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ADHD Traits in Women

Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related to biology, the body's chromosomal makeup and hormones--and that many people do not fall into a binary of sex. However, sex and gender can affect how symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed.

ADHD is usually diagnosed in the early years of childhood, before the age of 12. The symptoms must be present prior to age 12 and cause difficulties in more than one setting to be able to receive an assessment.

1. Trouble focusing

Inattention is at the heart of ADHD and affects both women and men. Women may have a harder to concentrate, particularly because symptoms may manifest differently than they do in men.

Women are more likely to experience indecisiveness and disorganization, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and have a difficult time putting things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability to focus, which can lead to a lack productivity at home or work. They are also more likely to forget their medication and miss doctor's appointments.

The hormones of women along with these innate differences can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. The hippocampus of females is larger, which aids in learning and memory. Menstrual hormone fluctuations as well as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopausal changes can also affect brain function.

In the end, women who do not have a diagnosis of ADHD can have major struggles in relationships, at school as well as at work. They could also struggle with a myriad of comorbid disorders, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.

It is crucial that health professionals understand the numerous signs that females with ADHD exhibit. They must recalibrate their approaches to diagnose and treat females with ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation and hormonal fluctuations. That way, these patients will finally receive the treatment they require.

2. Impulsivity

Females with ADHD are often unable to controlling their emotions, particularly when interacting with others. This can lead emotional dysregulation which is a major cause of ADHD symptoms. It is also associated with negative outcomes in life. These include low self-esteem, depression that is co-occurring with anxiety, difficult relationships which can lead to intimate partner violence, trouble with friendships as well as a messy home or personal space, and an inability to manage time or money.

Gender stereotypes can also affect how women with ADHD are treated. They may be misunderstood because they are viewed as being more sensitive or prone a mood swings. This can cause them to feel more frustrated about being a victim of untreated ADHD.

The part of the brain that controls impulses the brain, referred to as the prefrontal cortex is impaired in people suffering from ADHD. This means they have a difficult time making decisions and executing their intentions. This can make it hard to resist the temptation to eat a second piece of cake or make an inappropriate comment in public.

For adults with ADHD medication can assist to enhance their ability to control their impulsivity. Stimulants such as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine may reduce impulsive behavior. Non-stimulants such as clonidine or Guanfacine can also be effective. Behavioral therapy is also suggested, which can help those suffering from ADHD modify their thinking patterns and develop healthier coping skills.

Meditation and eating a balanced, healthy diet and getting enough sleep can all help control the impulsiveness and restlessness of people suffering from ADHD. It is important to track their symptoms throughout the day and share this information with their physician to determine if their treatment regimen is working.

3. Disorganization

Disorganization is a common problem for people suffering from ADHD and can impact their professional and personal lives. It may take them longer to complete their tasks and decrease their productivity. They might also fail to meet deadlines and find themselves overwhelmed on a regular basis.

Inability to organize can make it hard to maintain healthy relationships. People may not remember important dates or even lose things like purses or keys. In the end, they might feel lonely and isolated. They may also feel unloved by family and friends. Disorganization is more common in menopausal and perimenopausal women when hormones are changing and symptoms become more severe.

Women often cover up their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being considered a failure. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. This could be the reason women and girls are often not diagnosed with ADHD particularly in adolescence when symptoms are more obvious.

As a result, women with untreated ADHD might experience poor work or school performance. This can negatively impact their job, grades or their image. It can also create problems in their personal lives like issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family and friends members.

Women who are chronically unorganized can benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental person. They can assist women in learning to stay organized by creating lists and setting reminders. A licensed mental health professional can also suggest medication and lifestyle changes that will aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. This may include eating smaller meals throughout the day to maintain stable energy and avoiding caffeine, which can increase the side effects of stimulant medications.

4. Indecisiveness

Indecisiveness is a characteristic that affects decision making in a variety of areas of life. A variety of instruments have been developed to assess indecisiveness. These include the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness is also linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret ambiguous circumstances as being threat. 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 qualitative study of adult women with adhd interviewed they said they were not able to make decisions regarding their personal and professional lives. They struggled to find the job they wanted or stayed in, and found it difficult to manage their finances as well as their relationships and health. They frequently waited for other people to decide or were unable to finish projects themselves, such as arranging childcare. They often felt like they were held back by their ADHD symptoms, for example, difficulties in starting, staying focused and impulsive.

They had difficulty finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive, which led to mental health issues. They reported stress and anxiety, as well as a sleep deprivation and poor nutrition. They also reported feeling snubbed by their peers and the media. The diagnosis of ADHD provided them with a reason for their difficulties, which was helpful for self-esteem because it meant they weren't blaming themselves. They also had access to the appropriate treatment.

The interviews revealed that the women had many positive qualities but were struggling to overcome the effects of their ADHD symptoms on different aspects of their life. The women reported an absence in their careers or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships, and a messy house.

5. Insecurity about oneself


Women may hide their hyperactivity and impulsivity because they believe their behavior is less acceptable than for men and boys. undiagnosed adhd in women may internalize their ADHD and adopt coping strategies such as self-harming (cutting or burning). This can result in low self-esteem, which could contribute to depression, anxiety or eating disorders.

A strong sense of self-esteem and worth is the basis for better relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who do not have a strong self-worth tend to look outside themselves to find validation, including careers, relationships as well as money and power. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed psychotherapist, says this can also lead to a lack in communication within relationships.

Alongside a feeling of lack of self-worth, women with ADHD often have a feeling that they don't deserve 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 toxic work cultures and a negative self-image and an addiction of substance or food.

While these are major challenges however, the women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. Most of them describe their ADHD as a gift or a curse, depending on whether they feel they can control it. Many of them also recognize personal strengths that they believe are a result of to their ADHD, including high energy, creativity determination and the ability to be easily interested in new subjects. They also describe their unique struggles as part of a bigger picture that encompasses cultural and family issues, as in addition to gender and biological differences.

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