Ten Common Misconceptions About ADHD Traits In Women That Aren't Always True

ADHD Traits in Women Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender refer to biology—the hormonal makeup of the body and its chromosomal makeup. It also acknowledges that many people do not belong to a sex binary. However, gender and sex can affect how symptoms of ADHD are identified and treated. ADHD is typically diagnosed in the early years of childhood, before the age of 12. ADHD must present symptoms before the age of 12 and cause problems in multiple settings to qualify for a diagnoses. 1. Difficulty Focusing Inattention is the core of ADHD, and it's a problem for all genders. But signs of add in adult women might have a harder time to get the focus they need, especially because symptoms often manifest in different ways in men. Women are more likely to be prone to disorganization and indecisiveness, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and struggle to put things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability to focus and can result in a lack productivity at home or work. They are also more likely to not remember their medication or miss appointments with doctors. In addition to these innate variations, hormones in women can make ADHD symptoms worse. Females have a bigger hippocampus that aids in learning and memory, as well as hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopausal changes can affect their brain function. Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school, and at work. They may also have various comorbidities like anxiety, depression and eating disorders. It is important that health professionals are aware of the numerous signs that females with ADHD display. They need to rethink their approach to diagnosing and treating women with ADHD to account for emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations and other variables that influence the severity of symptoms. That way, these patients can finally get the treatment they require. 2. Impulsivity Women with ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This is especially true when they are interacting with others. This can cause to emotional dysregulation, which is a component of ADHD symptoms. It is also associated with negative life outcomes. This includes low self-esteem anxiety and depression and a strained relationship with a partner that can result in conflicts between partners, problems with relationships, a messy home or personal space, inability to manage time or money, and a messy house. Gender stereotypes can affect the way women who suffer from ADHD will be treated. They may be misunderstood because they are perceived as more sensitive or prone a mood swings. This can cause them to feel more frustrated about being a victim of untreated ADHD. Individuals with ADHD have impaired impulse control which is also referred to as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have more trouble making decisions and sticking with their intentions. This could make you want to take a bite more cake or to make an inappropriate comment. Adults with ADHD can benefit from medications that help them control their impulses. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine may reduce the behavior of impulsivity. Nonstimulants like clonidine or guanfacine are also effective. People with ADHD may also benefit from a treatment called behavioral therapy, which can help them alter their mental patterns and develop healthier strategies for coping. Meditation and eating a balanced diet and getting enough rest can all be helpful in reducing restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It's also a good idea to keep track their symptoms throughout the day and then share this information with their doctor to determine whether their treatment is working. 3. Disorganization Disorganization is a frequent issue for people suffering from ADHD and can have a negative impact on their personal and professional life. It may take longer to complete tasks and reduce their productivity. They could also fail to meet deadlines or feel overwhelmed every day. An absence of organization could also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. People may miss important dates or misplace things like purses or keys. In the end, they might feel isolated and lonely. They may also feel that they are not understood by family members and friends. It is more difficult to organize in menopausal or perimenopausal women, when hormones change and symptoms become more severe. It is not unusual for women to hide their ADHD symptoms to fit in with societal norms and avoid being thought of as a problem. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. It could also be a reason why girls and women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD particularly during adolescence, when symptoms are more evident. As a result women suffering from untreated ADHD might have poor academic or work performance. This could affect their job, grades or even their reputation. It can also create problems for their personal life. For example it can cause issues with relationships with their partners or breakups with family members and friends. Women who are chronically disorganized can get help one-on-one from a non-judgmental, supportive person. They can help women learn to stay organized by making a list and establishing reminders. In addition, a qualified mental health professional can recommend medications and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. These can include eating small meals throughout the day to ensure steady energy and avoiding caffeine, which can worsen the adverse effects of stimulant medications. 4. Indecisiveness Indecisiveness affects decision-making in many aspects of our lives. Indecisiveness is measured by various instruments, such as the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale of Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness can also be linked to neuroticism and with the tendency to use worst-case scenario thinking, which is where people interpret ambiguous situations as dangerous. It has also been proven to be associated with the fear of being wrong, which could be the reason why it is common for people suffering from adhd to have trouble making decisions. In the study of qualitative research on adult women suffering from adhd who were interviewed, they described not being able to make choices about their professional and personal lives. They struggled to find the job they wanted or to stay in, and were difficult to manage their finances, relationships, and health. They often had to wait for others to make decisions, or were unable to finish projects such as organizing childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and difficulty focusing or starting projects were holding them back. They had a difficult time keeping friendships and were unable to relax, leading to problems with their mental health. They described high levels of stress and anxiety, a sleeping insufficiently and having poor nutrition. They also described feeling stigmatized by other adults and by the media. The diagnosis of ADHD provided them with a reason for their struggles which was beneficial to their self-esteem because it meant they were not blamed for their own problems. Additionally, it gave them access to appropriate treatments. The interviews revealed that women had a lot of positive qualities, but they struggled to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on various aspects of their life. The women reported a lack in career or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships and a messy home. 5. Insecurity about oneself Some of the symptoms that are a part of ADHD are considered to be less acceptable socially for women and girls than they are for men and boys and so women may conceal their impulsivity, hyperactivity and disorder. They also may internalize their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms such as self-harm (cutting, burning, scratching). signs of add in adult women can cause feelings of self-esteem issues that can cause depression, anxiety or eating disorders. A sense of inner worth is the basis for better relationships and a positive outlook on life. When people lack a strong sense of self-worth, they tend to seek external things – such as careers, relationships, wealth, and power to feel worthy. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can lead to an absence of communication within a relationship. Alongside a feeling of lack of self-worth, those with ADHD often have a feeling that they don't have enough of the good things happening in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire for others to “keep up” or to please. This can lead to negative work environments and a negative image of the body and an addiction to foods or substances. Despite these significant issues, women who took part in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. They generally say that they view their ADHD as a blessing or a curse, based on whether they feel they can control it. Some of them have also identified strengths they believe are partially due to their ADHD. They have high energy, creativity and determination, as well as the ability to quickly become interested in new subjects. They also discuss their own struggles within the context of an overall picture that includes gender and biological differences, as well cultural and family issues.