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ADHD Traits in Women Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are a reflection of biology, the hormones and chromosomal makeup of the body, and that many people don't fall into a binary of sex. However, sex and gender can affect the way symptoms of ADHD are treated and diagnosed. ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood prior to the age of 12. ADHD must show signs before the age of 12 and cause problems in multiple settings to be able to receive a diagnosis. 1. Difficulty Focusing Inattention is at the heart of ADHD and can affect both women and men. However, women may find it more challenging to get the attention they require particularly since symptoms typically manifest in different ways for men. Women are more likely than men to be disorganized and impulsive, for instance. They are also more likely than men to be emotionally disturbed and struggle to put things in perspective. These problems can lead to an inability to focus which can lead to an inability to perform at work or home. They are also more likely to not remember their medication or miss appointments with doctors. Women's hormones along with these natural differences, can contribute to ADHD symptoms. The female hippocampus is larger which helps in learning and memory. The fluctuations in hormones during menstruation or pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause may also affect brain function. This is why women who do not have a diagnosis of ADHD might have a difficult time in relationships at school, in their relationships, and at work. They could also struggle with a myriad of comorbid conditions, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder. It is crucial that health professionals are aware of the numerous signs that females with ADHD show. They should rethink their approaches to diagnosing and treating women suffering from ADHD to take into account emotional dysregulation, hormonal fluctuations and other variables that influence the severity of symptoms. The patients will then receive the treatment they require. 2. Impulsivity Females suffering from ADHD tend to have difficulty managing their emotions, particularly when they interact with other people. This can result in emotional dysregulation which is a component of ADHD symptoms. It can also be associated with negative life outcomes. This can include low self-esteem, anxiety and depression, problematic romantic relationships that can result in conflict between partners, issues with relationships, a messy home or personal space, an inability to manage time or money and a messy home. Gender stereotypes may also impact the way women with ADHD are treated. Because they are frequently considered to be more sensitive or susceptible to mood swings, they may be misinterpreted or dismissed as being emotionally prone. This can increase their frustration at being a victim of untreated ADHD. People with ADHD have impaired impulse control which is also referred to as the prefrontal cortex. This means they have a difficult time making decisions and following up with their intentions. This makes it difficult to resist the temptation to eat a second piece of cake or to make an inappropriate comment in public. For adults with ADHD medications can help to increase their ability to control their impulses. stimulants such as amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Ritalin) can help to reduce impulsive behavior, and non-stimulant drugs like clonidine and guanfacine can be efficient too. Behavioral therapy can also be recommended, which can help people with ADHD alter their thinking patterns and learn healthier coping skills. Meditation, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep can all help to control restlessness and impulsiveness in people suffering from ADHD. It is also a good idea to keep track of their symptoms throughout the day and share this information with their physician to assess whether their treatment regimen is effective. 3. Disorganization Disorganization is a frequent issue in people with ADHD, and can affect their work and personal lives. It can take longer to complete tasks, and decrease their efficiency. They may also miss deadlines and feel overwhelmed on a daily basis. A lack of organization can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. They might not remember important dates or even lose things like purses or keys. They might feel lonely and isolated as a result. Family and friends may also misunderstand them. It is more difficult to organize during perimenopause and menopause as hormones alter and symptoms become more severe. Women often mask their ADHD symptoms in order to conform to the norms of society or to avoid being thought of as a problem. This can cause women to blame themselves and feel guilt or shame. attention deficit disorder in women could be a reason for why women and girls are often not diagnosed with ADHD, particularly in adolescence where symptoms are more evident. In the end women suffering from untreated ADHD might experience poor academic or work performance. This could affect their job, grades or reputation. It could also cause issues in their personal lives including issues with their romantic partners or the strain of relationships with family members and friends members. Women who are constantly disorganized can benefit from the one-on-one support of a non-judgmental person. They can help them learn strategies to get and remain organized, for example, making lists of daily tasks and creating reminders for them. Additionally, a certified mental health professional can suggest medication and lifestyle changes to reduce ADHD symptoms. This could include eating small meals throughout the day to maintain a steady energy levels, and avoiding caffeine which can worsen the adverse effects of stimulant medications. 4. Indecisiveness Indecisiveness is one of the traits that can affect decision-making in many areas of life. A variety of instruments have been developed to measure indecisiveness, including the Decision Behaviors Inventory (Barkley-Levenson and Fox) and the Indecisiveness Scale. Indecisiveness has also been linked to neuroticism, as well as the tendency to think of worst-case scenarios. This is because people interpret uncertain situations as being dangerous. It was also found to be linked to the fear of making a mistake which could explain why people with adhd have difficulty making decisions. In the qualitative study of adult women with adhd interviewed, they described not being able to make decisions regarding their personal and professional lives. attention deficit disorder in women 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 often were dependent on others to make decisions for them, or were unable to finish projects like organizing childcare. They believed that their ADHD symptoms like the inability to focus and impulsivity, or beginning projects were holding them back. They struggled to maintain friendships and were unable to relax which led to issues with their mental health. They described stress and anxiety, as well as a sleep deprivation and poor nutrition. They also expressed feeling devalued by other adults and by the media. They were able to articulate their struggles with ADHD, which helped them improve their self-esteem because they weren't blaming others. They also had access to treatment strategies that were appropriate. The interviews revealed that the women were extremely positive and able to overcome the effects of ADHD on various aspects of their lives. The women complained of the absence of a job or romantic opportunities, difficulties maintaining relationships and a messy home. 5. Insecurity about oneself Women might cover up their impulsivity and hyperactivity because they believe that these behaviors aren't as acceptable than for boys and men. Some women might internalize their ADHD and adopt coping strategies such as self-harming (cutting, burning or scratching). This can cause feelings of self-esteem loss that can cause depression, anxiety or eating disorders. A strong sense of self-esteem and worth is the foundation for more positive relationships and a positive outlook on life. People who lack a strong self-worth are more likely to look outside themselves for validation, like relationships, careers, money, and power. Therapist licensed Cheryl Clarke says this can result in an absence of communication in a relationship, which can ultimately end it. In addition to a sense of self-worth, women who have ADHD frequently struggle with the feeling that they don't have enough of the good things happening in their lives. These feelings can manifest as a desire to please or to “keep up” with others. This can result in toxic workplace cultures and a negative self-image and a dependence on substance or food. Although these are significant challenges however, the women who took part in this study found many positive aspects of living with ADHD. The majority of them describe their ADHD as a gift or a curse, depending on whether they believe they have control over it. Several of them also identify personal strengths they believe are due to their ADHD such as the ability to be creative, high energy determination, and the ability to get easily interested in new subjects. They also describe their own struggles within the context of a larger picture that includes biological and gender distinctions, as well as cultural and family issues.