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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 belong to a sex binary. However, sex and gender can influence the way symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed. ADHD is diagnosed in childhood, usually before age 12. ADHD must show signs before 12 years of age and cause problems in more than one environment to be eligible for a diagnosis. 1. Problems with Focusing Inattention is at the core of ADHD and affects both men and women. Women may have a tougher time focusing, especially since symptoms can manifest differently than they do in men. Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and indecisive, for example. They also are more likely to become emotional and have trouble putting things in perspective. These problems can create an inability to concentrate on work, resulting in a decrease in productivity at work or at home. They are also more likely to miss doctor appointments and forget to take their medication. In addition to these innate variations, hormones in women can make their ADHD symptoms more severe. The female hippocampus is larger which helps in memory and learning. Hormone fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopausal cycles can influence brain function. In the end, women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might have a difficult time in relationships at school, in relationships and at work. They could also be suffering from multiple comorbid disorders including anxiety, depression and eating disorders. For these reasons, it's critical for health professionals to be aware of the various clues that females with ADHD frequently exhibit. They need to rethink their methods to diagnose and treat females with ADHD in order to recognize hormonal fluctuations and emotional dysregulation. Patients can then receive the treatment they need. 2. Impulsivity Women with ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions. This is especially the case when they are interacting with other people. This can lead to emotional dysregulation that is a symptom of ADHD symptoms. It is also linked to negative life outcomes. This includes low self-esteem, anxiety and depression that coexist and a strained relationship with a partner, which can lead to conflicts between partners, problems with relationships, a messy home or personal space, an inability to manage time or money, and a messy house. Gender stereotypes can affect how women with ADHD will be treated. Because they are typically perceived as being more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they may be misunderstood or dismissed as overly emotional. This can increase their frustration about being a victim of untreated ADHD. The impulse control portion of the brain, referred to as the prefrontal cortex, is impaired in individuals with ADHD. This means that they are more prone to making decisions and executing with their intentions. This can make you want to take a bite more cake or to make a rude comment. For people who suffer from ADHD medications can help to increase their ability to control their behavior. Stimulants such as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine may reduce the behavior of impulsivity. Non-stimulants such as clonidine or guanfacine are also effective. Behavioral therapy may also be advised, which will aid people suffering from ADHD modify their thinking patterns and learn better ways to cope with stress. Meditation, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep can all help to 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 plan is working. 3. Disorganization Disorganization is a typical issue for people suffering from ADHD and can impact their professional and personal lives. They may find it difficult to complete tasks and their efficiency may be diminished. They might also be late and become overwhelmed on a daily basis. Lack of organization can also cause problems in maintaining healthy relationships. They may forget important events or lose things like keys or purses. This can cause them to feel isolated and lonely. They may also feel that they are not understood by family members and friends. The disorder can become more severe during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when hormones shift and symptoms intensify. Women often hide their ADHD symptoms to conform to social norms or to avoid being thought of as a problem. This can result in self-blame and feelings of shame or guilt. It could be a reason why women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD. This is particularly true in adolescence, when symptoms become more obvious. As a result women who are not treated for ADHD might experience poor academic or work performance. This could have a negative impact on their work, grades, or reputation. This could also cause issues for their personal life. For instance it can cause issues with romantic partners or strain relationships with family and friends. Women with chronic disorganization could receive one-on-one assistance from a nonjudgmental support person. They can provide strategies to get and keep their lives organized, such as making an agenda of the daily tasks and making reminders for them. A qualified mental health professional could also suggest medication and lifestyle changes that will help minimize ADHD symptoms. This may include eating small, frequent meals to maintain energy levels and avoiding caffeine, which can cause adverse effects of stimulant medication. 4. Indecisiveness Indecisiveness influences decision-making in a variety of aspects of life. Indecisiveness can be measured with several instruments, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory by Barkley-Levenson and Fox and the Indecisiveness scale. Indecisiveness is also correlated with neuroticism, and the tendency to use worst case scenario thinking, which is where people interpret uncertain situations as potentially dangerous. It was also found to be related to a fear of making a mistake which could be the reason people with adhd have difficulty making decisions. In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd that were interviewed, they described not being capable of making choices about their professional and personal lives. They struggled to find an occupation they enjoyed or stayed in, and found it difficult to manage their finances, relationships and health. They often waited for other people to decide or were unable complete projects on their own, for example, organizing childcare. They felt that their ADHD symptoms like the inability to focus and impulsivity, or beginning projects were preventing them from progressing. They had a difficult time keeping friendships and had difficulty relaxing and recharging their mental health. They described high levels of stress and anxiety, as well as a lack of sleep and poor nutrition. They also reported feeling stigmatized by the media and adults. They were able explain their struggles with ADHD, which helped them boost their self-esteem as they weren't blaming themselves. They also had access to appropriate treatments. The interviews revealed that the women were extremely positive and able to overcome the effects of ADHD in different areas of their lives. The women complained of the absence of a job or romantic opportunities, problems maintaining relationships, and a messy house. 5. Lack of self-esteem Women might hide their hyperactivity and impulsivity because they believe their behavior is less acceptable for boys and men. They may also take on their ADHD symptoms and develop coping mechanisms such as self-harm (cutting burns, scratching, cutting). This can result in lower self-esteem and 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 lack a strong self-worth tend to look beyond themselves for validation, such as jobs, relationships, money, and power. add symptoms in adult women , a licensed therapist, says that this can lead to the lack of communication in relationships. In addition to a sense of self-worth, women with ADHD frequently struggle with feeling like they don't deserve the positive things happening in their lives. These feelings may manifest as a desire for others to “keep up with” or to please. This can lead to negative work environments as well as a negative image of one's body, and an addiction to food or other substances. Despite these major challenges the women who participated in this study discovered many positive aspects of living with ADHD. Most of them identify their ADHD as a gift or a curse, depending on whether they feel they have control over it. Some have identified their own strengths that they believe are due to their ADHD. These include high energy, creativity and determination, as well as the ability to effortlessly become interested in new topics. They also discuss their individual struggles as part of a larger picture that includes family and cultural issues, as also gender and biological differences.