adhd traits in women (Get Source)

Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that sex and a gender are dependent on biology, which includes the body's chromosomal make-up and hormones. A lot of people do not easily fit into a binary sexuality. Sexe and gender can affect how ADHD symptoms are treated and diagnosed.

ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present prior to age 12 and cause difficulties in more than one setting to be able to receive a diagnosis.

1. Difficulty Focusing

Inattention is the root of ADHD and can affect both women and men. But women may have more difficulty to get the focus they need particularly since symptoms typically manifest in different ways in men.

Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and indecisive, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotional and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability to focus on work, resulting in a decrease in productivity at work or home. They are also more likely to miss doctor appointments and forget to take their medication.

In addition to these inherent variations, hormones in women can make ADHD symptoms worse. The hippocampus of females is larger, which aids in learning and memory. Hormone fluctuations during menstruation or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopausal cycles can affect brain function.

Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may struggle in their relationships, at school, and at work. They may also be struggling with a host of comorbid disorders, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.

In these circumstances, it is crucial for health professionals to recognize the many indicators that females suffering from ADHD often show. They need to rethink their approach to diagnosing and treating women with ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations, and other factors that can influence symptom severity. This way, patients can finally get the treatment they require.

2. Impulsivity

Women suffering from adhd test for women frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is especially true when they interact with others. This can lead to emotional dysregulation which is a major element of ADHD symptoms and is associated with a range of negative life consequences. This includes low self-esteem, anxiety and depression that coexist and a strained relationship with a partner which can lead to violence between partners, problems with relationships, a messy home or personal space, inability to manage time or money and a messy home.

Gender stereotypes can also affect how women who suffer from ADHD are treated. Because they are typically perceived as being more sensitive or prone to mood swings, they may be misunderstood or dismissed as overly emotional. This can increase their frustration over being diagnosed with ADHD.

Individuals with ADHD suffer from impaired impulse control Also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means they are more difficult to make decisions and following up with their intentions. This makes it difficult to resist the urge to eat another piece of cake or blurt out an inappropriate comment in public.

Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from medication that helps them control their impulsivity. The use of stimulants such as amphetamine or dextroamphetamine can reduce impulsive behavior. Non-stimulants such as clonidine or Guanfacine are also effective. Behavioral therapy can also be recommended, which can help those suffering from ADHD alter their thinking patterns and learn better ways to cope with stress.

Meditation, eating a balanced diet and getting enough rest can all help to control restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It is also a great idea to track their symptoms throughout the day and then share this information with their physician to determine whether the treatment is working.

3. Disorganization

Disorganization is a common issue for people with ADHD and affect their professional and personal life. They may have trouble to complete tasks and their efficiency may be reduced. They may also fail to meet deadlines and feel overwhelmed on a daily basis.

Lack of organization can also cause problems in maintaining healthy relationships. They might not remember important dates or even lose items like keys or purses. This can cause them to feel lonely and isolated. Friends and family may misunderstand their feelings. Disorganization is more common during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles when hormones change and symptoms are increasing.

Women often cover up their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being judged. This can result in self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It may also be the reason women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially evident in adolescence when symptoms become more obvious.

As a result, women with untreated ADHD might have poor work or school performance. This can impact their career, grades or overall reputation. It can also cause problems in their personal life, such as difficulties with romantic partners or strained relationships with friends and family members.

Women who are chronically unorganized will benefit from the one-on-1 support of a non-judgmental person. They can teach them strategies to keep their lives organized, such as making a list of daily tasks and setting reminders for them. A licensed mental health professional could also recommend medication and lifestyle changes that will reduce ADHD symptoms. This may include eating smaller meals throughout the day to maintain stable energy and avoiding caffeine, which can cause an increase in the negative effects of stimulant medications.

4. Indecisiveness

Indecisiveness is one of the traits that influences decision-making in a variety of areas of life. Indecisiveness is measured by several instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the Indecisiveness scale. Indecisiveness is also associated with neuroticism and the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret uncertain situations as being threatening. It has also been proven to be correlated with anxiety about being wrong, which could help explain why it's common for people with adhd to have difficulty making decisions.

In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd interviewed, they described not being capable of making decisions about their personal and professional lives. They had a difficult time finding the job they wanted or to stay in, and found it difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships and health. They frequently waited for other people to decide or were unable complete projects themselves, such as scheduling childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and difficulty focusing or beginning projects was preventing them from completing.

They struggled to maintain friendships and had difficulty relaxing and recharging their mental health. They described high levels of stress and anxiety, as well as a sleep deprivation and inadequate nutrition. They also reported feeling stigmatized by adults and the media. The diagnosis of ADHD gave them a reason for their difficulties, which was helpful for self-image because it meant they were not blamed for their condition. It also provided them with access to appropriate treatments.

The interviews showed that the women had a lot of positive qualities, but they struggled to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on various aspects of their life. These included a lack career or romantic opportunities as well as difficulties maintaining relationships. a messy home.

5. Lack of self-esteem

Women can hide their hyperactivity and impulsivity because they believe their behavior is less acceptable for men and boys. They also may take on their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms like self-harm (cutting or burning, or scratching). This can cause low self-esteem, which can cause anxiety, depression or eating disorders.

Being able to identify your inner worth is a precursor to healthier relationships and a better outlook on life. When people lack a strong sense of self-worth they tend to look for external things - such as relationships, careers wealth, power, and relationships to feel worthy. Therapist licensed Cheryl Clarke says this can cause an absence of communication in a radical guide for women with adhd relationship, which can eventually end it.

Alongside a feeling of lack of self-worth, those with ADHD often have feeling like they don't deserve the positive things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire for others to "keep up" or to please. This can lead to a toxic work culture, a negative body image and an addiction to food or other substances.

Despite these issues the women who participated in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. The majority of them say that they view their ADHD as a blessing or a curse, based on whether they believe they can control it. Many of them also recognize personal strengths they believe are partly due to their ADHD which include high energy, creativity determination, and the ability to be easily interested in new topics. They also describe their unique challenges as part of a bigger picture that encompasses cultural and family issues as also gender and biological differences.