ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related to biology, the hormonal makeup of the body and its chromosomal makeup. It also acknowledges that many people don't belong to a sex binary. Genre and gender can influence how ADHD symptoms are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of the early years of childhood, typically before age 12. ADHD symptoms must be present before 12 years of age and cause problems in multiple environments to be able to receive a diagnosis.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD and it's a problem for all genders. Women may have a tougher time focusing, especially since symptoms can manifest differently than in men.
Women are more likely to experience indecisiveness and disorganization, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotional and struggle to put things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to concentrate which can lead to an absence of productivity at home or work. They're also more likely to skip doctor appointments and neglect to take their medications.
The hormones that women experience, in addition to these inherent differences, can cause ADHD symptoms. Females have a larger hippocampus, which helps with learning and memory, and hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause can affect their brain's functioning.
Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may struggle in their relationships, at school and at work. They could also be suffering from multiple comorbid disorders, such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
For these reasons, it is essential for health care professionals to be aware of the numerous indicators that females suffering from ADHD often show. They need to rethink their approach to diagnosing and treating women with ADHD to account for emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations, and other factors that affect the severity of symptoms. These patients can then finally receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Females suffering from ADHD are often unable to controlling their emotions, especially when they interact with others. This can lead to emotional dysregulation which is a major element of ADHD symptoms and is associated with many negative life outcomes. This can include low self-esteem, anxiety and depression, problematic romantic relationships that can result in violence between partners, problems with friendships, a messy home or personal space, inability to manage time or money and a messy home.
The gender stereotypes of women can influence the way women who suffer from ADHD will be treated. Because they are frequently considered to be more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they can be misinterpreted or dismissed as being emotionally prone. This can cause them to feel more frustrated about being a victim of untreated ADHD.
The portion of the brain that controls impulses the brain, known as the prefrontal cortex is affected in people with ADHD. This means they have a harder time making decisions and following through with their intentions. This makes it difficult to resist the temptation to eat a second piece of cake or blurt out an inappropriate comment in public.
More methods with ADHD can benefit from medication that helps them control their tendency to be impulsive. Stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can aid in reduce the impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medicines like the guanfacine and clonidine are effective too. People suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a behavioral therapy, which helps them alter their thinking patterns and develop more effective strategies for coping.
Sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet, and meditating can also help to control restlessness and impulsiveness in those with ADHD. It's also a good idea to keep track their symptoms throughout the day and then share the information with their doctor to determine whether their treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization can be a problem for those suffering from ADHD and affect their work and personal lives. It could take them longer to complete tasks, and decrease their efficiency. They could also miss deadlines and become overwhelmed on a daily basis.
An absence of organization could also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important dates or lose things like purses or keys. They may feel lonely and unloved as a result. They can also feel misunderstood by family and friends. Disorders are more common during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles when hormones change and symptoms are increasing.
Women often hide their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to social norms or to avoid being thought of as a problem. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It may also be the reason women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially true in adolescence, when symptoms are more apparent.
In the end, women with untreated ADHD might have poor work or school performance. This can negatively impact their work, grades, or even their reputation. It can also create problems for their personal lives. For example it can cause issues with relationships with their partners or breakups with family and friends.
Women with chronic disorganization can get help one-on-one by a non-judgmental therapist. They can assist women in learning to stay organized by making lists and setting reminders. In addition, a qualified mental health professional can suggest changes in lifestyle and medications to help minimize ADHD symptoms. This may include eating small, frequent meals to ensure energy levels and avoiding caffeine, which can increase side effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a characteristic that affects decision making in a variety of areas of our lives. Indecisiveness is measured by various instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale for Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness can also be linked to neuroticism, and the tendency to use worst-case scenario thinking, in which people interpret uncertain situations as threatening. It was also discovered to be related to a fear of making a mistake, which could help explain why people with adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study on adult women with adhd that were interviewed, they described not being capable of making decisions regarding their personal and professional lives. They had a difficult time finding a job they liked or stayed in, and also found it difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships, and health. They often were dependent on others to decide or were unable complete projects themselves, such as arranging childcare. They often felt they were being hindered by their ADHD symptoms, for example, difficulties in starting, staying focused and impulsive.
They had trouble in establishing and maintaining friendships, which led to mental health issues. They described having high levels of anxiety and stress and sleeping less, and poor nutrition. They also expressed feeling slighted by adults and the media. The diagnosis of ADHD gave them a reason for their difficulties, which was helpful for self-esteem since it meant they weren't blamed for their own problems. Additionally, it gave them access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews revealed that the women were extremely positive, but struggled 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. Lack of Self-Esteem
Women might hide their hyperactivity and impulsivity because they believe that these behaviors aren't as acceptable than for boys and men. They also may be able to internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms such as self-harm (cutting burns, scratching, cutting). This can result in feelings of self-esteem loss which can lead to depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A sense of inner worth is the precursor to better relationships and an optimistic outlook on life. People who do not have a strong self-worth tend to look beyond themselves to find validation, including relationships, careers, money, and power. Therapist licensed Cheryl Clarke says this can cause an absence of communication in a relationship, which can ultimately end it.
Women with ADHD may also feel that they are not worthy of good things in life. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or "keep up" with other people. This can cause toxic workplaces as well as a negative self-image and a dependence on substances or food.
While these are major challenges, the women who participated in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. Most of them describe their ADHD as a blessing or a curse, based on whether they believe they can manage it. Some have identified 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 fascinated by new subjects. They also talk about their unique struggles in the context of a larger picture that includes biological and gender distinctions, as well as cultural and family issues.