ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are a reflection of biology, the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones--and that many people don't fall into a binary of sex. However, sex and gender can affect the way symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is diagnosed in early childhood, typically before age 12. ADHD must present symptoms before 12 years of age and cause problems in multiple settings to qualify for a diagnoses.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Inattention is at the heart of ADHD and affects both men and women. Women may have a difficult to concentrate, particularly because symptoms can appear differently than in men.
Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and indecisive, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to concentrate, which can lead to an absence of productivity at work or home. They're also more likely miss doctor appointments and forget to take their medications.
In addition to these innate gender differences, hormones of women can make their ADHD symptoms more severe. The female hippocampus is larger which helps with memory and learning. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation as well as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause may also affect brain function.
Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school and at work. They may also be struggling with a myriad of comorbid disorders, including depression, anxiety eating disorders, bipolar disorder.
In these circumstances, it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the numerous clues that females with ADHD frequently exhibit. They need to rethink their approach to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to account for emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations, and other factors that can influence symptom severity. In this way, these patients will receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to control their emotions. This is particularly true when they interact with others. This can lead to emotional dysregulation which is a major aspect of ADHD symptoms and is linked to a variety of negative life consequences. This includes low self-esteem, depression that is co-occurring with anxiety, difficult relationships which can lead to intimate partner violence, trouble with friends and a messy home or personal space, and a failure to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can affect the way women with ADHD are treated. Because they are frequently viewed as more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they could be misinterpreted or dismissed as overly emotional. This can increase their frustration in being a victim of untreated ADHD.
The part of the brain that controls impulses the brain, known as the prefrontal cortex is impaired in people suffering from ADHD. This means that they are more difficult to make decisions and following up with their intentions. This could make you want to eat more cake or make an inappropriate comment.
For adults with ADHD medications can help to enhance their ability to manage their impulsivity. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can reduce the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulants like clonidine and Guanfacine are also effective. Behavioral therapy can also be advised, which will help people with ADHD modify their thinking patterns and develop healthier coping skills.
Meditation and eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can all help to control anxiety and impulsiveness among people with ADHD. It is also a great idea to monitor their symptoms throughout the day and then share this information with their doctor in order to assess whether the treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a typical issue in people with ADHD and can impact their personal and professional life. They may find it difficult to complete their tasks and their productivity could be diminished. They could also miss deadlines and become overwhelmed on a daily basis.
adhd in young women of organization can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. People may forget important events or lose belongings like keys or purses. In the end, they might feel isolated and lonely. Friends and family members may be confused about their feelings. It is more difficult to organize during perimenopause and menopause when hormones shift and symptoms intensify.
Women often mask their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being thought of as a problem. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of guilt or shame. It can also be a reason why girls and women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD particularly in adolescence where symptoms are more evident.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may not perform as well at school or at work. This can affect their work, grades or their overall image. It could also cause issues in their personal life, such as difficulties with romantic partners, or strained relationships with friends and family members.
Women who are chronically disorganized can benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental friend. They can teach them strategies to get and stay organized, such as making a list of daily tasks and creating reminders for them. A licensed mental health professional could recommend medication or lifestyle changes that will help minimize ADHD symptoms. This could include eating smaller frequent meals to maintain energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can trigger side effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness influences decision-making in a variety of aspects of life. Several instruments have been developed to assess indecisiveness. These include the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness has also been linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is when people perceive ambiguous situations as dangerous. It was also found to be linked to the fear of making a mistake which could help explain why people with adhd have trouble making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women suffering from adhd the participants said they were unable to make decisions regarding 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 such as organizing childcare. They often felt that they were held back by their ADHD symptoms, like difficulties in starting, staying focused and impulsivity.
They struggled to maintain relationships and had trouble relaxing and recharging their mental health. They reported having high levels of anxiety and stress, a lack of sleep and a poor diet. They also felt stigmatized by adults and the media. They were able to explain their struggles with ADHD which helped them improve their self-esteem because they weren't blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to appropriate treatment strategies.
The interviews revealed that the women were very optimistic and able to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects of their lives. The women complained of a lack in career or romantic opportunities, difficulties maintaining relationships, and a messy house.
5. Insecurity about oneself
Certain of the symptoms that are a part of ADHD are considered to be less acceptable socially for girls and women than they are for boys and men, so some women conceal their impulsivity, hyperactivity and disorganization. They also may internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms such as self-harm (cutting or burning, or scratching). This can cause low self-esteem, which could cause anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
Having high inner worth is a precursor to healthier relationships and a better outlook on life. People who lack self-worth tend to look outside themselves to find validation, including jobs, relationships money, power, and relationships. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, says that this can also lead to the lack of communication in the relationship.
In addition to a lack of self-worth, those with ADHD often have the feeling that they don't have enough of the good things happening in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a need to please or "keep up" with other people. This can result in an unhealthy work environment and a negative image of the body and a dependence on food or other substances.
Despite these significant challenges the women who participated in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They described ADHD as either an advantage or a disadvantage according to the way they perceive their ability to control it. Some have identified personal strengths they believe are due to their ADHD. They have the ability to be creative, energetic and determination as well as the ability to effortlessly become interested in new topics. They also discuss their unique struggles as part of a larger picture that encompasses cultural and family issues, as in addition to gender and biological differences.