i thought about this of ADHD
Women and adolescents with ADHD tend to show inattentive symptoms, as opposed to the hyperactivity and impulsivity which are more common in boys and men. This makes them more vulnerable to being misdiagnosed and omitted.
Gender stereotypes can contribute to this as caregivers may believe that girls who are quiet or dreamy are simply "being girls." ADHD symptoms can also be worsened by hormonal fluctuations in the menstrual cycle and perimenopausal.
1. Hyperactivity
When it is about ADHD, the first thought many people have is of a hyperactive boy bouncing off the walls of class. This is a type of ADHD that affects women as well as girls. ADHD symptoms for women and girls are usually more difficult to identify than in boys. This can lead to the disorder being misdiagnosed or left untreated.
Women suffering from ADHD are prone to an impulsive behavior that makes it difficult to take a step back and think before deciding to act. They may not listen well when other people are talking and they may have difficulty adhering to instructions or completing tasks. These difficulties can lead them to frustration and misunderstandings with family, friends and romantic partners as well as colleagues.
Many women suffering from ADHD have sensitivity to rejection which is a heightened emotional response to real or perceived rejection. This can make it difficult for a woman with ADHD to cope, especially in the case of low self-esteem or difficulty in peer relationships.
Signs of ADHD in women may flare up at various times during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations may cause mood swings and irritability and also difficulty with concentration.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are able to manage their symptoms by eating, exercise and sleep habits. Regular physical activity releases neurotransmitters that boost attention and concentration. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety that are common among women with ADHD. Being able to sleep enough and taking breaks can also help ADHD symptoms. Utilizing tools such as planners, checklists, and post-it notes to track tasks can be helpful for many people suffering from ADHD. In certain instances healthcare professionals can prescribe medication to manage symptoms.
2. Attention
Girls and women who have inattentive ADHD often aren't diagnosed, even if the symptoms are severe. They can't keep up in classes, their homes are messy, and they struggle with relationships and performance at work. They may try to compensate by denying their symptoms or by trying to convince themselves that they're not affected by their symptoms.
Gender bias also can play a role in misdiagnosis or omissions. If a boy exhibits an impulsive or hyperactive behavior, he's more likely to be referred for diagnosis and therapy. Girls who exhibit inattention can be dismissed as ditzy, dreamy or space cases.
Inattention can manifest itself in a variety of ways. You may miss appointments, fail to keep promises, or have difficulty staying focused during meetings or classroom lectures. You have a hard time waiting your turn when talking with others, and you can't seem to stop interrupting. Your memory is weak and you often lose things or forget where you put them. You struggle to follow simple instructions and are prone to avoid tasks that require concentration such as homework or chores.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD can also be exacerbated due to hormonal changes like menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms (the run-up to menopause). This can make it more difficult for you to pay attention at work or at home, and it makes it harder to keep friendships intact or reach goals in your life.
Getting plenty of exercise can help you manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals, such as dopamine, which can help boost your concentration and mood. Additionally, regular exercise can help you burn off extra energy and ease anxiety or depression -- symptoms that are common in women suffering from ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Adolescent and female girls with ADHD typically experience more mood and anxiety symptoms than hyperactivity and impulsivity. Female gender roles make it difficult for girls to admit that they're struggling, and they are more likely to cover up ADHD symptoms with other behavior. This can cause women and girls to be misdiagnosed and not declare their symptoms of ADHD. They may also be more likely to have inattentive ADHD symptoms, which don't show up as obvious as the impulsive/hyperactive ones that boys and men display.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress and danger. It can be overwhelming and debilitating but it's a great thing. It keeps you aware of danger and helps you respond quickly when you notice something not right. Unfortunately, anxiety can also trigger a range of physical symptoms like sweating, jitteriness and an increased heart rate (palpitations). An anxiety disorder may be diagnosed in people suffering from frequent, severe or disabling anxiety. An anxiety disorder may include panic disorder (where you experience frequent, unplanned panic attacks), fears (where you are incredibly terrified of certain objects or events) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thought and repetitive behaviors), and separation anxiety disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD often have issues with "time blindness". They may forget important dates or appointments, show up at an incorrect time or place, or become so distracted by their work that they forget social interactions. This can make them appear uncaring, uninterested or unfocused to others. A good night's sleep can prevent time blindness and can make them appear unfocused, so try to adhere to a regular bedtime and do something relaxing prior to when you go to bed, such as reading, listening to music, or meditation.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often have trouble staying organized. They may struggle to keep track of their appointments, schedules and possessions. Their home, car and office could be messy and their bags full of receipts, 17 different chapsticks, and a ticket to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their forgetfulness and disorganization can make it challenging for them to establish and maintain their personal and work relationships.
Women can also find it difficult to express their opinions in social situations. They can be impatient and impulsive which causes them to interrupt others or shout things out without thinking about the consequences. This struggle to control their thoughts could lead to hurt feelings and miscommunications.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary throughout the day due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and menstrual cycles which can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms. These symptom changes may be the reason why a lot of women suffering from ADHD go undiagnosed and mistreated.
In addition to the differences in brain structure and chemicals that are associated with ADHD in males and females There is also a stigma against diagnosing women with the condition. This bias is linked to the fact that ADHD research and educational programs primarily focus on boys and men/people AMAB, so it's more likely that healthcare providers and educators will see hyperactive/impulsive-type symptoms in those groups and overlook symptoms of inattentive ADHD in women.
Women with ADHD can manage their symptoms with medication and other methods of treatment. They can be successful at work, school, and their personal lives with the right support. Medication can help improve concentration and help with everyday difficulties. The use of behavioral therapy and apps for smartphones can also prove beneficial.
5. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD tend to be unable to control their impulses. It's because the part of the brain that makes decisions and thinks about consequences, isn't functioning similarly. This results in a tendency to do or say things without thinking about the result, which could have negative consequences. Impulsive behavior can result in problems with finances or relationships that are damaged. It can also lead reckless behaviors, such as sexual.
Someone suffering from ADHD may develop a number of coping mechanisms to assist them in overcoming their inability to control their impulses. Self-medicating using alcohol or drugs, or calming yourself with food are all possible. A poor diet or sleeping less than you ought to can also cause trouble.
Girls and women with ADHD may struggle to recognize the signs of a problem with their behavior. They might struggle to communicate their problems to their teachers or parents, so they try to cover up their problems. This makes it more difficult for people to spot their issues and can delay the diagnosis.
Females and females with ADHD typically have different symptoms than boys or men. They might be more inattentive and have a higher rate of coexisting anxiety or mood disorders, for example depression. These factors could be the reason for women and girls with ADHD are misdiagnosed more frequently than men or boys.
ADHD is a condition that affects many millions of people, despite increasing awareness. It's especially common in adolescence and early adulthood, when a lot of people are trying to meet the demands of their careers or school. It's important for teachers and parents to be aware of the possibility that a person they know has ADHD to ensure that they get her the help she needs.