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ADHD Traits in Women Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are a reflection of biology, the hormonal makeup of the body and its chromosomal makeup. It also acknowledges that many people don't fall into a binary of sex. Gender and sexes can impact how ADHD symptoms are diagnosed and treated. ADHD is diagnosed in childhood, usually before age 12. ADHD symptoms must be present before 12 years of age and cause problems in more than one environment to qualify for a diagnoses. 1. Trouble focusing Inattention is at the heart of ADHD and it's an issue for everyone. Women might have a harder time to attain the focus they need particularly since symptoms typically appear in different ways than in men. Women are more likely to be prone to disorganization and indecisiveness, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotional and have difficulty putting things in perspective. These issues can lead to an inability to focus and can result in an absence of productivity at work or home. They're also more likely to miss doctor appointments and neglect to take their medications. Women's hormones along with these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. The female hippocampus is larger which helps in memory and learning. Menstrual hormone fluctuations or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause may also affect brain function. Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD may struggle in their relationships, at school, and at work. They might also struggle with a myriad of co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety eating disorders, bipolar disorder. It is crucial that health professionals are aware of the many signs females suffering from ADHD exhibit. They must recalibrate their approaches for diagnosing and treating females with ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. The patients will then receive the treatment they require. 2. Impulsivity Women suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is particularly true when they are interacting with others. This can lead to emotional dysregulation which is a major aspect of ADHD symptoms and is associated with a range of negative life consequences. This can include low self-esteem, anxiety and depression, problematic romantic relationships which can lead to violence between partners, problems with relationships, a messy home or personal space, an inability to manage time or money, and a messy house. The gender stereotypes of women can influence the way women with ADHD are treated. They may be misunderstood because they are viewed as being more sensitive or prone a mood swings. This can increase their frustration at being diagnosed with ADHD. The impulse control portion of the brain, referred to as the prefrontal cortex is affected in people with ADHD. This means that they have a harder time making decisions and executing their intentions. This can make you want to indulge in more cake or make a snide comment. For people who suffer from ADHD, medication can help to increase their ability to control their behavior. stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help reduce the impulsive behavior, while nonstimulant medicines like clonidine and guanfacine can be effective as well. Behavioral therapy is also recommended, which can help those suffering from ADHD modify their thinking patterns and develop more effective ways of coping. A good night's sleep, eating a healthy diet, and practicing meditation can also help in reducing restlessness and impulsiveness in those with ADHD. It's also a good idea to keep track their symptoms throughout the day, and then share this information with their physician to determine whether their treatment is working. 3. Disorganization Disorganization is a typical issue for people suffering from ADHD and can impact their personal and professional life. They may have difficulty to complete their tasks and their productivity could be diminished. They may also fail to meet deadlines and become overwhelmed on a daily basis. A lack of organization can cause problems to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose possessions such as keys or purses. This can cause them to feel lonely and isolated. They may also feel unloved by family members and friends. Disorganization is more common during perimenopause or menopause when hormones change and symptoms become more severe. Women often hide their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to social norms or to avoid being thought of as a problem. This can lead to self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It can also be the reason girls and women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD especially in adolescence where symptoms become more apparent. As a result, women with untreated ADHD might have poor work or school performance. This can affect their career, grades or overall reputation. This can also cause problems for their personal lives. For instance, it may lead to issues with relationships with their partners or breakups with family members and friends. Women who are chronically disorganized could benefit from the one-on-one assistance of a non-judgmental individual. They can help them learn strategies to stay organized, such as making a list of daily tasks and making reminders for them. A qualified mental health professional can also suggest medication and lifestyle changes that can help minimize ADHD symptoms. adhd in women checklist could include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain a steady energy and avoiding caffeine, which can worsen the side effects of stimulant medication. 4. Indecisiveness Indecisiveness affects decision-making in many aspects of 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, in which people perceive ambiguous situations as potentially dangerous. It is also believed to be associated with anxiety about being wrong, which could be the reason why it is common for people suffering from adhd to have difficulty making decisions. In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd interviewed they said they were not in a position to make choices about their professional and personal lives. They struggled to manage their finances and relationships, and had difficulty finding an occupation they liked. They often waited for other people to make decisions or were unable complete tasks on their own, like arranging childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms like inattention and impulsivity or difficulty starting projects were holding them back. They had a difficult time finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive which led to mental health issues. They reported having high levels of anxiety and stress and an inability to sleep and a poor diet. adhd in women signs expressed feeling devalued by adults and the media. They were able to articulate their struggles with ADHD, which helped them boost their self-esteem as they weren't blaming others. It also gave them access to the appropriate treatment strategies. The interviews revealed that women were very optimistic, but struggled to overcome the effects of ADHD on different aspects of their lives. The women complained of a lack in career or romantic opportunities, issues maintaining relationships, and a messy house. 5. Self-esteem issues Some of the signs that comprise ADHD are considered to be less socially acceptable for girls and women than they are for males and females Some women choose to are able to hide their impulsivity, hyperactivity and disorganization. Women may take on the characteristics of ADHD and develop coping strategies like self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can lead to low self-esteem, which could cause depression, anxiety or eating disorders. A high sense of inner worth is the foundation for more positive relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who do not have a strong self-worth tend to look beyond themselves for validation, like relationships, careers money, power, and relationships. A licensed therapist Cheryl Clarke says this can cause an absence of communication within relationships, which could ultimately end it. In addition to a sense of self-worth, women who have ADHD often struggle with a feeling that they don't have enough of the good things happening in their lives. These feelings can manifest themselves as a desire to “keep up with” or to please. This can cause toxic workplaces, a negative self-image, and a dependence on food or substances. Despite these issues However, the women who took part in this study discovered a number of positive aspects of living with ADHD. They generally say that they view their ADHD as a gift or a curse, depending on whether they feel they have control over it. Several of them also identify their own strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD such as the ability to be creative, high energy, determination, and the ability to be easily interested in new subjects. They also describe their unique challenges as part of a larger picture that encompasses cultural and family issues, as in addition to gender and biological differences.