Ten ADHD Traits In Womens That Really Help You Live Better

ADHD Traits in Women Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that gender and sexuality are based on biology, including the body's chromosomal make-up and hormones. A lot of people do not fit neatly into a binary sex. However, sex and gender can influence how symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed and treated. ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present before age 12 and cause difficulties in more than one setting to be eligible for a diagnosis. 1. Difficulty Focusing Inattention is at the core of ADHD and is a problem that affects both women and men. However, women might have a harder time to achieve the attention they require particularly since symptoms typically manifest in different ways in men. Women are more likely than men to be unorganized and indecisive, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally afflicted and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These problems can create an inability to concentrate on tasks, leading to a decrease in productivity at work or at home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and skip doctor's appointments. The hormones of women along with these innate differences can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Females have a bigger hippocampus, which helps with learning and memory, and hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles and during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal changes can affect their brain's function. Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD may struggle in their relationships, at school, and at work. They could also be suffering from multiple comorbid disorders like anxiety, depression and eating disorders. This is why it is crucial for health care professionals to be aware of the numerous indications that females with ADHD often show. They must recalibrate their approaches for diagnosing and treating females with ADHD to take into account hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. In this way, these patients can finally get the treatment they require. 2. Impulsivity Females with ADHD are often unable to controlling their emotions, particularly when interacting with others. This can result in emotional dysregulation which is a major aspect of ADHD symptoms and is associated with many negative life outcomes. This can include low self-esteem, anxiety and depression, problematic romantic relationships which can lead to conflict between partners, issues with relationships, a messy home or personal space, inability to manage time or money and a messy home. Gender stereotypes can also affect the way women who suffer from ADHD are treated. They might be misunderstood since they are viewed as being more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings. This can lead to their frustration over living with untreated ADHD. The part of the brain that controls impulses the brain, also known as the prefrontal cortex is affected in people with ADHD. This means that they have more trouble making decisions and executing in their intentions. This can make it hard to resist the temptation to eat another piece of cake or to make an inappropriate statement in public. Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication that helps them control their impulses. Stimulants like amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help reduce impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medications such as clonidine and guanfacine can be effective too. People suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a treatment called behavioral therapy, which helps them alter their mental patterns and develop better strategies for coping. Sleeping enough, eating a healthy diet, and meditating can help control impulsiveness and restlessness in people with ADHD. It's important to track their symptoms throughout the day and communicate this data with their doctor so they can assess whether their treatment plan is effective. 3. Disorganization Disorganization is a common issue for those suffering from ADHD and affect their work and personal lives. They may find it difficult to complete tasks, and their productivity may be diminished. They might also be late and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis. A lack of organization can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose possessions such as keys or purses. They may feel lonely and unloved because of this. Friends and family members may be confused about their feelings. The disorder can become more severe during perimenopause and menopause when hormones shift and symptoms increase. Women often mask their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being judged. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. This could be a reason for why women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly during adolescence, when symptoms are more apparent. In the end women who are not treated for ADHD might experience poor academic or work performance. This can affect their work, grades or their overall image. It can also cause problems in their personal lives including issues with romantic partners or strained relationships with friends and family members. Women who are chronically unorganized will benefit from the one-on-1 support of a non-judgmental friend. They can help women learn to stay organized by making an agenda and setting reminders. Additionally, a certified mental health professional can suggest medications and lifestyle changes to help minimize ADHD symptoms. treatment for adhd in women may include eating small, frequent meals to maintain energy levels and avoiding caffeine that can increase side effects of stimulant medication. 4. Indecisiveness Indecisiveness influences decision-making in a variety of aspects of life. Several instruments have been developed to measure indecisiveness, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness can also be linked to neuroticism and with the tendency to apply worst-case scenario thinking, in which people interpret uncertain situations as threatening. It was also found to be linked to the fear of making a mistake, which could be the reason 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 decisions about their professional and personal lives. They struggled to manage their finances and relationships and had trouble finding jobs they enjoyed. They often had to wait for others to take decisions, or were unable complete projects such as arranging childcare. They often felt they were being hindered by their ADHD symptoms, for example, difficulties with getting started or staying focused and impulsivity. They had a difficult time keeping relationships and had trouble relaxing, leading to problems with their mental health. They described high levels of anxiety and stress, sleeping insufficiently and having poor nutrition. They also described feeling stigmatized by their peers and the media. They were able explain their struggles with ADHD which helped them improve their self-esteem because they weren't blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to treatment strategies that were appropriate. The interviews revealed that the women were very optimistic, but struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects of their lives. The women reported a lack in career or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships, and a messy house. 5. Self-esteem issues Women can conceal their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe their behavior is less acceptable for men and boys. They also may be able to internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping strategies such as self-harm (cutting burns, scratching, cutting). This can cause feelings of self-esteem issues which can lead to depression, anxiety or eating disorders. Having high inner worth is a prerequisite for healthier relationships and a positive outlook on life. If people do not have a strong sense of self-worth, they tend to seek external things – such as relationships, careers as well as wealth and power to feel a sense of worthiness. Licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can also cause an absence of communication in relationships, which could ultimately end it. In addition to a lack of self-worth, women who have ADHD often struggle with the feeling that they don't have enough of the good things in their lives. These feelings may manifest as a desire for others to “keep up with” or to please. This can cause toxic workplaces and a negative self-image and an addiction of food or substances. Although these are significant challenges but the women who participated in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. Most of them say that they view their ADHD as a blessing or a curse, depending on whether they believe they can control it. A few of them also point out personal strengths 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. In addition, they describe their individual struggles as part of a larger picture that encompasses cultural and family issues, as in addition to gender and biological differences.