Attention Deficit Disorder in Women
While the majority of research on attention deficit disorder is focused on men and boys, many people who have ADHD are women. In fact, adult females who are cisgender have the highest percentage of undiagnosed ADHD.
Women who suffer from this condition often hide their symptoms and can have a hard time getting assistance for their struggles. The symptoms can change with hormone 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 due to ADHD. The symptoms of inattention ADHD include forgetfulness and procrastination, frequent shifts in subject matter and a tendency to jump between tasks without completing the first.
You might also have difficulty keeping the track of appointments, schedules, and other items or, more often, lose or misplace items. Women with this type of ADHD tend to have difficulty staying focused during conversations, and frequently wander off on tangents, or speak without thinking. In addition, impulsiveness may cause them to interrupt others or say things they later regret.
The issues with attention and concentration can cause problems at home or work. Some women who suffer from ADD have difficulty holding down jobs due to their poor performance. Others struggle to keep friendships and find time to leave the home. Women who suffer from ADD tend to have lower self-esteem and are more likely than those who do not have the disorder to suffer from depression that sometimes occurs alongside or is the result of their ADHD.
In relationships, women with ADD often have trouble coping with the anger and miscommunications due to their ADHD symptoms. It's not uncommon for their inattention to be interpreted as lack of interest or commitment by family members and friends, whereas they feel like their partners and bosses are constantly criticizing or micromanaging them.
Because of their impulsivity, women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely of becoming sexually active early in life. This is due to their inability to regulate their emotions and their insanity. This can lead to unprotected sex as well as more sexually transmitted diseases and more unplanned pregnancies. They also have a greater chance of being targeted by their intimate partners because they are unable to manage their relationships and control their behavior.
If you're having trouble handling your responsibilities, consider getting help for your ADHD. Break large projects down into smaller tasks and develop a system to keep all important information in order, such as deadlines and appointments. You can make use of a planner or calendar to do this. Make your home more organized so that you can stay on top of errands and chores, such as using a label maker for your cupboards and closets or making schedules of tasks and events.
Impulsive
The term "impulsive" describes actions that occur without a lot of thought or consideration of possible consequences. People who are impulsive often make decisions without consulting relatives or friends. They can also engage in risky behaviours such as drug and alcohol abuse or reckless driving. These behaviors may also stem from a mental illness such as borderline personality disorder or a history of trauma and abuse, or be a result of prescription drugs.
It is important to remember that although girls and women who have ADHD display different symptoms than men and boys however, the condition is not properly diagnosed in many cases. This is due to gender bias as well as the fact that the majority of research is done on children, teens or cisgender people.
Some psychologists are trying to change the circumstances, as there is little research on the effects ADHD can have on women of adult age. They are focusing on expanding the existing body of knowledge and exploring how women with ADHD may best manage their symptoms.
Women suffering from ADHD are often vulnerable to sensitivity to rejection. They have a strong emotional reaction to rejection, real or perceived. This makes it difficult to navigate social situations. They might also struggle with self-control which could cause them to engage in risky sexual behavior or to use drugs that are addictive as a way to manage their emotions.
Compulsive behaviors are common among women suffering from ADHD, and these can be described as repetitive actions that are driven by a desire to relieve discomfort or anxiety. These behaviors are different from impulsive behaviors, however they are a common occurrence in certain people and are linked to conditions like bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
There are a variety of things you can do to stop impulsive behaviors, even if they're not triggered by mental illness. Begin by evaluating your surroundings and identify triggers. Then, try to avoid full report to these situations in the maximum extent possible. You can also practice discussing your options with your family and friends before you act, and seek out a professional therapist or psychiatrist to help you when needed.
Trouble focusing
Women who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to stay focused or focused. They are more likely to be distracted than others and regularly daydream or have a thousand-yard stare, particularly during routine or non-stimulating activities. They may also veer off-course during conversations, go off on off-track or miss social cues. Their inability to concentrate could affect their work and personal relationships. For instance, if they are prone to forgetting things or paying bills on time, it can affect their personal and professional relationships.
Certain people suffering from ADHD have difficulty controlling their emotions. They might become angry more frequently or lose their temper, when they are overwhelmed. They might have a lower tolerance to anger and can be more stressed or anxious than others when they are stressed or criticized. It is important to remember that these are symptoms of a medical condition and not a character flaw.
While many adults with ADHD were raised to believe that the only people who could have the disorder were hyper boys, research has shown that ADHD is just as common in women and girls 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.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD in girls and women typically change in response to the cycle of hormones and can make it difficult for them to get an assessment or get treatment. Women with ADHD may find it harder to focus, follow instructions and remain organized during puberty, menstruation, menopausal and pregnancy.
Because of these different ways ADHD manifests in girls and women They are more likely to be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed compared to men and those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). This can cause frustration and feelings that you are in a position of powerlessness. Women with undiagnosed or under-treated ADHD may also experience problems at home, work and in their relationships. They may have difficulty to manage their responsibilities or complete schoolwork and they can struggle in social situations because of problems with self-esteem, low tolerance to frustration and difficulty understanding body language. They may also have difficulties making new connections and are more likely to be able to keep relationships or make marriages.
Poor Organization
ADHD symptoms could be the cause for your disorganization or forgetfulness, having trouble in keeping track of work or school assignments and having trouble forming strong social and work relationships. You may feel overwhelmed with a lot going on at once or frustrated by your tendency to procrastinate.
Women suffering from ADHD are often misdiagnosed, or left undiagnosed, in part because their symptoms are different from the men. They are more likely to suffer from the inattentive 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.
These traits can also bring enthusiasm, energy, creativity and outside of the box thinking. Learning to recognize your strengths, developing solid relationships and structures in your life, and discovering ways to overcome your weaknesses can help you live your best life.
Participants in this study were highly educated, had high professional status and had a few comorbid conditions which limit their application to other populations. The participants in this study were diagnosed as adults. Their experiences may differ from that of children or adolescents who are diagnosed at younger ages.
Yet, these interviews provide deep insight into the unique experiences of these women and how ADHD affects their lives and identities. These interviews provide valuable perspectives for clinicians and researchers who work with this group.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty accepting their symptoms and living with them. The disorder can trigger feelings of shame and frustration when people find their symptoms being observed by other people. The moment they receive a diagnosis could be a turning point, giving them an external explanation for their difficulties and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.