ADHD Traits in Women

Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are a reflection of biology, the hormones and chromosomal makeup of the body, and that many people don't belong to a sex binary. However, gender and sex influence how symptoms of ADHD are identified and treated.

ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of the early years of childhood, typically before age 12. The symptoms must be present before 12 years of age and cause difficulties in more than one setting to be eligible for an assessment.

1. Problems with Focusing

Inattention is the root of ADHD and affects both men and women. However, women might have a harder time to attain the focus they need particularly since symptoms typically manifest differently in men.

Women are more likely to experience indecisiveness and disorganization, for example. They're also more likely to become emotional and struggle to put things in perspective. These problems can lead to an inability to concentrate and can result in an inability to perform at home or work. They are also more likely to not remember their medication or miss appointments with doctors.

The hormones of women along with these inherent differences, can cause ADHD symptoms. Females have a bigger hippocampus that aids in learning and memory, as well as hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopausal changes can affect their brain's functioning.

Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school, and at work. They might also struggle with a variety of comorbid disorders, including anxiety, depression eating disorders, bipolar disorder.

This is why it is essential for health professionals to be aware of the numerous indicators that females suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit. They need to rethink their methods for diagnosing and treating females with ADHD in order to recognize hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. That way, these patients will finally receive the treatment they need.

2. Impulsivity

Women with ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is particularly true when they are interacting with others. This can result in emotional dysregulation which is a major element of ADHD symptoms and is associated with a range of negative life consequences. This includes low self-esteem anxiety and depression that coexist, problematic romantic relationships, which can lead to violence between partners, problems with relationships, a messy home or personal space, an inability to manage time or money and a messy home.

Gender stereotypes can affect how women with ADHD are treated. Because they are typically viewed as more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they can be viewed as emotionally unstable. This can increase their frustration over being diagnosed with ADHD.

Individuals with ADHD have a reduced ability to control impulses which is also referred to as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have more trouble making decisions and sticking with their goals. This can make it hard to resist the temptation to eat a second piece of cake or to make an inappropriate statement in public.

For those who suffer from ADHD medications can help to increase their ability to manage their impulsivity. The use of stimulants such as amphetamine or dextroamphetamine may reduce the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulants like clonidine and Guanfacine can also be effective. Behavioral therapy can also be recommended, which can aid people suffering from ADHD alter their thinking patterns and develop healthier coping skills.

Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet and getting enough rest can all help to control restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from 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 their treatment is working.

3. Disorganization

Disorganization is a common problem in people with ADHD and can have a negative impact on their professional and personal lives. They may have trouble to complete their tasks and their efficiency may be diminished. They could also fail to meet deadlines or feel overwhelmed throughout the day.

An absence of organization could also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They might forget important dates or lose possessions such as keys or purses. This can cause them to feel lonely and isolated. They can also feel misunderstood by their family and friends. Disorganization can be worse during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles as hormones alter and symptoms intensify.

It is not unusual for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms to fit in with the norms of society and avoid being considered a failure. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It may be a reason for why women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially true in adolescence, when symptoms are more apparent.

As a result women suffering from untreated ADHD may have trouble with their academic or work performance. This can impact their career, grades or overall reputation. It can also create problems in their personal life including issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family and friends members.

Women who are chronically disorganized can benefit from one-on-one help by a non-judgmental therapist. They can teach women how to stay organized by creating a list and setting reminders. A licensed mental health professional may also recommend medication and lifestyle changes that can aid in reducing adhd in women symptoms. This could include eating small meals throughout the day to ensure steady energy and avoiding caffeine, which can worsen the side effects of stimulant medications.

4. Indecisiveness

Indecisiveness influences decision-making in a variety of aspects of our lives. There are a variety of instruments that have been created to assess indecisiveness. These include the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness can also be linked to neuroticism and the tendency to use worst case scenario thinking, in which people interpret ambiguous situations as dangerous. It has also been proven to be associated with a fear of being wrong, which could help explain why it is common for people with adhd in adult women symptoms to have difficulty making decisions.

In the study that was qualitative of women who have adhd in their adult lives, interviewees said they were unable to make decisions in their work and personal lives. They struggled to manage their finances and relationships and had difficulty finding a job that they liked. They often were dependent on others to make decisions or were unable to complete tasks on their own, like arranging childcare. They often felt that they were restricted by their adhd in young women symptoms, like difficulty with starting or staying focused and impulsive.

They had a difficult time keeping friendships and were unable to relax, leading to problems with their mental health. They described having high levels of anxiety and stress and a lack of sleep and a poor diet. They also described feeling stigmatized by other adults and by the media. They were able explain their struggles with ADHD, which helped them increase their self-esteem since they weren't blaming others. Additionally, it gave them access to the appropriate treatment strategies.

The interviews revealed that women were very optimistic however, they struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects of their lives. The women reported an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships and a messy home.

5. Insecurity about oneself

Women might hide their hyperactivity and impulsivity because they feel that their behavior is less acceptable for boys and men. Some women might take on the characteristics of ADHD and adopt coping strategies such as self-harming (cutting or burning). This can cause lower self-esteem and could cause depression, anxiety or eating disorders.

A high sense of inner worth is the precursor to more positive relationships and an optimistic outlook on life. People who lack self-worth tend to look beyond themselves for validation, like careers, relationships, money, and power. Therapist licensed Cheryl Clarke says this can result in a lack of communication in the relationship, which could eventually end it.

Women suffering from ADHD may also feel they don't deserve the best things in life. These feelings can manifest themselves as a desire for others to "keep up" or to please. This can result in toxic workplace cultures, a negative self-image, and a dependence on substance or food.

While these are serious issues however, the women who took part in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They described ADHD as a blessing or a curse depending on the way they perceive their ability to manage it. Some of them have also identified personal strengths they believe are partially due to their ADHD. These include the ability to be creative, energetic and determination as well as the ability to quickly become interested in new topics. They also discuss their own struggles within the context of the larger picture, which includes biological and gender differences, as well as cultural and family issues.