10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From ADHD Traits In Women
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 do not belong to a sex binary. Genre and gender can influence the way ADHD symptoms are treated and diagnosed. ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of the early years of childhood, typically before age 12. Symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause difficulties in more than one environment to qualify for an assessment. 1. Trouble focusing Inattention is at the heart of ADHD and is a problem for all genders. Women may have a tougher to concentrate, particularly because symptoms can appear 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 emotionally disturbed and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to concentrate on work, which can lead to a lack of productivity at work or at home. They're also more likely to miss doctor appointments and neglect to take their medications. Women's hormones as well as these inherent differences, can cause ADHD symptoms. Females have a bigger hippocampus, which aids in learning and memory, as well as hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopausal cycles can affect brain function. Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD might struggle with their relationships, at school and at work. They could also struggle with a variety of comorbid disorders, including anxiety, depression eating disorders, bipolar disorder. It is important that health care professionals recognize the many clues females with ADHD exhibit. They need to rethink their approach to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations and other variables that influence the severity of symptoms. In this way, these patients will finally receive the treatment they need. 2. adhd women test who suffer from ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This is particularly true when they are interacting with other people. This can result in emotional dysregulation which is a major element of ADHD symptoms and is associated with many negative life consequences. This can include low self-esteem, coexisting depression and anxiety and a strained relationship with a partner, which can lead to violence between partners, problems with friendships, a messy house or personal space, an inability to manage time or money and a messy home. Gender stereotypes may also impact the way women with ADHD are treated. They may be misunderstood because they are perceived as more sensitive or prone a mood swings. This can cause them to feel more frustrated about being a victim of untreated ADHD. The impulse control portion of the brain, referred to as the prefrontal cortex is impaired in individuals with ADHD. This means they have a difficult time making decisions and following through with their intentions. This can make it hard to resist the urge to eat another piece of cake or make an inappropriate comment in public. Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from medication that helps them manage their impulsivity. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine may reduce impulsive behavior. Non-stimulants like clonidine and guanfacine are also effective. Behavioral therapy is also advised, which will aid people suffering from ADHD modify their thinking patterns and learn better ways to cope with stress. Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can all help control the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It's also a good idea to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and to share this data with their doctor so they can assess whether their treatment plan is effective. 3. Disorganization Disorganization can be a major issue for people suffering from ADHD and can affect their personal and professional lives. It could take longer to complete their tasks and reduce their productivity. They could also be late and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis. An absence of organization could also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They might forget important dates or lose belongings like keys or purses. Consequently, they may feel isolated and lonely. They may also feel unloved by their family and friends. The disorder can become more severe in menopausal or perimenopausal women when hormones shift and symptoms intensify. It is not unusual for women to cover up their ADHD symptoms to conform with society's norms and avoid being considered a failure. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It could be a reason for why women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly evident in adolescence when symptoms are more apparent. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may not perform as well at work or in school. This can affect their job, grades or reputation. It could also cause issues in their personal life including issues with romantic partners or strained relationships with friends and family members. Women who are chronically unorganized could benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental person. They can help women learn to stay organized by making lists and establishing reminders. A licensed mental health professional can recommend medication or lifestyle changes that can reduce ADHD symptoms. This could 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 medications. 4. Indecisiveness Indecisiveness is a trait that influences decision-making in a variety of areas of our lives. Indecisiveness can be measured with several instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the Indecisiveness scale. Indecisiveness is also linked to neuroticism, and the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is when people perceive ambiguous situations as dangerous. It was also found to be linked to the fear of making a mistake, which could help explain why people with adhd have trouble making decisions. In the qualitative study of adult women suffering from adhd, interviewees described being unable to make decisions regarding their work and personal lives. They struggled to find a job they liked or stayed in, and were difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships, and health. They often had to wait for others to take decisions, or were unable complete projects like scheduling childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms like the inability to focus and impulsivity, or beginning projects were preventing them from progressing. They struggled to keep friendships and were unable to relax and recharging their mental health. They reported high levels of anxiety and stress, sleeping insufficiently and having poor nutrition. They also described feeling stigmatized by adults and the media. The diagnosis of ADHD gave them a reason for their struggles which was beneficial to their self-esteem since it meant they weren't blamed for their condition. They also had access to appropriate treatments. The interviews revealed that the women were extremely positive, but struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on various aspects of their lives. These included a lack career or romantic opportunities, difficulty maintaining relationships and an unclean home. 5. Insecurity about oneself Women can cover up their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe their behavior is less acceptable than for men and boys. They may also take on their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms like self-harm (cutting, burning, scratching). This can result in feelings of self-esteem issues which can lead to anxiety, depression, or eating disorders. A high sense of inner worth is the basis for more positive relationships and a positive outlook on life. When people lack a strong sense of self-worth and feel they are not worthy, they will seek outside things – including relationships, careers as well as wealth and power to feel a sense of worthiness. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed psychotherapist, says this can also result in the lack of communication in a relationship. Alongside a feeling of lack of self-worth, women who have ADHD often struggle with a feeling that they don't have enough of the good things happening in their lives. These feelings may manifest as a desire for others to “keep up” or to please. This can lead to negative work environments, a negative body image and an addiction to food or other substances. While these are serious issues, the women who participated in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They generally describe their ADHD as a gift or a curse, based on whether they believe they can manage it. Several of them also identify personal strengths that they believe are a result of to their ADHD which include the ability to be creative, high energy, determination and the ability to be easily interested in new topics. They also describe their unique challenges as part of a larger picture that encompasses family and cultural issues, as in addition to gender and biological differences.