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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 do not belong to a sex binary. Sexe and gender can affect how ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated. ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood before the age of 12. ADHD symptoms must be present before 12 years of age and cause problems in multiple settings to be able to receive a diagnosis. 1. Trouble focusing Inattention is the primary cause of ADHD, and it's an issue for everyone. Women may have a harder time focusing, especially since symptoms can appear differently than they do in males. Women are more likely than men to be unorganized and indecisive, for example. They're also more likely to become emotional and have trouble putting things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability of concentration, which can lead to a lack productivity at work or at home. They're also more likely to not attend doctor appointments or forget to take their medications. In adhd symptoms in adult women iampsychiatry.uk to these inherent variations, hormones in women can make ADHD symptoms more severe. The hippocampus of females is larger which helps with learning and memory. Menstrual hormone fluctuations or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause may also influence brain function. Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD may struggle in their relationships, at school, and at work. They could also struggle with a host of comorbid conditions, including depression, anxiety eating disorders, bipolar disorder. In these circumstances, it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the various clues that females with ADHD frequently exhibit. They need to rethink their approach to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to account for hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation and other variables that influence the severity of symptoms. The patients will then receive the treatment they require. 2. Impulsivity Women who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is particularly true when they interact with others. This can lead to emotional dysregulation that is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It is also linked to negative life outcomes. This includes low self-esteem, depression that is co-occurring with anxiety, difficult relationships that can result in intimate partner violence, trouble with friends, a messy house or personal space, and the inability to manage time or money. Gender stereotypes can also influence how women who suffer from ADHD will be treated. They may be misunderstood because they are viewed as being more sensitive or prone a mood swings. This can exacerbate their frustrations about living with untreated ADHD. Individuals with ADHD suffer from impaired impulse control which is also referred to as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have a harder time making decisions and following through with their goals. This can make it hard to resist the temptation to eat a second piece of cake or to make an inappropriate statement in public. For adults with ADHD medications can help to enhance their ability to manage their impulsivity. Stimulants like amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help to decrease the impulsive behavior while nonstimulant medications such as clonidine and guanfacine can be effective too. Behavioral therapy can also be recommended, which can aid people suffering from ADHD change their thinking patterns and learn healthier coping skills. Sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet, and meditating can also help to control restlessness and impulsiveness in those with ADHD. It is also a great idea to monitor their symptoms throughout the day and share this information with their doctor to determine whether their treatment is working. 3. Disorganization Disorganization is a common problem in people with ADHD and can have a negative impact on their work and personal lives. It may take longer to complete tasks and decrease their productivity. They could also miss deadlines or feel overwhelmed throughout the day. Insanity can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose belongings like keys or purses. This can cause them to feel lonely and isolated. They may also feel unloved by their family and friends. The disorder is more prevalent during perimenopause or menopause when hormones are changing and symptoms are increasing. Women often hide their ADHD symptoms in order to fit into societal norms or to avoid being considered a failure. This can lead women to blame themselves and feel shame or guilt. It may also be the reason women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is especially true in adolescence, when symptoms are more evident. Women who are not treated for ADHD might have a poor performance at work or in school. This could affect their job, grades or even their reputation. This can also cause problems for their personal life. For example it could lead to problems with their relationships with their partners or breakups with family members and friends. Women who are chronically unorganized could benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental person. They can teach them strategies to stay organized, such as making lists of daily tasks and creating reminders for them. A licensed mental health professional could recommend medication or lifestyle changes that can help minimize ADHD symptoms. This may include eating smaller meals throughout the day to maintain a steady energy levels, and avoiding caffeine which can increase the side effects of stimulant medication. 4. Indecisiveness Indecisiveness can affect decision-making in many aspects of daily life. Indecisiveness is measured by various instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale of Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness can also be linked to neuroticism and the tendency to apply worst-case scenario thinking, which is where people perceive ambiguous situations as potentially dangerous. It was also found to be linked to a fear of making a mistake which could explain why people with adhd have trouble making decisions. In the study that was qualitative of adult women with adhd the participants reported being not able to make decisions in their work and personal lives. They struggled to find a job they liked or to stay in, and also found it difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships and health. They often were dependent on others to make decisions for them, or were unable to finish projects such as organizing childcare. They often felt like they were hindered by their ADHD symptoms, like difficulties with getting started or staying focused and impulsivity. They had trouble relaxing and maintaining friendships which led to mental health issues. They reported having high levels of anxiety and stress, a lack of sleep and a poor diet. They also described feeling stigmatized by other adults and by the media. They were able explain their struggles with ADHD and helped increase their self-esteem since they weren't blaming themselves. It also gave them access to appropriate treatment strategies. The interviews revealed that the women were very optimistic however, they struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects of their lives. This included a lack of possibilities for romance or work and difficulties in maintaining relationships. a messy home. 5. Lack of self-esteem Women may conceal their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe their behavior is less acceptable for boys and men. Women may internalize their ADHD and develop coping strategies like self-harming (cutting or burning). This can cause lower self-esteem and could contribute to depression, anxiety or eating disorders. Having high inner worth is a prerequisite for healthier relationships and a better outlook on life. People who lack self-worth tend to look beyond themselves for validation, like careers, relationships money, power, and relationships. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can also lead to the lack of communication in the relationship. Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel that they do not deserve good things in life. These feelings may manifest as a desire for others to “keep up” or to please. This can result in toxic workplace cultures and a negative self-image and an addiction to food or substances. Despite these significant difficulties, women who took part in this study discovered many positive aspects to living with ADHD. They described ADHD as either a blessing or a curse according to the way they perceive their ability to control it. A few of them also point out their own strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD, including high energy, creativity, determination and the ability to become easily interested in new subjects. They also describe their individual struggles in the context of the larger picture, which includes biological and gender differences, as well cultural and family issues.