add and adhd in women 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 do not fit into a sex binary. However, gender and sex can affect the way symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is diagnosed in childhood, usually before the age of 12. ADHD must present symptoms before the age of 12 and cause problems in more than one environment to be able to receive a diagnosis.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is the root of ADHD and is a problem that affects both genders. Women may have more difficulty to achieve the attention they require due to the fact that symptoms usually manifest in different ways in men.
Women are more likely to experience disorganization and indecisiveness for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and struggle to put things in perspective. These problems can lead to an inability of concentration and can result in an inability to perform at work or home. They are also more likely to not remember their medication or miss appointments with doctors.
The hormones that women experience as well as these inherent differences, can cause ADHD symptoms. The female hippocampus is larger which helps in learning and memory. Menstrual hormone fluctuations as well as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause may also affect brain function.
As a result, women with undiagnosed ADHD might have a difficult time in relationships at school, in their relationships as well as at work. They could also be suffering from multiple comorbid disorders like depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
It is important that health professionals understand the many clues females with ADHD show. They should rethink their strategies for diagnosing and treating females with ADHD to account for emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. In this way, these patients will finally receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This is especially the case when they are interacting with others. This can cause emotional dysregulation, which is a major component of ADHD symptoms and is associated with a range of negative life outcomes. This can include low self-esteem, anxiety and depression as well as problematic relationships with loved ones which can lead to conflicts between partners, problems with friendships, a messy home or personal space, inability to manage time or money, and a messy house.
Gender stereotypes may also impact how women who suffer from ADHD are treated. Because they are often viewed as more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they may be misunderstood or dismissed as emotionally unstable. 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, referred to as the prefrontal cortex, is affected in people with ADHD. This means that they are more difficult to make decisions and following through with their intentions. This can make it hard to resist the temptation to eat a second piece of cake or make an inappropriate comment in public.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from medication that helps them control their impulsivity. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine may reduce the behavior of impulsivity. Nonstimulants like clonidine or Guanfacine are also effective. People with ADHD may also benefit from a treatment called behavioral therapy, which can help them change their mental patterns and develop healthier coping techniques.
Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and practicing meditation can also help in reducing impulsiveness and restlessness in people with ADHD. It is 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.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a frequent issue for people suffering from ADHD and can have a negative impact on their professional and personal lives. It could take longer to complete their tasks and reduce their efficiency. They might also fail to meet deadlines or feel overwhelmed every day.
A lack of organization can cause problems to maintain healthy relationships. They might forget important dates or lose belongings like keys or purses. This can cause them to feel lonely and alone. Family and friends may also misunderstand their feelings. adhd in adult women is more prevalent during perimenopause or menopause when hormones change and symptoms are increasing.
It is not unusual for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms to conform with societal norms and avoid being considered a failure. This can result in self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It could also be the reason women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially evident in adolescence when symptoms are more apparent.
In the end women suffering from untreated ADHD might have poor work or school performance. This could have a negative impact on 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 friends and family members.
Women with chronic disorganization can benefit from one-on-one help from a nonjudgmental support person. They can help women learn to stay organized by creating lists and establishing reminders. Additionally, a certified mental health professional may recommend changes in lifestyle and medications to help minimize ADHD symptoms. This could include eating smaller frequent meals to keep energy levels up and avoiding caffeine that can cause adverse effects of stimulant medications.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness affects decision-making in many aspects of life. A variety of instruments have been developed to assess indecisiveness. These include the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret uncertain situations as being threatening. It was also found to be linked to a fear of making a mistake which could explain why people with adhd have trouble making decisions.
In the qualitative study of adult women suffering from adhd who were interviewed the participants said they were not able to make decisions about their personal and professional lives. They had a difficult time finding a job they liked or to stay in, and also found it difficult to manage their finances, relationships and health. They often waited for others to make decisions, or were unable complete projects such as scheduling childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity and difficulty focusing or beginning projects were preventing them from progressing.
They struggled to maintain friendships and had difficulty relaxing, leading to problems with their mental health. They described anxiety and stress, sleep deprivation and poor nutrition. They also expressed feeling devalued by adults and the media. The diagnosis of ADHD gave them a reason for their difficulties which was beneficial for self-esteem because it meant they weren't blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to treatment strategies that were appropriate.
The interviews revealed that the women were very positive, but struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects of their lives. The women reported an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, difficulties maintaining relationships, and a messy house.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Women might hide their hyperactivity and impulsivity because they feel that these behaviors aren't as acceptable than for boys and men. Women may internalize their ADHD and adopt coping strategies such as self-harming (cutting or burning). This can cause lower self-esteem and could cause anxiety, depression or eating disorders.
Being able to identify your inner worth is a prerequisite for better relationships and a more positive outlook on life. People who lack a strong self-worth tend to look beyond themselves for validation, like jobs, relationships as well as money and power. Therapist licensed Cheryl Clarke says this can cause an absence of communication within a relationship, which can ultimately end it.
Women suffering from ADHD may also feel that they are not worthy of good things in life. These feelings can manifest as a desire for others to "keep up" or to please. This can cause toxic workplaces, a negative self-image, and an addiction to food or substances.
While these are major challenges but the women who participated in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They described ADHD as an advantage or a disadvantage according to the way they perceive their ability to control it. Some of them have identified their own strengths that they believe are partially due to their ADHD. They have the ability to be creative, energetic and determination as well as the ability to effortlessly become fascinated by new subjects. They also discuss their individual struggles as part of a bigger picture that includes family and cultural issues, as in addition to gender and biological differences.