Blog entry by Jonnie Erskine

Anyone in the world

AdHD Symptoms in Women

Women who suffer from ADHD are often challenged to meet the various expectations of society. This includes caring for others while juggling work and home life, and navigating relationships.

Royal_College_of_Psychiatrists_logo.pngFemale ADHD symptoms are more likely to be inattentive-type symptoms than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Gender bias may also lead health care professionals to misdiagnose or fail to recognize ADHD symptoms in women and girls.

1. Lack of Focus

One of the most prevalent symptoms of adhd women uk in women is having trouble concentration. It's a condition that can show up in many different ways, from not remembering appointments to being unable to complete tasks at work to zoning out during conversations, making people feel ignored. It can make it difficult for women to manage their finances, and often result in them missing out on job or financial opportunities.

Women are more adept at masking ADHD symptoms than other women which makes it more difficult for them as adults to be diagnosed and treated. Researchers aren't certain why this is, but they speculate that it could be related to traditional gender roles and the expectation that women and girls be more "restrained." Masking ADHD symptoms can result in underperforming at work or school and could prevent them from seeking the help and support they require.

Lack of focus can also be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses like anxiety or depression. For instance, depression can influence your concentration by making you less attentive and irritable. People with generalized anxieties disorder have difficulty concentrating because they tend to be overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions.

The best way to improve your ability to concentrate is to manage your ADHD symptoms with treatment. This means hiring a professional or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls. It is also important to know about the options for accommodations from your school or employer, such as flexible working hours or working from home. A healthy sleep routine will assist you in having more restful nights, and also help you stay focused throughout the day. This means getting to bed every night at the same time, and listening to soothing music or an audiobook and limiting your screen time.

2. Impulsivity

Women with ADHD tend to be driven. They might interrupt others or alter the topic of the course of a conversation, make quick decisions without considering the consequences and take risks that aren't in your best interests. They may also have difficulty reading body language or interpreting social signals. The symptoms of impulsivity can get worse during perimenopausal - the time prior to menopausal onset - and when hormone levels begin to drop.

Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have inattentive-type symptoms, which can be harder to notice than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This could cause health professionals to miss ADHD in their patients, mistakenly diagnose them or dismiss their symptoms as a result of anxiety or mood problems. Research on ADHD is focused on boys and men. This can cause a gender bias.

When children with ADHD are young, parents and teachers occasionally notice an impulsive behavior. It's not unusual for children to be restless or irritable at times. These behaviors tend to increase as children grow older and become more adept at managing their symptoms.

Adults can experience impulsive and distractible symptoms of adhd can impact work, school and relationships. They can cause procrastination and forgetfulness as well as difficulty keeping commitments. They can also make locating and keeping a job difficult and can hinder healthy eating.

Treatment for adults with ADHD usually involves medication. Your doctor might recommend a combination of treatments based on your symptoms, lifestyle and any other health conditions. They may also suggest psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you to recognize and change negative thought patterns and couples counseling if your relationship is affected by ADHD or other issues, or even family therapy. Exercise can help calm your brain, reduce symptoms and help you focus. This is especially important for impulsivity and distraction. Try activities like dancing, yoga and group workouts, like running and swimming.

3. Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are common and cause a variety of physical symptoms. These include dizziness and chest pain and headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. These symptoms can make someone believe they are suffering from an attack or that the world is about to end. People who suffer from anxiety are often misdiagnosed as having a heart problem because of these physical symptoms. This can lead to a long odyssey of medical treatment that fails to address the root cause. Psychotherapy is effective for the majority of anxiety disorders, whether used on its own or in conjunction with medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, can help a person to develop new ways of thinking or responding to situations that can reduce anxiety.

Unlike men and boys, who are more likely to have hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, women are more likely to have the inattentive subtype of the disorder. Women are also more likely to suffer from mixed subtypes. It is crucial for women to discuss their ADHD symptoms with their doctor, who will carry out an extensive physical exam and ask questions about the way that the disorder impacts their lives.

Women with ADHD may have trouble getting an accurate diagnosis, since the majority of diagnostic tools are geared towards male behavior. In addition, women often attempt to hide their symptoms in order to fit into the society. This means that they might be underdiagnosed and receive delayed treatment for their ADHD. A qualified professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses can diagnose ADHD. The provider will use an in-depth medical history, a physical exam and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders to be able to determine the severity of a patient's symptoms and determine if other conditions might be contributing.

4. Disorganization

Women suffering from ADHD are prone to experiencing disorganization. This is a constant issue that can lead to disruptions in school and work and emotional stress, as well as strain on relationships, and financial issues. Disorganization is characterized by the lack of organization skills like not keeping track of bills or appointments, and difficulty making decisions. It can be caused by other factors like anxiety, a traumatizing experience in life, or depression. It can be difficult to treat.

Certain women with ADHD can perform at a high level, and their symptoms do not affect their daily life or relationships. This condition is referred to as "high-functioning adhd in adult women uk." However it doesn't mean they don't suffer from the usual symptoms. These include forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating or paying attention to small details.

Some people struggle with disorganization on a regular basis. They may spend time looking for lost items or putting off important tasks. The disorder also affects the quality of their work and can result in strained relationships. It can also lead to many health problems, such as sleep disorders or anxiety.

Another factor that can exacerbate disorganization in women with ADHD is hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen is lower during ovulation and at the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone is more abundant, and these fluctuations can make ADHD symptoms worse.

It's possible that, while biological differences may be a factor, some of the disorder or impulsivity among women with ADHD is due to social "norms." Young women and girls are typically socialized to be quiet and reserved, so they may hide or minimize their ADHD symptoms.

5. Attention

Women are more likely than men to conceal their attention issues, which can result in them being incorrectly diagnosed and receiving delayed treatment. In reality, they might even think they have better concentration and time-management skills than they do. However, these people tend to lose things and forget appointments, or not pay bills on time. They also have trouble with issues with organization both at work and at home.

Women with ADHD tend to develop the inattentive type of the disorder. They're less likely to have the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed symptoms, which must be present in at least two settings for six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. They may also have trouble staying silent and speak to themselves or make nonsensical sounds or phrases. However, they're less likely to experience these symptoms than males.

The first treatment is medication. option for many adults with Adhd in adult women uk. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed, but nonstimulant drugs that focus on the way neurotransmitters interact with your brain may also be a possibility. These include atomoxetine and Guanfacine.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial for women suffering from adult adhd in women. These treatments can help you identify automatic or irrational thoughts, and also learn healthy ways to self-regulate your emotions and behavior. Exercise and a healthy diet in addition to medications, can help control ADHD symptoms such as inattention, restlessness and disorientation. Try activities like yoga, dancing or group classes such as swimming or aerobics, and cycling to boost your energy levels. Make sure to exercise at the very least four to five sessions every week, each lasting around 30 minutes. To support your mood and attention, eat a variety fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.