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 fit into a sex binary. Gender and sexes can impact how ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated.

ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of early childhood, typically before age 12. Symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause problems in more than one setting to be able to receive an assessment.

1. Trouble focusing

Inattention is at the heart of ADHD and can affect both genders. Women may have a tougher time focusing, especially since symptoms can appear differently than they do in men.

Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and indecisive, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally afflicted and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can cause 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 doctor's appointments.

In addition to these natural differences, women's hormones can make their ADHD symptoms more severe. The hippocampus of females is larger which helps with memory and learning. Hormone fluctuations during menstruation or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopausal cycles can affect brain function.

Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school, and at work. They may also be struggling with a variety of co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.

This is why it's critical for health professionals to be aware of the various indicators that females suffering from ADHD often show. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to account for hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation, and other factors that can influence symptom severity. In this way, these patients can finally get the treatment they require.

2. Impulsivity

Females who suffer from ADHD are often unable to managing their emotions, particularly when they interact with other people. This can result attention deficit in women emotional dysregulation, which is a major component of ADHD symptoms and is associated with a range of negative life outcomes. This includes low self-esteem coexisting depression and anxiety and a strained relationship with a partner that can result in conflict between partners, issues with friendships, a messy home or personal space, an inability to manage time or money and a messy home.

Gender stereotypes can affect how women who suffer from ADHD are treated. Because they are frequently perceived as being more sensitive or prone to mood swings, they may be misinterpreted or dismissed as emotionally unstable. This can increase their frustration at being a victim of untreated ADHD.

People with ADHD have impaired impulse control which is also referred to as the prefrontal cortex. This means that they are more difficult to make decisions and executing their intentions. This makes it difficult to resist the urge to eat another piece of cake or to make an inappropriate comment in public.

For adults with ADHD medication can assist to increase their ability to control their impulses. Stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help decrease the impulsive behavior and non-stimulant drugs like clonidine and guanfacine can be effective too. Behavioral therapy can also be suggested, which can help people with ADHD modify their thinking patterns and learn healthier coping skills.

Meditation and eating a balanced diet and getting enough rest can all help to control restlessness and impulsiveness in people with ADHD. It is also a good idea to track their symptoms throughout the day and to share this information with their physician so they can assess whether the treatment regimen is working.

3. Disorganization

Disorganization is a common issue for people with ADHD and affect their work and personal lives. They may find it difficult to complete their tasks and their efficiency may be reduced. They could also fail to meet deadlines or feel overwhelmed throughout the day.

An absence of organization could make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important dates or lose things like keys or purses. They may feel lonely and unloved because of this. They may also feel unloved by family members and friends. The disorder can become more severe in menopausal or perimenopausal women, when hormones change and symptoms become more severe.

Women often hide their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being thought of as a problem. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. This could be the reason girls and women are typically not diagnosed with adhd adult women treatment, particularly during adolescence, when symptoms are more obvious.

Women with untreated adhd symptoms in adult women may have poor performance at work or in school. This can have a negative impact on their career, grades, or their image. It could also cause issues in their personal lives like issues with romantic partners or strained relationships with family members and friends members.

Women who are chronically disorganized can receive one-on-one assistance by a non-judgmental therapist. They can teach them strategies to get and keep their lives organized, such as making a list of daily tasks and creating reminders for them. A qualified mental health professional may also suggest medication and lifestyle changes that will aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to ensure steady energy levels and avoiding caffeine which can cause an increase in the adverse effects of stimulant medication.

4. Indecisiveness

Indecisiveness is a trait that influences decision-making in a variety of areas of our lives. Indecisiveness can be measured using 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 because people perceive ambiguous situations as dangerous. It has also been found to be linked with a fear of being wrong, which may help explain why it's common for people with adhd to struggle with making decisions.

In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd the participants reported being not able to make decisions in their work and personal lives. They struggled to find the job they wanted or stayed in, and also found it difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships, and health. They often waited for others to take decisions, or were unable complete projects like scheduling childcare. They often felt they were restricted by their ADHD symptoms, for example, difficulties with getting started or staying focused and impulsive.

They had a difficult time keeping relationships and had trouble relaxing and recharging their mental health. They reported high levels of stress and anxiety, as well as a sleeping insufficiently and having inadequate nutrition. They also expressed feeling devalued by other adults and by the media. The diagnosis of ADHD offered them an explanation for their difficulties, which was helpful for self-image because it meant they weren't blamed for their condition. They also had access to appropriate treatment strategies.

The interviews revealed that women were very positive, but struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on various aspects of their lives. The women complained of a lack in career or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships and a messy home.

5. Lack of self-esteem

Women may cover up their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they feel that these symptoms are less acceptable than for boys and men. They also may be able to internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping strategies such as self-harm (cutting burns, scratching, cutting). This can result in feelings of self-esteem loss which can lead to depression, anxiety or eating disorders.

A high self-esteem is a prerequisite for healthier relationships and a better outlook on life. People who lack a strong self-worth tend to look outside themselves for validation, like jobs, relationships as well as money and power. Licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can cause an absence of communication within a relationship, which can ultimately end it.

In addition to a lack of self-worth, those with ADHD often struggle with the feeling that they don't deserve the good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or to "keep up" with others. This can cause toxic workplaces as well as a negative self-image and a dependence on substances or food.

While these are serious issues but the women who participated in this study also discovered a number of positive aspects of living with ADHD. Most of them describe their ADHD as a gift or a curse, based on whether they feel they can control it. Many of them also recognize personal strengths that they believe are due to their adhd in women book, including high energy, creativity determination, and the ability to become easily interested in new subjects. They also talk about their own struggles within the context of the larger picture, which includes gender and biological distinctions, as well as cultural and family issues.