ADHD Traits in Women<br /><br />Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that gender and sex are based on biology, including the body's chromosomal makeup as well as hormones. Many people do not fall into the binary gender. However, gender and sex influence the way symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed.<br /><br />ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. ADHD must present symptoms before the age of 12 and cause problems in multiple settings to be able to receive a diagnosis.<br /><br />1. Trouble focusing<br /><br />Inattention is at the heart of ADHD, and it's an issue for everyone. But women may find it more challenging to achieve the focus they need, especially because symptoms often manifest differently in men.<br /><br />Women are more likely than men to be unorganized and impulsive, for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally afflicted and have a difficult time putting things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability of concentration and can result in an inability to perform at work or at home. They're also more likely to not attend doctor appointments or forget to take their medications.<br /><br />In addition to these innate differences, women's hormones can make ADHD symptoms more severe. The hippocampus of females is larger, which aids in memory and learning. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-in-women/">I Am Psychiatry</a> during menstruation as well as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause may also affect brain function.<br /><br />Women with undiagnosed ADHD might struggle with their relationships, at school, and at work. They might also suffer from a variety of comorbid disorders like depression, anxiety and eating disorders.<br /><br />It is crucial that health professionals are aware of the many signs females suffering from ADHD display. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnose and treat females suffering from ADHD in order to account for hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. Patients can then receive the treatment they require.<br /><br />2. Impulsivity<br /><br />Women with ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is especially true when they interact with others. This can lead to emotional dysregulation which is a key component of ADHD symptoms and is associated with many negative life results. These include low self-esteem, co-occurring depression and anxiety, difficult romantic relationships 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 can affect how women who suffer from ADHD are treated. Because they are often perceived as being more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they may be misunderstood or dismissed as emotionally unstable. This can cause them to feel more frustrated at living with untreated ADHD.<br /><br />The part of the brain that controls impulses the brain, known as the prefrontal cortex, is affected in people with ADHD. This means that they are more prone to making decisions and following through with their goals. This makes it difficult to resist the urge to eat a second piece of cake or to make an inappropriate statement in public.<br /><br />For adults with ADHD medications can help to increase their ability to control their impulses. Stimulants such as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine may reduce the behavior of impulsivity. Non-stimulants like clonidine and Guanfacine are also effective. Behavioral therapy is also recommended, which can help those suffering from ADHD modify their thinking patterns and develop healthier coping skills.<br /><br />Meditation, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep can all be helpful in reducing restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It's also a great idea to track their symptoms throughout the day, and then share the information with their doctor in order to assess whether or not their treatment is working.<br /><br />3. Disorganization<br /><br />Disorganization is a common issue for people suffering from ADHD and affect their work and personal lives. It may take longer to complete tasks and decrease their efficiency. They might also fail to meet deadlines or feel overwhelmed each day.<br /><br />Lack of organization can also make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. People may forget important events or lose possessions such as keys or purses. In the end, they might feel lonely and isolated. They may also feel that they are not understood by family members and friends. Disorders are more common during perimenopause or menopause when hormones change and symptoms become more severe.<br /><br /><br /><br />It is not uncommon for women to hide their ADHD symptoms to conform with societal norms and avoid being thought of as a problem. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. This could also be the reason women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly during adolescence, when symptoms are more apparent.<br /><br />In the end, women with untreated ADHD might experience poor academic or work performance. This can negatively impact their career, grades, or even their reputation. It could also cause issues in their personal lives like issues with romantic partners, or strained relationships with family and friends members.<br /><br />Women who are constantly disorganized can benefit from the one-on-one assistance of a non-judgmental individual. They can teach them strategies to stay organized, such as making an agenda of the daily tasks and setting reminders for them. 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 levels and avoiding caffeine which can cause an increase in the negative effects of stimulant medication.<br /><br />4. Indecisiveness<br /><br />Indecisiveness is one of the traits that affects decision making in a variety of areas of our lives. Indecisiveness is measured by several 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 apply worst-case scenario thinking, which is where people interpret uncertain situations as threatening. It is also believed to be correlated with the fear of being wrong, which may be the reason why it is common for people with adhd to have trouble making decisions.<br /><br />In the study that was qualitative of women who have adhd in their adult lives the participants said they were not able to make decisions in their work and personal lives. They struggled to find the job they wanted or stayed in, and also found it difficult to manage their finances, relationships and health. They often had to wait for others to make decisions, or were unable complete projects such as organizing childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms such as the inability to focus and impulsivity, or getting started on projects was preventing them from completing.<br /><br />They had trouble in establishing and maintaining friendships, which led to mental health problems. They described having high levels of stress and anxiety, a lack of sleep, and poor nutrition. They also expressed feeling devalued by other adults and by the media. They were able to explain their struggles with ADHD which helped them boost their self-esteem as they weren't blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to appropriate treatments.<br /><br />The interviews revealed that women had a lot of positive qualities but were struggling to overcome the impact of their ADHD symptoms on different aspects of their lives. The women complained of a lack in career or romantic opportunities, difficulties maintaining relationships, and a messy house.<br /><br />5. Insecurity about oneself<br /><br />Some of the symptoms that make up ADHD are considered to be less acceptable socially for women and girls than they are for males and females and so women may hide their hyperactivity, impulsivity, and disorganization. Some women might take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop strategies to cope, such as self-harming (cutting or burning). This can cause feelings of self-esteem issues that contribute to 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 are more likely to look outside themselves for validation, like jobs, relationships as well as money and power. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can also lead to the lack of communication in a relationship.<br /><br />Alongside a feeling of lack of self-worth, those with ADHD often have a feeling that they don't deserve the positive things in their lives. These feelings may manifest as a desire to please or "keep up" with other people. This can result in a toxic work culture and a negative image of the body and a dependence on foods or substances.<br /><br />Despite these major challenges, women who took part in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They describe ADHD as either an advantage or a disadvantage according to how they feel about their ability to control it. Many of them also recognize personal strengths that they believe are a result of to their ADHD which include high energy, creativity determination, and the ability to become easily interested in new subjects. They also describe their individual struggles in the context of the larger picture, which includes biological and gender differences, as well as cultural and family issues.<br /><br />