high functioning adhd in women in Women Signs and Symptoms
Women with ADHD frequently exhibit symptoms of inattention ADHD. Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms tend to be more common in boys and men.
Many women cover up their ADHD symptoms to avoid being stigmatized. This can cause low self-esteem, to broken relationships, and even to problems at work.
You can overcome these challenges by seeking a professional diagnosis. It can also give an impression of being acknowledged and feel reassured.
1. Forgetfulness
Women with ADHD often find it hard to remember small details like appointments and important dates. This lack of memory can make planning difficult and lead to frustration. It can also lead to missed work, school or health checks.
Women with ADHD are likely to feel a heightened sense of shame about their condition, particularly when they don't receive a diagnosis until childhood. This can have long-lasting effects on their lives, and could lead to depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
According to CHADD, this happens due to shame and stigma. Many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. This can have a major impact on their lives as they are less likely than men to receive the help required to be successful at school or work. It could also impact their relationships with their spouses and families.
The lack of attention and forgetfulness symptoms of ADHD can get worse as a woman goes through the hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. This is due to estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, which can affect the release neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are vital to focus and concentrate.
Due to these changes, it's crucial for women with ADHD to monitor their symptoms levels throughout their menstrual cycles, so that they can inform their doctor when their symptoms are the most severe. It is also recommended to try mindfulness exercises and meditation, because they can aid in improving the ability to focus and control the impulsiveness. It is essential to eat a balanced diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. This will help regulate hormone levels and improve your mood.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD struggle to keep track of their daily tasks, appointments and personal items. This persistent disorganization could result in delayed deadlines, stressed relationships, and financial problems.
If you're not organized, it's best to work with your spouse on the chores of your household, so that one person will be accountable for specific tasks, such as making sure you pay your bills on time or shopping for groceries. It may also help to create a regular reminder system on your phone or tablet for tasks that are crucial to you.
When you're trying your best to finish an assignment at work or at home Try to keep your attention away from distractions as much as possible by closing your door or wearing headphones to block out noise. If your work space is cluttered you should clean it regularly or engage professional cleaning services.
Some people with ADHD suffer from a condition known as "time blindness," meaning they can become so involved in their work that they lose track of time. This can result in forgetting birthdays, anniversaries and other important dates or deadlines. It's common for people to forget names as well which can lead to embarrassing situations in social settings.
Inattention and forgetfulness are a big reason why many girls with ADHD go undiagnosed. They're generally better at developing strategies to deal with their symptoms. This could include establishing healthy habits, such as keeping a calendar or setting reminders for phone calls, however, they may also develop unhealthy coping strategies that create problems in different areas of their lives.
Symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood could also include emotional dysregulation, impulsivity difficulty switching between tasks, chronic procrastination, as well as low self-esteem. If you're struggling with these issues, you should consider consulting with a medical professional for a thorough examination and treatment.
3. Inattention
Women with inattentive-type ADHD often feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities and find it difficult to stay organized. They may forget important dates, or get behind in their work. They may not be able to concentrate on college lectures or business meetings. They are more likely to delay their work and tend to put off chores or school tasks until the last minute. They can also become easily distracted and lose focus when reading, listening to music or working on computers.
These symptoms are different from the hyperactive/impulsive-type of ADHD, and they can be more difficult to recognize in adults than children because these women have learned to mask their symptoms by building coping mechanisms. For example, they might use a planner, or create reminders on their phones. These coping mechanisms are not sustainable and can lead to exhaustion.
Women with inattentive ADHD may also have difficulty managing their emotions. This can cause frustration and even disappointment. They might also have a difficult time empathizing or understanding other people. In the end, they might have a tendency to speak out in a hurried manner without considering the consequences. They may have a long list of "foot-in-mouth" moments that could be embarrassing for their friends and family.
Women with ADHD can benefit from a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as a diet less sugary foods. Regular exercise can also boost dopamine levels and help to control impulsivity. Meditation is a wonderful tool to help women suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. It can help them focus on the present and relax their mind and body. It can also reduce anxiety and stress, which are common in women suffering from ADHD.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to control their emotions and tend to react emotionally, rather than rationally. This is often why they have difficulty interpreting the intentions of others and are more likely to misinterpret social signals. They may also struggle with self-regulation, and be more prone to emotional outbursts that could harm relationships, lower their self-esteem or trigger anxiety and depression.
Women and adolescent girls with ADHD are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactive/impulsive or mixed subtypes of the disorder. As a result, the condition can be more difficult to recognize in adults. This could be due to a number of factors, including a gender bias, (ADHD is more common for males and females) and the fact some women and girls hide their symptoms.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have five ongoing symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with your life. Additionally, you must have a history of symptoms that started before age 12. It is important to recognize that other mental health issues, physical illnesses, and stress can trigger similar symptoms similar to ADHD and an extensive assessment by a Salience Health Provider is essential.
Lifestyle changes in conjunction with medication, can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that can improve attention and reduce stress. Consuming a balanced diet of fruits vegetables and whole grains, as well as lean proteins and healthy fats can also improve focus. Meditation and other mindfulness techniques are beneficial to a lot of people with ADHD. They can help to calm the body and mind, and eliminate distractions. They also help control the impulses. Lastly, reducing alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine can significantly reduce ADHD symptoms.
5. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD may have a hard time accepting their struggles and may not be diagnosed or treated until the symptoms begin to impact their relationships, performance at work, and their overall health. Parents and teachers may be less likely to recommend girls for an ADHD diagnosis when they are influenced by gender stereotypes. This can cause them to be underdiagnosed.
Women who have the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD might have trouble managing their emotions and behaviors in certain situations. The symptoms of this subtype can seem out of control and disrupt conversations. They could also make others think they are not self-controlled or don't understand the boundaries. You may fumble around and talk a lot (sometimes without thinking) or interrupt or interfere on others and have difficulty to wait your turn.
You might find it difficult to concentrate during the course of a lecture or meeting. You might need to drink coffee or chew gum or stand up to sit still. You could be easily distracted by TV, your phone, or a conversation between friends. Your brain is constantly moving and you're always thinking of the next thing to do even if it's nothing to relate to the task that's in front of you.
Many people suffering from ADHD are able to reduce their symptoms through medication and lifestyle modifications. Talk with your doctor about your options, such as nutrition therapy and talking therapy. You may also wish to inquire about participating in a clinical study to discover more about the new treatments available. NIMH's Clinical Trials Search Tool can help you find studies that align with your preferences. *ADHD is a problem that affects both genders equally throughout childhood, however it is more prevalent in boys and men as adults.