Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women suffering from ADHD often experience a lifetime of undiagnosed and under-treated symptoms. This can lead to difficulties at work, in relationships, and in everyday life.
The society expects women to be able in many roles, such as motherhood as well as career and home management. If left adult add symptoms , ADHD and the pressure to meet these expectations can cause anxiety or depression.
Forgetfulness
Women with ADHD are often beset by forgetfulness, a tendency to misplace items, and an inability to pay attention to small details. These issues can lead to cluttered homes, missed meetings, and a general feeling of chaos. They are also more likely to misplace their phone or keys or be frustrated when they are unable to locate something they need for school or work. Their inattentiveness can be a huge problem for relationships as well, since they are less likely to remember what their friends have said during conversations, or to keep notes during meetings.
It can be difficult to identify ADHD symptoms for women than males or boys. They can also be exacerbated due to hormonal changes throughout the course of life, such as those caused by pregnancy, menstrual periods or childbirth, as well as the periods leading to perimenopausal and menopausal.
A person with undiagnosed ADHD may feel overwhelmed and helpless when she struggles to meet work or school deadlines. They may feel like they isn't a good companion or friend due to the fact that she is late for important events or calls. She is also more likely to speak whatever she wants to say without thinking. She may be more prone than usual to impulsive behavior for example, like purchasing clothes and makeup without paying the bills.
A therapist who treats ADHD can teach you strategies to improve your memory and ability to organize yourself. You may be prescribed medication to help manage your symptoms which can be effective. You can also use techniques like completing a task at a particular time, and using a checklist or planner to ensure you are on top of your responsibilities. You may also benefit from therapy if you have an history of depression or non-suicidal injuries (NSSI), such as cutting or scratching your body, or burning.
Impulsivity
Impulse control is a major problem for those with ADHD. If you suffer from ADHD, this voice is often hard to hear or may not exist. This is known as a deficit in the prefrontal cortex. Impulsivity can cause you to make poor decisions and take actions that may have long-term effects for example, spending too much money on something that you don't really require or making a statement which can be interpreted offensively. In adulthood, impulsive behaviours can affect relationships as well as your personal and professional life.
Women who suffer from ADHD may be more prone to internalize their symptoms and may struggle to recognize they have a problem, particularly as they progress into adulthood. This can make it difficult for them to seek help because the coping strategies they used to manage their symptoms as children may not be effective in the workplace, college or other adult situations.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition, such a depression or anxiety. This can result in being misdiagnosed or delay in treatment. These comorbid conditions can also cover ADHD symptoms.
Because of their heightened sensitization to rejection, females who suffer from ADHD often have trouble expressing themselves and are more hesitant than males to seek assistance when they struggle. This can lead them to feel isolated and in a position of being not able to manage their symptoms, which could lead to depression or anxiety. They are more likely to resort to unhealthy coping strategies, such as alcohol and substance abuse, to cope. This can exacerbate the effects of their untreated ADHD which can lead to further problems with self-esteem and lack of focus and motivation.
Emotional Dysregulation
Emotional dysregulation occurs when you are unable to manage extreme emotions like sadness, anxiety, or anger. People who suffer from this condition tend to react to events in an exaggerated manner or feel that their emotions are out of proportion to the circumstances and can result in anger and outbursts. This condition can cause difficulty maintaining relationships because it can lead to misunderstandings and arguments, which can undermine the trust of those close to them.
In some instances emotional dysregulation can be triggered by a specific event or person. In other instances the root cause is more complex and could be influenced by genetic factors, trauma experiences or mental health conditions such as depression.
It's normal for women with ADHD to experience a range of symptoms. They may be struggling to cope with the demands of everyday life. As adults their responsibilities are more than the parental responsibilities. This includes managing work, family and housework. This can cause frustration when they are trying to keep up.
Women suffering from ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships due to their forgetfulness impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. They are prone to lose the track of time or become too caught up in conversation that they do not pay attention. This can lead them to confusion with their colleagues and friends.
A few of these issues may be made worse by hormonal changes such as those that occur during menstrual periods and pregnancy as well as during perimenopausal. It is crucial for women to find a therapist or clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help with self advocacy and transforming negative thought patterns.
Depression
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression-related symptoms than men and boys. As a result of their symptoms, they can be afflicted with emotional distress and low self-confidence. It's no surprise that a lot of people struggle to receive a proper diagnosis of ADHD.
The effects of forgetfulness, impulsivity and emotional dysregulation can lead to misunderstandings and conflict with colleagues and friends. The symptoms can make it difficult to keep an occupation that is steady and can cause problems in relationships with your family. These issues can be particularly painful because women with ADHD often struggle to fit into society's expectations of their gender.
The inattention type of ADHD is more common in women than men. It is characterised by difficulty paying attention, staying focused and forgetting important events and dates. These symptoms can be mistaken for laziness, bad time management, or a lack of motivation. Women who suffer from ADHD are often accused of "zoning out" during meetings or not reliable in the workplace.
In addition to forgetfulness, adults with ADHD also have trouble managing emotions and maintaining a steady routine of sleep. They are prone to becoming frustrated or angry, and they may react too strongly to minor incidents in their lives.
Many adults who don't have ADHD believe that their symptoms are normal or part of being an adult. The right treatment can alleviate these symptoms, and increase your quality of life. A doctor will ask questions about your behavior and then conduct diagnostic tests. Your doctor may also consult with others who are familiar with you in order to get a true picture of how you function on a daily basis.
Relationships
Women suffering from ADHD struggle to maintain healthy relationships due to their forgetfulness and impulsiveness. Inability to control their emotions can lead them to misunderstands and conflicts. This may leave them feeling lonely. They could blame themselves for their problems and develop depression and anxiety.
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD in women due to hormonal changes, particularly during puberty. These changes can cause the symptoms to look like signs of other conditions, like mood disorders or anxiety. In addition, the changes in estrogen that occur during puberty can alter how obvious the symptoms are. Estrogen levels decrease before and during ovulation, but increases again near the beginning of menstruation. These fluctuations can make symptoms appear different from day to day, which can contribute to a misdiagnosis and lack of effective treatment.
While women who are assigned females at birth may have ADHD just as boys do, the disorder often goes untreated and undiagnosed in girls. As they become adults, many of these women struggle with managing their home lives and careers and are unable to maintain relationships. Years of mislabeled symptoms and dealing with them can have a negative impact on self-esteem.
Although the negative effects of untreated ADHD on women can be devastating however, there are ways to improve their lives. Many women have discovered that therapy, medication as well as lifestyle changes and accommodations in school and work can help. A clinician with experience can assess women suffering from ADHD and recommend the best treatment. This can help them live a happier, more productive life.