Jonnie Erskine
Blog entry by Jonnie Erskine
adhd traits in women (mouse click the following web site)
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are a reflection of biology, the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones--and that many people do not fall into a binary of sex. However, gender and sex can influence the way symptoms of ADHD are identified and treated.
ADHD is a condition that is recognized in the early years of early childhood, typically before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present before 12 years of age and cause difficulties in multiple settings to be able to receive the diagnosis.
1. Trouble focusing
Inattention is the root of ADHD and is a problem that affects both genders. But women may have more difficulty to achieve the focus they require particularly since symptoms typically appear in different ways than for men.
Women are more likely than men to be unorganized and impulsive, for instance. They also are more likely to become emotional and have trouble putting things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to concentrate on work, which can lead to a decrease in productivity at work or home. They are also more likely to skip doctor appointments and forget to take their medication.
In addition to these innate variations, hormones in women can make ADHD symptoms worse. Females have a larger hippocampus, which helps with learning and memory, and hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles and during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal cycles can affect brain's function.
Women with undiagnosed adhd in adult women ADHD may struggle in their relationships, at school, and at work. They may also be struggling with a host of comorbid disorders, including depression, anxiety eating disorders, bipolar disorder.
It is crucial that health care professionals recognize the many signs females suffering from ADHD exhibit. They need to rethink their methods to diagnose and treat females with ADHD to recognize hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. This way, patients will receive the treatment they need.
2. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This is especially the case when they are interacting with others. This can lead emotional dysregulation which is a major cause of ADHD symptoms. It can also be associated with negative life outcomes. These include poor self-esteem, co-occurring depression and anxiety, difficult relationships with loved ones that can result in intimate partner violence, problems with friends, a messy house or personal space, and a failure to manage time or money.
Gender stereotypes can affect how women who suffer from ADHD are treated. They may be misunderstood because they are thought to be more sensitive or prone a mood swings. This can exacerbate their frustrations about living with untreated ADHD.
People with ADHD have a reduced ability to control impulses, also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have a harder time making decisions and following through with their intentions. This can make it difficult to resist the temptation to eat another piece of cake or blurt out an inappropriate comment in public.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from medications that help to control their tendency to be impulsive. Stimulants such as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can reduce the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulants such as clonidine or Guanfacine are also effective. Behavioral therapy is also suggested, which can help those 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 also help in reducing the impulsiveness and restlessness of people with ADHD. It is also a great idea to monitor their symptoms throughout the day and then share this information with their physician in order to assess whether their treatment is working.
3. Disorganization
Disorganization is a common problem in people with ADHD, and can affect their professional and personal lives. It may take longer to complete tasks and decrease their productivity. They could also be late or overwhelmed each day.
A lack of organization can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They might not remember important dates or even lose things like purses or keys. They might feel lonely and isolated as a result. They can also feel misunderstood by their family and friends. Disorders are more common during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles when hormones are changing and symptoms increase.
Women often hide their ADHD symptoms in order to fit into societal norms or to avoid being thought of as a problem. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It could be a reason why women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly evident in adolescence when symptoms are more evident.
Women who are not treated for ADHD might have a poor performance at school or at work. This could negatively impact their work, grades, or reputation. It can also create problems in their personal life like issues with romantic partners or strained relationships with friends and family members.
Women with chronic disorganization could receive one-on-one assistance from a non-judgmental, supportive person. They can assist women in learning to stay organized by making an agenda and setting reminders. In addition, a qualified mental health professional can recommend changes in lifestyle and medications to reduce ADHD symptoms. This may include eating smaller meals throughout the day to maintain a steady energy levels, and avoiding caffeine which can cause an increase in the negative effects of stimulant medication.
4. Indecisiveness
Indecisiveness affects decision-making in many aspects of our lives. Indecisiveness can be measured with various instruments, such as the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale for Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness can also be linked to neuroticism and with the tendency to employ worst case scenario thinking, in which people interpret ambiguous situations as dangerous. It was also discovered to be linked to the fear of making a mistake, which could be the reason people with adhd have trouble making decisions.
In the study that was qualitative of add adult women women suffering from adhd participants, they said they were incapable of making decisions regarding their work and personal lives. They struggled to find a job they liked or stayed in, and also found it difficult to manage their finances, relationships, and health. They frequently waited for other people to make decisions or were unable to complete projects themselves, such as organizing childcare. They often felt like they were being held back by their ADHD symptoms, such as difficulty with starting or staying focused and impulsivity.
They had a difficult time in establishing and maintaining friendships which led to mental health issues. They reported stress and anxiety, a lack of sleep and inadequate nutrition. They also reported feeling stigmatized by the media and adults. They were able to explain their struggles with ADHD, which helped them boost their self-esteem as they were not blaming themselves. Additionally, it gave them access to the appropriate treatment.
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 complained of a lack in career or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships, and a messy house.
5. Lack of Self-Esteem
Some of the symptoms that make up ADHD are viewed as less acceptable socially for girls and women than they are for men and boys and so women may conceal their impulsivity, hyperactivity and disorganization. They also may be able to internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping strategies such as self-harm (cutting burns, scratching, cutting). This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem that contribute to anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.
Being able to identify your inner worth is a prerequisite for healthier relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who lack self-worth tend to look beyond themselves for validation, like jobs, relationships money, power, and relationships. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can lead to a lack in communication within relationships.
Women who suffer from ADHD might also feel they are not worthy of good things in life. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or to "keep up" with other people. This can lead to a toxic work culture as well as a negative image of one's body and an addiction to foods or substances.
Despite these significant challenges However, the women who took part in this study discovered a number of positive aspects of living with ADHD. The majority of them say that they view their adhd in women treatment as a gift or a curse, depending on whether they believe they can control it. Some of them have also identified their own strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD. These include the ability to be creative, energetic and determination as well as the ability to easily get fascinated by new subjects. They also describe their unique struggles as part of a larger picture that encompasses family and cultural issues, as in addition to gender and biological differences.