Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed among girls because it manifests differently than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These individuals are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping strategies like drinking excessively and using substances that mask ADHD symptoms and delays an accurate diagnosis. They are also susceptible to co-existing disorders like anxiety and depression.
Inattention
Women with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may forget appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They are unable to keep the track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. It is also common for women with this condition to have problems with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult to remember dates or names. They also have trouble staying still for long durations and are unable to concentrate or follow instructions.
While the impulse control and hyperactivity are more prevalent for males and boys however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also common in women and girls. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80% of all ADHD sufferers are inattentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must show at least five continuous inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD are often harder to recognize than the other types of ADHD because many people don't see them as being an illness or have different expectations about what a girl's behavior should be. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can also change over time due to hormonal changes. Women's symptoms may worsen during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms.
These symptoms can have a significant impact on a woman's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. adhd symptoms can trigger feelings of shame and low self-worth due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women with untreated ADHD may also be suffering from depression and anxiety. They may also engage in sexual activities that increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. adhd symptoms women may also experience rejection sensitivity because they have a hard time accepting real or perceived negative responses from others. In the end, they might avoid social situations and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD for girls and women. They are more likely to procrastinate or lose things, have trouble concentrating on tasks and easily become overwhelmed in busy environments. They may also have difficulties getting sleep or relaxing and could be more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to difficulties at school, at home and in their relationships.
Since symptoms of ADHD are more common in males and females women and girls can be overlooked for a diagnosis. Healthcare providers and teachers often do not suggest ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male ones. This can result in an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
This, combined with the tendency to hide their struggles can mean that adults who have ADHD experience a greater impact than is normally reported. For instance, they may not report having difficulty focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make decisions when they go to the grocery store or find it difficult to relax or sleep.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying problem, they may develop unhealthy ways to cope. This may include substance abuse and unhealthy eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time and keep the woman from seeking assistance that could improve her life dramatically.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable to males and females in social settings It is possible that women and girls may suppress or hide them out of fear of being disregarded. For instance, a girl who suffers from ADHD may exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior in order to avoid being shamed for not fitting in with the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
In the end, these triggers can lead to a cycle of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators should be aware of these issues and be aware that they could be a sign of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. This condition can be treated with medication and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women with ADHD often have a harder time than men to manage their emotions. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can lead to more severe symptoms like irritability and feeling of being inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional problems could have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
ADHD can be a major challenge for both children and parents but it can be especially difficult for women. Women can be embarrassed about ADHD and may not seek help because of this. They may try to mask their symptoms by developing coping strategies like excessive drinking or drug abuse, which could cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers, as well as women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It can also delay the diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able manage to hide her symptoms throughout the adolescent years and in her youth, but it's more challenging when she's an adult. The pressures of daily life, along with the societal expectations to excel in work and relationships, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women with ADHD feeling like they are a victim of self-doubt, a sense of inadequacy and constant stress. A diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for some women. It can aid them in understanding the root of their struggles and allow them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women with ADHD find it difficult to receive support at work or at school. They may feel embarrassed confiding in a professor or supervisor, and they may worry that the accommodations they require is seen as an act of weakness or incompetence. However, most supervisors and instructors will make small accommodations to allow people with ADHD to succeed in their jobs.
In addition to locating supportive peers, women with ADHD can also benefit from joining online support groups for adults with ADHD. These groups provide an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the particular issues of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women grow up, they can develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to detect. For instance girls may try to dress and act like her peers to avoid the attention of bullies or social rejection. Or, she may try to redress her impulsive and chaotic behavior by putting in more effort at school or work or relying on productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other coping strategies can disguise the presence of ADHD in women and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
A lot of the time, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, prior to the time they receive a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can mask the presence and symptoms of ADHD. They may cause complications in treatment.
Girls and females with ADHD also have a higher risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by co-existing mood disorders than boys or men. They may be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which can increase their anger.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to miss birthdays and miss minor details. This can lead to miscommunication and conflict. Also, they may be struggling to keep up with household chores financial obligations, personal finances, and other daily obligations. These difficulties can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted which can lead to an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their capabilities and worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias also affects the rate of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes about children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They also rated how likely they were to recommend or seek services for the child depicted. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD, like other conditions is a condition that can be severe and worsen at different times. For example, symptoms may be more apparent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, or menopausal cycle. These changes can cause problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and also result in feelings of anger and disappointment.