Attention Deficit Disorder in Women
While the majority of research into attention deficit disorders is focused on men and boys, many people who have ADHD are female. In fact, adult cisgender women have the highest rates of undiagnosed ADHD.
They often conceal their symptoms and can struggle to find help for their issues. Symptoms vary during hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Impatient
You may be unable to focus on everyday tasks like homework or studying because of ADHD. The symptoms of inattention ADHD include forgetfulness and procrastination, frequent shifts in subject matter and a tendency to move from one task to the next without completing the first.
You might also lose or misplace items, or have difficulty keeping track of your appointments, schedules and possessions. Women suffering from this type of ADHD are more likely to have trouble in concentrating during conversations and frequently wander off into tangents or speak without thinking. Additionally, impulsiveness could cause them to interrupt others or utter things that they later regret later.
The issues with concentration and attention may also cause issues at work or at home. Women with ADD struggle to get jobs due to their low performance, while others struggle to maintain friendships or even finding time to get out of the house. Women who suffer from ADD have less confidence in themselves, and are more likely to be depressed than women without ADD. Depression can coexist with or be a result of ADHD.
In relationships, women who have ADD often have trouble coping with frustration and misunderstandings caused by their ADHD symptoms. Families and friends may mistake their inattention for a lack dedication or interest, while their employers and partners can constantly criticize or micromanage them.
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely than other girls and women to be sexually active early due to their impulsivity and difficulty regulating their emotions. This could lead to unprotected sexual activity, to more sexually transmitted illnesses and an unplanned pregnancy. In addition they are more prone to be abused by their partners due to of their inability to control their behavior and manage their relationships.
If you're having trouble handling your responsibilities, consider seeking help for your ADHD. Work on breaking down complex projects into smaller ones and create an organized system to keep track of important information such as deadlines and appointments such as using a calendar or planner and making notes during meetings. Organize your house to help you stay on top of chores and errands, such as using labels for closets and cupboards and creating lists of tasks and events.
Impulsive
The term "impulsive' describes behaviors that are performed without much thought or consideration of possible consequences. People who are impulsive tend to make decisions without consulting their friends or family. They may also engage in risky behaviors such as alcohol and drug misuse or reckless driving. These behaviors may also be the result of mental illness, such as borderline personality disorders, or a history of abuse and trauma. They may also be a side-effect of prescription drugs.
Although girls and women with ADHD have different symptoms from males and boys and boys, the condition is often not diagnosed. This is due to gender bias and the fact that research is primarily conducted on teenagers, children, or cisgender males.
While there's little research specifically on the effects of ADHD in adult women however, psychologists are trying to change this. They are focusing on expanding the existing body of knowledge and exploring how women with ADHD can best manage their symptoms.
In addition to impulsive behavior, women with ADHD frequently suffer from sensitivity to rejection. This means that they experience an intense emotional response to real or perceived rejection, making it harder for them to cope with social situations. They may also struggle with self-control, which could lead them to engage in sexually risky behavior or resort to addictive substances as a way to cope with their feelings.
Compulsive behavior is also common among women with ADHD, and these can be described as repetitive actions driven by a desire to relieve anxiety or discomfort. These behaviors are distinct from those that are impulsive, however they are a common occurrence in certain people and are associated with conditions like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
There are a variety of things you can do to reduce the impulsive behavior even if they are not triggered by mental illness. Begin by assessing your surroundings and identify triggers. Try to avoid exposure to these situations in the maximum extent possible. You may also try discussing your options with your family and friends before acting, and seek out an experienced psychiatrist or therapist to help you when needed.
Problems with Focusing
Women who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to stay focused on the task at hand. They may be more easily distracted than other people and frequently wander off or have a ten-mile stare, especially during mundane or unstimulating tasks. They might also drift off from the topic of conversation, wander off in tangents or forget social signals. Their forgetfulness or inability to concentrate could affect their personal and professional relationships. For example, if they are prone to forgetting things or paying bills on time, this can affect their work and personal relationships.
Some people with ADHD also have trouble controlling their emotions. They may become annoyed more often or lose their temper when they feel overwhelmed. They might have a lower tolerance for anger and can be more stressed or anxious than others when being criticized or stressed. It's important to keep in mind that these are signs of a medical condition and not a character flaw.
While many people with ADHD were raised to believe that the only ones who might suffer from the disorder were hyper little boys, scientific research shows that ADHD is just as common for women and girls just as it is in males and females. It's also possible to have a combination of the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive subtypes of the disorder.
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD among women and girls are influenced by the hormonal cycle. This makes it difficult for them to get a diagnosis or treatment. Women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty to focus, follow instructions and remain organized during menstrual cycles, puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
Due to these differentiators, girls and women are more likely than men or those who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) to be mistakenly diagnosed. This can cause frustration and feelings of powerlessness. Women who have not been diagnosed or treated ADHD can also experience difficulties at home, work and in their relationships. They may struggle to complete their schoolwork or meet their obligations. They might also experience difficulties socially due to low self-esteem, a poor tolerance to anger and a difficulty understanding body language. They may also have difficulty in forming new relationships and are more likely to be able to keep relationships or make marriages.
Poor Organization
If you have trouble focusing and forgetfulness, have trouble organizing your school or work assignments, and find it hard to build solid social and professional relationships If so, your ADHD symptoms may be the cause. You might also feel overwhelmed by a lot of things going on at once, or get frustrated with the way you put off tasks.
adult add women with ADHD often go undiagnosed or receive misdiagnoses, partly because their symptoms manifest differently than men. They are more likely to be diagnosed with the inattention subtype of ADHD which is characterized by being easily distracted and forgetful, having difficulty concentrating and paying attention and often wandering off or "zoning out" when talking to others.
While the challenges of living with ADHD are numerous, these same traits can bring great imagination, passion and out of the box thinking. Knowing your strengths, creating strong relationships and structures and identifying ways to minimize your weaknesses can help you live your life to the fullest.
Participants in this study were highly educated, held high professional status, and had only a few comorbidities which limit their relevance to other populations. The participants in this study were diagnosed as adults. Their experiences could differ from those of adolescents or children who are diagnosed at younger ages.
Yet, these interviews provide deep insight into the unique experiences of these women and how ADHD impacts their lives and personal identities. These interviews offer valuable insights for clinicians and researchers who collaborate with this group.
Many women with ADHD struggle to accept their issues and deal with their symptoms. The disorder can cause feelings of shame and anger when people notice their symptoms in other people. A diagnosis can be a "lightbulb" moment for a person, since it provides them with an explanation of their struggles and enables them to accept themselves better.