with anxiety, difficult romantic relationships that can result in intimate partner violence, problems with friends as well as a messy home or personal space, and an inability to manage time or money. Gender stereotypes can affect the way women with ADHD are treated. Because they are typically viewed as more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they can be misunderstood or dismissed as overly emotional. This can exacerbate their frustrations about living with untreated ADHD. The impulse control portion of the brain, referred to as the prefrontal cortex is impaired in people suffering from ADHD. This means they are more difficult to make decisions and following through with their intentions. This makes it difficult to resist the urge to eat another piece of cake or make an inappropriate comment in public. For people who suffer from ADHD medication can assist to increase their ability to control their impulses. The use of stimulants such as amphetamine or dextroamphetamine are able to reduce the behavior of impulsivity. Non-stimulants such as clonidine or guanfacine are also effective. Behavioral therapy can also be suggested, which can help those suffering from ADHD modify their thinking patterns and develop more effective ways of coping. Meditation and eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can all help to control the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It's also a great idea to keep track their symptoms throughout the day, and to share this information with their doctor to determine whether the treatment is working. 3. Disorganization Disorganization is a common problem in people with ADHD, and can affect their personal and professional life. It may take them longer to complete tasks, and decrease their efficiency. They may also be late or overwhelmed each day. Inability to organize can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They might forget important dates or lose possessions such as keys or purses. This can cause them to feel lonely and isolated. Friends and family members may be confused about them. adhd symptoms in women can be worse during perimenopause and menopause when hormones shift and symptoms become more severe. It is not uncommon for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms in order to conform with the norms of society and avoid being considered a failure. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. It may also be the reason women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly evident in adolescence when symptoms are more apparent. As a result women suffering from untreated ADHD might have poor academic or work performance. This could negatively impact their work, grades, or reputation. It can also create problems in their personal life, such as difficulties with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with friends and family members. Women who are chronically disorganized can get help one-on-one from a non-judgmental, supportive person. They can teach them strategies to keep their lives organized, such as making lists of daily tasks and making reminders for them. Additionally, a certified mental health professional can suggest medications and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. This may include eating smaller meals throughout the day to maintain stable energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can cause an increase in the side effects of stimulant medication. 4. Indecisiveness Indecisiveness is a trait that can affect decision-making across a wide range of aspects 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 linked to neuroticism, and the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret uncertain situations as being threatening. It was also found to be related to the fear of making a mistake which could be the reason people with adhd have difficulty making decisions. In the study of qualitative research on adult women with adhd that were interviewed they said they were not in a position to make decisions about their personal and professional lives. They struggled to find the job they wanted or stayed in, and were difficult to manage their finances, relationships and health. They often were dependent on others to decide or were unable to finish projects on their own, for example, scheduling childcare. They often felt they were being restricted by their ADHD symptoms, like difficulties with getting started or staying focused and impulsive. They had difficulty in establishing and maintaining friendships which led to mental health problems. They reported high levels of anxiety and stress and sleeping less and a poor diet. They also described feeling stigmatized by other adults and by the media. The diagnosis of ADHD gave them a reason for their difficulties which was beneficial for self-esteem because it meant they weren't blamed for their own problems. Additionally, it gave them access to appropriate treatments. The interviews revealed that women had a number of positive characteristics but were struggling to overcome the impact of their ADHD symptoms on a variety of aspects of their lives. The women reported an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships, and a messy house. 5. Lack of Self-Esteem Some of the symptoms that are a part of ADHD are seen as less socially acceptable for girls and women than they are for boys and men Some women choose to are able to hide their impulsivity, hyperactivity and disorder. Women who suffer from ADHD may take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop strategies to cope, such as self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem that can cause depression, anxiety or eating disorders. Having high inner worth is a precursor to healthier relationships and a better outlook on life. If people do not have a strong sense of self-worth they tend to look for outside things – including careers, relationships as well as wealth and power – to feel worthy. Licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can also cause a lack of communication in the relationship, which could ultimately end it. Women who suffer from ADHD might also feel they do not deserve good things in life. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or “keep up” with others. This can cause toxic workplaces as well as a negative self-image and an addiction of food or substances. Despite these challenges, women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. Most of them say that they view their ADHD as a gift or a curse, based on whether they feel they have control over it. Many of them also recognize personal strengths they believe are partly due to their ADHD such as the ability to be creative, high energy, determination, and the ability to get easily interested in new topics. They also discuss their unique struggles as part of a bigger picture that encompasses family and cultural issues, as in addition to gender and biological differences.