How ADHD Traits In Women Was The Most Talked About Trend In 2024
ADHD Traits in Women
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender refer to biology--the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones--and that many people do not fit into a sex binary. However, gender and sex can influence how symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed.
ADHD is typically diagnosed in the early years of childhood, before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present prior to age 12 and cause difficulties in more than one setting to be able to receive a diagnosis.
1. Problems with Focusing
Inattention is at the core of ADHD and is a problem that affects both genders. Women may have a tougher time focusing, especially since symptoms can appear differently than in males.
Women are more likely to experience disorganization and indecisiveness, for example. They are also more likely to experience emotional stress and have trouble putting things into perspective. These issues 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 doctor's appointments.
The hormones of women along with these inherent differences, can cause ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is bigger, which aids in memory and learning. Hormone fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause may also influence brain function.
This is why women who do not have a diagnosis of ADHD may face major difficulties in relationships at school, in relationships and at work. They may also have multiple comorbid disorders like anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
It is essential that health professionals understand the many signs females suffering from ADHD exhibit. They should rethink their approaches to diagnosing and treating women with ADHD to take into account hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation and other variables that affect the severity of symptoms. These patients can then finally receive the treatment they require.
2. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This is especially true when they interact with other people. This can result in emotional dysregulation which is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It is also associated with negative outcomes in life. This can include low self-esteem, anxiety and depression as well as problematic relationships with loved ones, which can lead to violence between partners, problems with friendships, a messy home or personal space, an inability manage time or money and a messy home.
Gender stereotypes can affect the way women who suffer from ADHD are treated. Because they are often considered to be more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they can be misinterpreted or dismissed as emotionally unstable. This can increase their frustration about being a victim of untreated ADHD.
People with ADHD have a reduced ability to control impulses which is also referred to as the prefrontal cortex. This means that they are more prone to making decisions and executing with their goals. This makes it difficult to resist the urge to eat another piece of cake or blurt out an inappropriate statement in public.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications that help to control their impulsivity. 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 suggested, which can aid people suffering from ADHD alter their thinking patterns and learn healthier coping skills.
A good night's sleep and eating a balanced diet, and practicing meditation can help control the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It's also a great idea to keep track their symptoms throughout the day and then share the information with their doctor to determine whether the treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a common problem for people suffering from ADHD and can have a negative impact on their work and personal lives. They may have trouble to complete their tasks and their efficiency may be reduced. They might also be late and feel overwhelmed on a daily basis.
Inability to organize can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. They may miss important dates or misplace items like keys or purses. They may feel lonely and unloved because of this. They can also feel misunderstood by their family and friends. Disorganization is more common during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles when hormones are changing and symptoms are increasing.
It is not unusual for women to hide their ADHD symptoms in order to conform with the norms of society and avoid being thought of as a problem. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. This could be a reason why girls and women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD particularly in adolescence when symptoms are more obvious.
As a result women who are not treated for ADHD might have poor academic or work performance. This can have a negative impact on their career, grades, or their image. It can also cause problems in their personal life, such as difficulties with romantic partners, or strained relationships with family members and friends members.
Women with chronic disorganization can receive one-on-one assistance from a non-judgmental, supportive person. They can help women learn to stay organized by making a list and establishing reminders. Additionally, a certified mental health professional can recommend medications and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain a steady energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can increase the side effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness is a characteristic that can affect decision-making in a variety of areas 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 is also correlated with neuroticism, and the tendency to apply worst case scenario thinking, in which people interpret uncertain situations as dangerous. It was also found to be related to a fear of making a mistake which could be the reason people suffering from adhd have difficulty making decisions.
In the qualitative study of women who have adhd in their adult lives the participants reported being not able 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 frequently had to wait for others to decide or were unable complete tasks on their own, like arranging childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms such as inattention and impulsivity or difficulty getting started on projects was preventing them from completing.
They struggled to maintain friendships and had difficulty relaxing and recharging their mental health. They described anxiety and stress, lack of sleep and inadequate nutrition. They also felt stigmatized by media and adults. The diagnosis of ADHD provided them with a reason for their difficulties which was beneficial for self-image 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 had a lot of positive qualities however, they were struggling to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on a variety of aspects of their lives. This included a lack of romantic or career opportunities, difficulty maintaining relationships and an unclean home.
5. Insecurity about oneself
Some of the signs that are a part of ADHD are viewed as less socially acceptable for women and girls than they are for boys and men Some women choose to are able to hide their impulsivity, hyperactivity and disorder. They also may be able to internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms such as self-harm (cutting burns, scratching, cutting). adult add women can cause lower self-esteem and could cause depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
A high self-esteem is a precursor to healthier relationships and a better outlook on life. If people do not have a strong sense of self-worth they tend to look for outside things - like careers, relationships, wealth, and power - to feel worthy. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, says that this can lead to the lack of communication in the relationship.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel that they don't deserve the best things in life. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or to "keep up" with other people. This can result in toxic workplace cultures, a negative self-image, and a dependence on food or substances.
Despite these major challenges the women who participated in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They described ADHD as either a blessing or a curse depending on the way they perceive their ability to manage it. Some have identified their own strengths that they believe are a result of to their ADHD. These include high energy, creativity and determination and the ability to easily get fascinated by new subjects. In addition, they describe their unique challenges as part of a bigger picture that encompasses cultural and family issues as in addition to gender and biological differences.