Ten Myths About ADHD Traits In Women That Don't Always Hold
ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related to biology, the hormones and chromosomal makeup of the body, and that many people don't belong to a sex binary. Gender and sexes can impact the way ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood, before the age of 12. ADHD symptoms must be present before 12 years of age and cause problems in more than one environment to be able to receive a diagnosis.
1. Trouble focusing
Inattention is the core of ADHD, and it's an issue for everyone. Women may have a tougher focus, particularly since symptoms can manifest differently than they do in men.
Women are more likely to experience indecisiveness and disorganization for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotional and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to concentrate on tasks, leading to a decrease in productivity at work or home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and skip doctor's appointments.
The hormones that women experience as well as these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is larger which helps with memory and learning. Menstrual hormone fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal changes can also affect brain function.
In the end, women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD can have major struggles in relationships at school, in relationships and at work. They may also have multiple comorbid disorders, such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
It is important that health professionals understand the many clues females with ADHD exhibit. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnose and treat females with ADHD to take into account hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. This way, patients will finally receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Females with ADHD are often unable to controlling their emotions, especially when interacting with others. This can result in emotional dysregulation, which is a major aspect of ADHD symptoms and is associated with a range of negative life results. These include poor self-esteem, depression that is co-occurring with anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones that can result in intimate partner violence, problems with friendships and a messy home or personal space, and an inability to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can also influence the way women with ADHD will be treated. They may be misunderstood because they are thought to be more sensitive or prone a mood swings. This can increase their frustration at living with untreated ADHD.
The part of the brain that controls impulses the brain, also known as the prefrontal cortex, is impaired in people suffering from ADHD. This means they have a difficult time making decisions and following up with their intentions. This can make it difficult to resist the urge to eat another piece of cake or blurt out an inappropriate statement in public.
For people who suffer from ADHD medications can help to increase their ability to control their impulses. Stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help reduce impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medications such as the guanfacine and clonidine are effective too. Behavioral therapy is also advised, which will aid people suffering from ADHD alter their thinking patterns and develop better ways to cope with stress.
A good night's sleep, eating a healthy diet, and meditating can also help in reducing restlessness and impulsiveness in those with ADHD. It's also a good idea to track their symptoms throughout the day and to share the information with their doctor to determine if their treatment plan is effective.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a frequent issue for people suffering from ADHD and can impact their professional and personal lives. It may take longer to complete tasks, and decrease their productivity. They may also fail to meet deadlines and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis.
Lack of organization can also cause problems in maintaining healthy relationships. They might miss important dates or misplace items like keys or purses. Consequently, they may feel lonely and alone. They can also feel misunderstood by family members and friends. The disorder can become more severe during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when hormones shift and symptoms increase.
Women often mask their ADHD symptoms to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being considered a failure. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. It could also be the reason women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially evident in adolescence when symptoms are more apparent.
Women with untreated ADHD may not perform as well at school or at work. This can have a negative impact on their job, grades or reputation. It can also create problems for their personal lives. For example it could lead to difficulties with romantic partners or strained relationships with family and friends.
Women who are chronically unorganized will benefit from the one-on-1 assistance of a non-judgmental individual. They can help them learn strategies to keep their lives organized, such as making an agenda of the daily tasks and making reminders for them. In addition, a qualified mental health professional can recommend changes in lifestyle and medications to help minimize ADHD 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 medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness affects decision-making in many aspects of our lives. 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 has also been associated with neuroticism and the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. add in women test is because people interpret uncertain situations as threatening. It was also found to be related to the fear of making a mistake, which could explain why people suffering from adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the study of qualitative research on adult women with adhd interviewed the participants said they were not in a position to make choices about their professional and personal lives. They had a difficult time finding the job they wanted or stayed in, and found it difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships and health. They often had to wait for others to make decisions or were unable complete projects on their own, for example, organizing childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsivity or difficulty beginning projects was preventing them from completing.
adhd in women checklist had difficulty finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive which led to mental health issues. They reported high levels of stress and anxiety, as well as a lack of sleep and inadequate nutrition. They also described feeling stigmatized by their peers and the media. The diagnosis of ADHD offered them an explanation for their struggles which was beneficial for self-esteem because it meant they weren't blamed for their own problems. They also had access to the appropriate treatment.
The interviews revealed that the women had many positive qualities however, they struggled to overcome the impact of their ADHD symptoms on different aspects of their lives. The women complained of an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, difficulties maintaining relationships and a messy home.
5. Lack of self-esteem
Certain of the symptoms that comprise ADHD are seen as less acceptable socially for girls and women than they are for men and boys, so some women hide their hyperactivity, impulsivity and disorder. Women might take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop strategies to cope, such as self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can cause feelings of self-esteem loss which can lead to depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A high self-esteem is a key factor in healthier relationships and a better outlook on life. People who lack self-worth are more likely to look outside themselves to find validation, including jobs, relationships, money, and power. A licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can cause an absence of communication within relationships, which could ultimately end it.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel that they are not worthy of good things in life. These feelings may manifest as a desire for others to "keep up with" or to please. This can cause toxic workplaces as well as a negative self-image and an addiction of food or substances.
Despite these significant issues However, the women who took part in this study discovered a number of positive aspects to living with ADHD. They described ADHD as positive or negative depending on how they feel about their ability to control it. A few of them also point out personal strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD such as the ability to be creative, high energy determination, and the ability to become easily interested in new topics. In addition, they describe their unique challenges as part of a larger picture that includes cultural and family issues, as also gender and biological differences.