Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who have ADHD are often not diagnosed as children because the disorder is different in girls than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These individuals also tend to develop unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking and substance abuse, which mask their ADHD symptoms and delays the accurate diagnosis. They are also susceptible to co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety.
Attention!
Women with inattentive ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They might miss appointments or leave their home unattended. They have a difficult time organizing their personal finances, record-keeping and household chores. It's also normal for these women to have issues with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult to remember names or dates. These women also have difficulty staying still for long durations and are unable to concentrate or follow instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more common in boys and men however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also seen in girls and women. As high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are categorized as inattentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must show at least five continuous inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be harder for people to recognize because they don't see the symptoms as a problem, or have different expectations of how a girl should act. Because of this, parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD evaluations for girls than they are for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms may also change over time due to hormonal changes. Women's symptoms can become more severe during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal symptoms.
These signs can have a significant impact on a woman's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. These symptoms can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame, as they make it hard to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also be suffering from anxiety and depression. adhd symptoms in adults are also at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors that increase the likelihood of having children, sexually transmitted infections and other health issues. They may also experience sensitization to rejection because they have a hard time accepting real or perceived negative responses from other people. As a result, they might avoid social situations and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first indications of ADHD for both genders. They may be more likely to delay or lose things, have trouble concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in busy environments. They may also have a hard time sleeping or relaxing and are more susceptible to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can cause problems at home, school and in relationships.
Women and girls are often left out of the diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent for both genders. Healthcare professionals and teachers don't suggest ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male ones. This can result in an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
This, along with the tendency to conceal their problems, could result in adults with ADHD suffer more than is normally reported. For instance, they may not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions at the supermarket or find it difficult to relax or sleep.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies, which could include substance use or eating habits that are unhealthy. This could make the problem worse over time, and prevent the woman from getting the help she requires.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more popular with boys and men socially It is possible that girls and women might hide or suppress them out of fear of being judged. For instance, a child with ADHD might display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being shamed for not conforming to the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
These causes can create a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators must be aware of these struggles, as they may be signs of an undiagnosed disorder. This disorder can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Troubles
Women who suffer from ADHD typically struggle more than men to control their emotions. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can cause symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional issues could be detrimental to career and relationships.
ADHD can be a challenge for children and parents alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can feel ashamed of ADHD and might not seek help because of this. Women may attempt to hide their symptoms using strategies to cope, such as excessive drinking or substance abuse, but this can cause more harm. Masking can also make it more difficult for teachers and employers to detect ADHD symptoms for women, and it can contribute to a delay in diagnosing.
It's much easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal her symptoms in her adolescence and youth than as an adult. The stress of everyday life, combined with societal expectations to excel in work and relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling like they're failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause constant stress. For some, a diagnosis of ADHD can be an epiphany, helping them understand the root cause of their difficulties and helping them accept their own uniqueness.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty finding support at work or school. They may be embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the accommodations they require will be seen as an indication of weakness or incompetence. However, most supervisors and instructors are willing to make minor adjustments to help those with ADHD to succeed in their roles.
In addition to locating people who can be supportive, women suffering from ADHD can also benefit by joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups can provide the opportunity to share personal stories and discuss the particular issues of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As women and girls mature, they may develop coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to spot. For instance the girl may make an effort to dress and act more like her peers in order to avoid the attention of bullies or social rejection. Or, she may compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by putting more effort into work or school or relying on productivity apps to get her tasks done. These and other coping mechanisms can disguise the presence of ADHD in a woman and can delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Girls and women with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD, as well as hinder treatment and recovery.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They may be misunderstood or dismissed as being impulsive or overly emotional, which increases their angst.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to forget birthdays or misunderstand minor details, which can lead to conflict and miscommunication. They also may struggle to keep up with household chores, personal finances and other responsibilities of daily life. These issues can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can lead to a dysfunctional internal landscape of beliefs about their worth.
Gender bias in clinical settings can also affect the rate of women and girls who are being referred to an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes about children suffering from ADHD symptoms and rated how likely they were to recommend or seek help for the child in the. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD as with other conditions, can vary in severity and worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more evident during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy or the menopause. These changes can lead to problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. They can also lead to feelings of frustration and failure.