ADHD Traits in Women

Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender refer to biology--the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones--and that many people don't belong to a sex binary. However, gender and sex influence how symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed and treated.

ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood prior to the age of 12. The symptoms must be present before 12 years of age and cause difficulties in multiple settings to qualify for a diagnosis.

1. Difficulty Focusing

Inattention is at the heart of adhd in young women, and it's an issue for everyone. Women may have a difficult to concentrate, particularly because symptoms may manifest differently than males.

Women are more likely to be prone to disorganization and indecisiveness, for example. They're also more likely to become emotional and struggle to put things in perspective. These problems can create an inability to focus on work, resulting in an inability to perform at work or at home. They are also more likely to forget their medication and miss doctor's appointments.

In addition to these inherent variations, hormones in women can make adhd test for women symptoms more severe. The female hippocampus is larger, which aids in learning and memory. Hormone fluctuations during menstruation as well as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopausal changes can also affect brain function.

In the end, women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD can have major struggles in relationships at school, in relationships as well as at work. They could also be suffering from a variety of comorbid disorders like anxiety, depression and eating disorders.

This is why it's critical for health professionals to recognize the many clues that females with ADHD frequently exhibit. They need to rethink their methods for diagnosing and treating females with ADHD in order to account for emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. That way, these patients can finally get the treatment they need.

2. Impulsivity

Women with ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is especially true when they are interacting with others. This can result in to emotional dysregulation, which is a major cause of ADHD symptoms. It can also be associated with negative outcomes in life. This includes low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, difficult relationships which can lead to intimate partner violence, problems with friends, a messy house or personal space, and a failure to manage time or money.

The gender stereotypes of women can influence the way women with ADHD are treated. Because they are frequently viewed as more sensitive or prone to mood swings, they may be misunderstood or dismissed as being emotionally prone. This can exacerbate their frustrations about living with untreated ADHD.

The part of the brain that controls impulses the brain, also known as the prefrontal cortex, is impaired in people suffering from ADHD. This means that they have more trouble making decisioelves and feel guilt or shame. This could be a reason why women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly during adolescence, when symptoms are more evident.

Women who are not treated for ADHD may have poor performance at school or at work. This can affect their career, grades, or even their reputation. It can also create problems for their personal lives. For instance it can cause issues with romantic partners or strain relationships with family and friends.

Women who are chronically unorganized will benefit from the one-on-1 assistance of a non-judgmental individual. They can provide strategies to keep their lives organized, such as making lists of daily tasks and making reminders for them. Additionally, a certified 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 increase the adverse effects of stimulant medication.

4. Indecisiveness

Indecisiveness is one of the traits that influences decision-making in many areas of our lives. A variety of instruments have been developed to measure indecisiveness, such as the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also associated with neuroticism and the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret uncertain situations as being threat. It was also discovered to be linked to the fear of making a mistake which could explain why people suffering from adhd have difficulty making decisions.

In the study that was qualitative of adult women suffering from adhd in young women, interviewees said they were incapable of making decisions in their personal and professional lives. They found it hard to manage their finances and relationships and had difficulty finding a job that they liked. They often waited for others to make decisions, or were unable to finish projects like arranging childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsivity or difficulty starting projects was preventing them from completing.

They struggled to maintain friendships and were unable to relax and recharging their mental health. They described high levels of stress and anxiety, as well as a sleeping insufficiently and having poor nutrition. They also reported feeling snubbed by adults and the media. They were able explain their struggles with ADHD and helped increase their self-esteem since they weren't blaming others. It also provided them with access to appropriate treatments.

The interviews revealed that women were very optimistic, but struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD in different areas of their lives. The women reported the absence of a job or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships, and a messy house.

5. Lack of self-esteem

Women might conceal their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe these symptoms are less acceptable than for men and boys. successful women with adhd may take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop strategies to cope, such as self-harming (cutting or burning). This can cause feelings of self-esteem issues which can lead to depression, anxiety or eating disorders.

A sense of inner worth is the precursor to better relationships and an optimistic outlook on life. People who do not have a strong self-worth are more likely to look outside themselves to find validation, including careers, relationships, money, and power. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed psychotherapist, says this can also result in an absence of communication within the relationship.

add women with ADHD may also feel that they are not worthy of good things in their lives. These feelings can manifest themselves as a desire to "keep up with" or to please. This can cause toxic workplaces and a negative self-image and an addiction of substances or food.

While these are serious issues but the women who participated in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. The majority of them say that they view their ADHD as a gift or a curse, based on whether they feel they can control it. Several of them also identify personal strengths they believe are due to their ADHD such as high energy, creativity determination, and the ability to become easily interested in new topics. They also describe their unique challenges as part of a larger picture that encompasses cultural and family issues as in addition to gender and biological differences.