Get Rid Of ADHD Symptoms In Women: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Have It
AdHD Symptoms in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to live up to society's expectations. Women with ADHD typically struggle to live up to expectations of society such as caring for others while juggling work and home life, and navigating relationships.
Female ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Gender bias can also cause health professionals to not recognize ADHD in women and girls or misdiagnose them.
1. Lack of Focus
Being unable to concentrate is one of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd among women. It's a condition that can manifest in a variety of different ways, ranging from forgetting appointments to not being able to finish tasks at work to zoning out during conversations and making people feel ignored. It's also a common problem that makes it difficult for women to manage their finances. It's often the reason they aren't able to take advantage of jobs or financial opportunities.
It's possible that women are more adept at masked their ADHD symptoms, which may make it harder to be diagnosed and treated as adults. Researchers aren't certain why this is, but they believe that it may be due to gender stereotypes and the belief that girls and women should be more "restrained." The act of masking ADHD symptoms can lead to underperforming at work or school and could hinder them from seeking the help and support they need.
In addition, a lack of focus could be mistaken for other conditions such as anxiety or depression. For instance, depression can affect your concentration by making you less attentive and unmotivated. People with generalized anxiety disorder often experience trouble focusing because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.
Treatment is the best method to increase concentration. That means finding a clinician or therapist experienced with ADHD for girls and women. It's also a good idea to learn about any accommodations you could request your employer or school for, such as flexible hours or working from home. Good sleep hygiene practices can help you have more restful nights and become more focused throughout the day. It can include getting to bed at the same time every night, listening to relaxing music or an audiobook prior sleeping and limiting time spent on screens.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD typically exhibit impulsivity symptoms. This can be as simple as interrupting other people or shifting topics during a conversation, taking quick decisions without thinking, and taking risks that aren't in their best interests. They may also have trouble reading other people's body language or interpreting social cues. Symptoms of impulsivity often get worse during perimenopause, the phase that precedes menopausal and after which 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 lead to health professionals not recognizing ADHD in women and girls and misdiagnosing them or dismissing their symptoms as a mood or anxiety problem. Gender bias may be a factor, since research on ADHD is mostly focused on men and boys.
Teachers and parents might notice impulsive behavior in children suffering from ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be restless or irritable at times. These behaviors tend to improve as children get older and become more adept at managing their symptoms.
Adults who suffer from adhd may have impulsive behavior and distracting which can affect their relationships, work and school. They can lead to procrastination and forgetfulness as well as difficulty keeping commitments. They can also make locating and keeping jobs difficult and can hinder healthy eating.
Treatment for adults with ADHD generally involves taking medication. Your doctor might recommend a combination of treatments based on your lifestyle, symptoms, and any other health conditions. They may also suggest psychotherapy that includes cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and change negative thoughts patterns and couples counseling if your relationship has been affected by your ADHD or family therapy. Exercise can calm your mind, reduce symptoms and aid in focusing. This is particularly true for people who have a tendency to be distracted and impulsive. Try activities such as yoga, dancing, or group workouts like swimming and running.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can lead to various physical symptoms. They can cause dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations, headaches and sweating. These symptoms can make a person think they are having stroke or that the world is about to end. Because of adhd in women uk who suffer from anxiety often get misdiagnosed with heart disease. This can result in an extended medical treatment without addressing the root of the issue. Fortunately, many anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy on its own or in conjunction with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically it can help people 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 are also more likely to be diagnosed with mixed subtypes. It's important for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will conduct an extensive physical exam and ask questions about how the disorder affects their lives.
Women with ADHD might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis as many of the diagnostic tools used for the disorder are skewed toward male behavior. Women might also hide their symptoms to fit with the rest of society. In the end, they could be overlooked and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurses, can diagnose ADHD. The provider will use a detailed medical history, physical examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to assess the symptoms of a patient and determine if other conditions might be contributing.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD may experience disordered behavior. This is a constant issue that can cause interruptions in school and work and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization is defined as the lack of organization skills that include not keeping track of expenses or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. Most often, the disorder is linked to other issues, such as anxiety, a traumatic life event, or depression and can be difficult to treat.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a high level of functioning and their symptoms don't significantly affect their day-to-day activities and relationships. This is referred to as "high-functioning ADHD." It doesn't mean they don't suffer from some of the symptoms. They may have difficulty paying attention or concentrating on things, feeling anxious, and being in a state of forgetfulness.
Some people struggle with disorganization on a regular basis. They might spend their time searching for lost items or putting off important tasks. It can also result in poor work performance and tension in relationships. It can also lead to a variety of health issues, such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Hormone fluctuations can also exacerbate the disorganization of women with ADHD. Estrogen is lower during ovulation and in the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone levels are higher, and these fluctuations can make ADHD symptoms worse.
While differences in the biological makeup of genders could play a role but it's also possible some of the disorder and impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in women is linked to social "norms." Young women and girls may be conditioned to be quiet and reserved, which can lead them to hide or suppress their ADHD symptoms.
5. Inattention
Women tend to find it easier to conceal their attention issues than men do and can result in being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment. They may think that they're better at managing their time and concentration than they are. However, these people are likely to lose things, miss appointments, or pay their bills on time. They also have trouble with issues with organization both at work and at home.
Women with ADHD are more likely 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 can also experience trouble being quiet and can talk to themselves continuously or speak in a nonsensical manner or make sounds, though they're less likely to suffer from these symptoms than men are.
The first treatment is medication. option for many adults suffering from ADHD. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine are commonly prescribed, however nonstimulant medications that focus on how neurotransmitters interact with the brain could also be effective. These include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These treatments can help you recognize the irrational or automatic thinking that is present and help you learn healthy ways to self regulate your moods and behaviors. Exercise and a healthy diet, in addition to medication, can help control ADHD symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity, and distractibility. Try activities like yoga, dancing or group classes such as swimming or aerobics, as well as biking to increase your energy levels. Try to exercise for at least four to five sessions per week, each lasting about 30 minutes. To support your mood and concentration consume a variety of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.