Don't Believe In These “Trends” Concerning Signs And Symptoms Of ADHD In Women

adhd in women and Symptoms of ADHD in Women Women suffering from ADHD are often subjected to different expectations from society about how they should handle their family, careers and their home lives. This can result in feelings of guilt and anger if your symptoms are getting in the way. Research has shown that girls and women are consistently under-referred for ADHD as compared to men and boys. This could be due to the fact that they conceal their symptoms or develop coping mechanisms to conceal them. 1. Inattentiveness One of the most common symptoms of adhd is the difficulty in paying attention in school or at work. Women with this condition often forget important meetings, fall behind on assignments or are confused when trying to follow instructions. They may also have difficulty staying focused in noisy or crowded environments. People who suffer from ADHD may have “thousand-yard gazes” or a tendency to lose focus when they are talking. These symptoms can lead to problems at work or in relationships. Women and girls are especially susceptible to being diagnosed with ADHD, especially as they age. They frequently develop coping mechanisms that hide their symptoms and use these coping methods into adulthood. They might even begin to identify their symptoms as personal characteristics, which could make it difficult for them to seek help. Many teachers do not suggest ADHD assessments as often for girls as they do for males. If a girl's inattentive ADHD is impacting her school performance or social interactions it is recommended that she consult a medical professional. Being inattentional ADHD can lead to a lot of emotional stress. It can be a frustrating experience to feel that you aren't being able to meet the standards of your friends, co-workers and family members. It can also be frustrating when you feel that you are not able to connect with your children or siblings. Inattention and impulsivity can exacerbate anxiety and depression in certain people with ADHD. In addition to seeking assistance there are some things you can do to decrease the impact of these symptoms. Regular exercise can help release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus. It can also reduce anxiety, mood swings and other symptoms that are common to people with ADHD. 2. Impulsivity The impulse-driven symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to manage. You may say things you shouldn't or buy something on impulse. You may also end up arrested by the police because of your actions. The urge to be impulsive can make it difficult to control your feelings and emotions. Self-injury could result, such as cutting, burning or scratching yourself. This can cause alcohol or drug dependence. People with impulsivity often have issues with relationships and work or school performance. You can control your impulsivity by taking medication prescribed by your physician. Medications like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall Ritalin, Adderall) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin) can improve your impulse control. Nonstimulant medications like clonidine or Guanfacine can also help to manage your impulses better. Women are more likely than men and boys to have a hyperactive/impulsive form of ADHD. This kind of ADHD is often difficult to detect, resulting in an incorrect diagnosis. Women may hide their symptoms in order to conform to social expectations and norms. This can be particularly challenging in adolescence and early adulthood. Some women use unhealthy ways of coping like excessive drinking and substance abuse, to cover up their ADHD issues. Women with high functioning ADHD may mask their symptoms by having success in certain areas of their life like at school or at work. This can create a false impression that everything is going well and cause you to feel overwhelmed. Ask your healthcare provider for accommodations at school or at work that can aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms. This is a great way to build awareness with your co-workers or professors of the challenges you may face. 3. Disorganization If you have ADHD then avoiding appointments, arriving late for work, not remembering dates, or avoiding conversations can cause anger and make others feel ignored or offended. The disorder can make it difficult to stay on top of tasks as well as manage schedules, finances and financial obligations. If you can't remember what you need to get for groceries, then you might miss out on meals, or spend too much on unnecessary items. Women with ADHD struggle to keep track of their daily chores, homework, and bills. The disorder can also result in messy homes, messy workspaces and a tendency to accumulate. The “time blindness” that ADHD patients have makes it difficult for them to know how long has passed or how long they've worked on a specific task. add symptoms in women with time management can lead to feelings of shame or guilt when they are combined with a struggle to stay organized. While research suggests that women and girls are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than men and boys the symptoms can be hidden and not recognized. Women are often not diagnosed until they reach the age of adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. Social stigma and stereotypes can also hinder women to receive the care and support they need. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage your ADHD symptoms. stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine can increase and balance levels of neurotransmitters. These are the brain chemicals which communicate with one another. Nonstimulant medicines like antidepressants and atomoxetine are also used to treat ADHD, but they work slower than stimulants. Your doctor might also refer you to a mental health specialist, who can help develop an individual treatment plan that meets your individual needs. 4. Impulsiveness Women who suffer from ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions, and they might be more sensitive to rejection. The chemical imbalance that is associated with ADHD affects the brain's communication between the areas that regulate emotions, and also interpret how to handle them. People suffering from ADHD are more susceptible to moodiness and depression. This, in conjunction with the difficulty of keeping track of their responsibilities can lead to problems with family and romantic relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD also tend to have a lower self-esteem and may have trouble forming friendships and navigating social situations. They might wander off in conversations or have difficulty comprehending what other people are saying, which may make it difficult for them to find their place in a group. Women suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to motivate themselves to complete simple or boring tasks such as washing dishes, cleaning, or doing laundry. This can cause them to develop unhealthy coping methods, such as binge-watching TV shows or consuming substances. These are particularly risky for adolescents and girls with ADHD who are more likely than other kids to engage in risky behaviors such as early sexual activity with fewer protected partners and casual sex. As adults, women with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed than men because they tend to have inattentive symptoms instead of hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms. In addition women often hide their ADHD symptoms because of the a myriad of expectations society places on them (managing the family home and household, for example). This makes it difficult for health care professionals to identify an issue, especially since the symptoms are more easily recognized for men and boys. 5. Hyperactivity For women with ADHD daily tasks can be difficult to handle. They may struggle with managing their time and paying their bills on time, and juggling work and school obligations. A variety of emotional symptoms, including mood swings and trouble controlling emotions, may make it difficult to interact with others and create issues in relationships between people. People with ADHD have difficulty reading body language or social cues. They may go off on a tangent during conversations or struggle to follow the thread of a conversation, causing problems with work or school performance as well as strained relationships. They might also have difficulty making new friends or finding the right balance between their work, home, and social life. The symptoms of ADHD can vary throughout the day and may be affected by hormones, as during menstruation or pregnancy, or even perimenopausal. This could lead to misdiagnosis or the wrong kinds of medications being used. While everyone struggles with different difficulties when dealing with ADHD there are a few typical signs and symptoms that can help you spot the condition for yourself or a loved one. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step towards getting the support and treatment you require to manage your symptoms effectively. It is important to understand that ADHD does not mean you are free of other mental or physical conditions. Your doctor or therapist must conduct a thorough examination. They'll have to ask questions about your present and past behavior and experiences, examine any medical history, and discuss with you about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in a variety of settings.