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attention deficit in women in Women Verywell Health acknowledges the fact that gender and sex are based on biology, including the body's chromosomal makeup as well as hormones. Many people don't fall into a binary gender. However, gender and sex influence how symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed and treated. ADHD is diagnosed in early childhood, typically before age 12. ADHD must show signs before 12 years of age and cause problems in multiple settings to be able to receive a diagnosis. 1. Trouble focusing Inattention is at the core of ADHD and affects both men and women. Women may have a difficult to concentrate, particularly because symptoms can manifest differently than they do in males. Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and indecisive, for example. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally afflicted and struggle to put things in perspective. These issues can cause an inability to focus, which can lead to a lack productivity at work or at home. They're also more likely not attend doctor appointments or forget to take their medications. Women's hormones as well as these innate differences can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Females have a bigger hippocampus, which helps with memory and learning, and hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause can affect their brain function. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, at school and at work. They could also struggle with a host of comorbid conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder. For these reasons, it's critical for health professionals to be aware of the various indicators that females suffering from ADHD often exhibit. They need to rethink their approach to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to take into account hormonal fluctuations, emotional dysregulation and other variables that affect the severity of symptoms. In this way, these patients can finally get the treatment they need. 2. Impulsivity Females who suffer from ADHD tend to have difficulty controlling their emotions, particularly when interacting with others. This can result in emotional dysregulation, which is a major element of ADHD symptoms and is associated with many negative life consequences. These include low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, difficult relationships which can lead to intimate partner violence, trouble with friendships, a messy house or personal space, and the inability to manage time or money. adhd in adult women symptoms of women can influence how women with ADHD are treated. They might be misunderstood since they are viewed as being more sensitive or prone a mood swings. This can cause them to feel more frustrated at being diagnosed with ADHD. People suffering from ADHD suffer from impaired impulse control, also known as the prefrontal cortex. This means that they have a harder time making decisions and following through with their intentions. This makes it difficult to resist the temptation to eat a second piece of cake or blurt out an inappropriate statement in public. Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from medication that helps them control their impulsivity. stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are able to reduce the impulsive behavior. Non-stimulants like clonidine and guanfacine are also effective. People with ADHD might also benefit from behavioral therapy, which can help to change their thinking patterns and develop healthier strategies for coping. Meditation, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep can all be helpful in reducing restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It is also a good idea to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and communicate this data with their doctor so they can assess whether their treatment plan is working. 3. Disorganization Disorganization is a typical issue in people with ADHD, and can affect their personal and professional life. It could take them longer to complete tasks, and reduce their efficiency. They may also miss deadlines and feel overwhelmed on a daily basis. Lack of organization can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose possessions such as keys or purses. They might feel lonely and isolated due to this. They may also feel that they are not understood by family and friends. The disorder can become more severe during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles as hormones alter and symptoms intensify. Women often mask their ADHD symptoms to fit into societal norms or to avoid being considered a failure. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. It may be a reason for why women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly evident in adolescence when symptoms become more obvious. Women with untreated ADHD may not perform as well at work or in school. This can affect their career, grades, or reputation. It can also create problems for their personal lives. For instance it could lead to difficulties with romantic partners or strain relationships with family and friends. Women who are constantly disorganized could benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental friend. They can help women learn to stay organized by making lists and establishing reminders. Additionally, a certified mental health professional can suggest medications and lifestyle changes to help minimize ADHD symptoms. This could include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain stable energy levels, and avoiding caffeine which can cause an increase in the adverse effects of stimulant medications. 4. Indecisiveness Indecisiveness influences decision-making in a variety of aspects of life. Indecisiveness can be measured with various instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the scale of Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness is also associated with neuroticism and the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is when people interpret ambiguous circumstances as being threat. It was also found to be related to a fear of making a mistake, which could be the reason people with adhd have trouble making decisions. In the qualitative study on adult women suffering from adhd who were interviewed the participants said they were not able to make choices about their personal and professional lives. They had difficulty to manage their finances and relationships and had trouble finding a job that they liked. They frequently had to wait for others to make decisions or were unable to finish tasks on their own, like arranging childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and difficulty focusing or starting projects were preventing them from progressing. They had difficulty finding time to relax and keeping friendships alive, which led to mental health problems. They reported stress and anxiety, as well as a sleeping insufficiently and having inadequate nutrition. They also felt stigmatized by the media and adults. The diagnosis of ADHD provided them with a reason for their difficulties which was beneficial to their self-esteem since it meant they were not blamed for their condition. They also had access to appropriate treatment strategies. The interviews revealed that the women were very positive and able to overcome the effects of ADHD in different areas of their lives. These included a lack of possibilities for romance or work and difficulties in maintaining relationships. a messy home. 5. Lack of self-esteem Some of the signs that are a part of ADHD are viewed as less socially acceptable for women and girls than they are for males and females and so women may are able to hide their impulsivity, hyperactivity, and disorganization. They also may take on their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms such as self-harm (cutting, burning, scratching). This can cause low self-esteem, which can cause anxiety, depression or eating disorders. A strong sense of self-esteem and worth is the foundation for more positive relationships and a positive outlook on life. When people lack a strong sense of self-worth, they tend to seek outside things – like careers, relationships as well as wealth and power – to feel worthy. Cheryl Clarke, a licensed therapist, suggests that this can also lead to a lack in communication within relationships. In addition to a sense of self-worth, women who have ADHD often struggle with feeling like they don't deserve the good things happening in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or to “keep up” with other people. This can cause toxic workplaces, a negative self-image, and a dependence on substances or food. Although these are significant challenges but the women who participated in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. The majority of them identify their ADHD as a gift or a curse, depending on whether they believe they have control over it. Many of them also recognize their own strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD, including the ability to be creative, high energy, determination, and the ability to get easily interested in new topics. They also talk about their own struggles within the context of the larger picture, which includes biological and gender differences, as well as cultural and family issues.