ADHD Traits in Women<br /><br />Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that gender and sexuality are dependent on biology, which includes the body's chromosomal make-up and hormones. Many people do not fit neatly into an unisexual sexuality. However, sex and gender influence how symptoms of ADHD are identified and treated.<br /><br />ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood, before the age of 12. ADHD must show signs before the age of 12 and cause problems in more than one environment to be able to receive a diagnosis.<br /><br />1. Problems with Focusing<br /><br />Inattention is at the heart of ADHD and is a problem that affects both genders. However, women might have a harder time to achieve the focus they require particularly since symptoms typically manifest differently in men.<br /><br />Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and indecisive, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally afflicted and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to concentrate and can result in an inability to perform at work or at home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and miss doctor's appointments.<br /><br />The hormones that women experience as well as these inherent differences, can cause ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is larger, which aids in memory and learning. Hormone fluctuations during menstruation as well as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause may also affect brain function.<br /><br />Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school, and at work. They could also struggle with a host of co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.<br /><br />This is why it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the various indicators that females suffering from ADHD often show. They need to rethink their methods to diagnose and treat females with ADHD to take into account hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. Patients can then receive the treatment they need.<br /><br />2. Impulsivity<br /><br />Females with ADHD are more likely to have trouble controlling their emotions, particularly when they interact with other people. This can lead to emotional dysregulation, which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It can also be linked to negative life outcomes. This includes low self-esteem, co-occurring depression and anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones which can lead to violence between intimate partners, issues with friends, a messy house or personal space, and the inability to manage time or money.<br /><br />Gender stereotypes may also impact the way women who suffer from ADHD are treated. Because they are typically viewed as more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they may be misinterpreted or dismissed as emotionally unstable. This can increase their frustration in being diagnosed with ADHD.<br /><br />Individuals with ADHD have a reduced ability to control impulses, also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means they are more prone to making decisions and sticking with their goals. This can make it difficult to resist the urge to eat another piece of cake or to make an inappropriate comment in public.<br /><br /><br /><br />Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications that help them control their impulses. Stimulants such as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine may reduce the impulsive behavior. Nonstimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine can also be effective. Behavioral therapy may also be suggested, which can help those suffering from ADHD modify their thinking patterns and develop more effective ways of coping.<br /><br />Meditation and eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can all help to control restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and share this data with their doctor to determine if their treatment plan is effective.<br /><br />3. Disorganization<br /><br />Disorganization is a frequent issue in people with ADHD and can have a negative impact on their work and personal lives. They may find it difficult to complete tasks, and their productivity may be diminished. They may also be late or overwhelmed every day.<br /><br />Insanity can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose things like keys or purses. They may feel lonely and unloved due to this. Friends and family may misunderstand them. Disorganization can be worse in menopausal or perimenopausal women as hormones alter and symptoms increase.<br /><br />It is not uncommon for women to mask their ADHD symptoms to fit in with societal norms and avoid being judged. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. It may also be the reason women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly true in adolescence, when symptoms are more evident.<br /><br />In the end women suffering from untreated ADHD may have trouble with their academic or work performance. This could affect their work, grades, or reputation. It can also cause problems in their personal lives including issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family and friends members.<br /><br />Women who are chronically unorganized could benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental person. They can assist women in learning to stay organized by making an agenda and setting reminders. Additionally, a certified mental health professional can recommend changes in lifestyle and medications to help minimize ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to ensure steady energy and avoiding caffeine, which can cause an increase in the adverse effects of stimulant medications.<br /><br />4. Indecisiveness<br /><br />Indecisiveness affects decision-making in many aspects of our lives. Indecisiveness can be measured with various instruments, such as the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale for Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness is also associated with neuroticism, and the tendency to employ worst case scenario thinking, in which people interpret uncertain situations as dangerous. It was also found to be related to a fear of making a mistake which could explain why people with adhd have difficulty making decisions.<br /><br />In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd that were interviewed, they described not being able to make decisions regarding their professional and personal lives. They had a difficult time finding an occupation they enjoyed or stayed in, and found it difficult to manage their finances, relationships and health. They often were dependent on others to make decisions or were unable complete tasks on their own, like arranging childcare. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-in-women/">attention deficit disorder in women</a> believed that their ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity and difficulty focusing or getting started on projects were holding them back.<br /><br />They had a difficult time in establishing and maintaining friendships which resulted in mental health issues. They reported high levels of anxiety and stress, a lack of sleep, and poor nutrition. They also felt stigmatized by media and adults. The diagnosis of ADHD offered them an explanation for their difficulties which was beneficial to their self-esteem since it meant they were not blamed for their own problems. It also provided them with access to appropriate treatments.<br /><br />The interviews showed that the women had a lot of positive qualities however, they were struggling to overcome the impact of their ADHD symptoms on a variety of aspects of their life. This included a lack of romantic or career opportunities and difficulties in maintaining relationships. an unclean home.<br /><br />5. Insecurity about oneself<br /><br />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 and so women may are able to hide their impulsivity, hyperactivity and disorder. Women might take on the characteristics of ADHD and adopt coping strategies such as self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can cause low self-esteem, which can cause anxiety, depression or eating disorders.<br /><br />Being able to identify your inner worth is a precursor to better relationships and a more positive outlook on life. People who lack a strong self-worth tend to look outside themselves to find validation, including relationships, careers money, power, and relationships. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, says that this can also lead to a lack in communication within the relationship.<br /><br />Women who suffer from ADHD might also feel they don't deserve the best things in life. These feelings may manifest as a desire to please or to "keep up" with others. This can result in an unhealthy work environment and a negative image of the body, and an addiction to foods or substances.<br /><br />While these are major challenges however, the women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as either positive or negative depending on the way they perceive their ability to control it. Many of them also recognize their own strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD which include high energy, creativity determination and the ability to be easily interested in new subjects. They also describe their individual struggles in the context of an overall picture that includes gender and biological differences, as well as cultural and family issues.<br /><br />