Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls since it presents differently than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also tend to develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol and substance abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like depression and anxiety, are also common in these individuals.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD often have difficulty to keep up with their schoolwork, job and daily routines. They may skip appointments or leave their home unattended. They struggle to keep track of their finances as well as household chores and record-keeping. They also tend to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory problems. These women also have difficulty being still for long periods and are unable to concentrate or follow instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more frequently found in males and females but the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common in girls and women. As high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are categorized as inattentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must have at least five ongoing inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD can be harder to identify than other types of ADHD because a lot of people don't consider them as being an issue or have different expectations about what a girl should be doing. Because of this, teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than they are for boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects women's lives is different at different times of her life due to hormone changes. For example women's symptoms could get worse during the menstrual cycle, while she is pregnant or when she enters menopausal.
These signs can affect a woman’s self-esteem and her satisfaction with life. These issues can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame, as they make it hard to manage relationships, work and household chores. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also experience depression and anxiety. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors that can increase the likelihood of having children and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health problems. They may also be afflicted by sensitization to rejection because they have difficulty accepting negative or real responses from other people. As a result, they might avoid social situations and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They might be more procrastinative, misplace things or have trouble focusing. They may also become overwhelmed by the busy environment. They might also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing and may be more susceptible to mood fluctuations and anxiety. These symptoms can cause issues at home, school and in relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more common in boys and men however, girls and women may be overlooked for a diagnosis. Health professionals and teachers don't recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do for male students. This can lead to an incorrect diagnosis and delays in treatment.
Along with the tendency to conceal their problems It could suggest that people with ADHD have a more severe impact from the condition than generally reported. For instance, they might not have trouble focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They might struggle to make decisions when shopping or find it hard to sleep or relax.
This could have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying problem, they could develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that may include alcohol addiction or poor eating habits. This can cause more problems over time, and prevent the woman getting the help she requires.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more acceptable to boys and men socially it is possible that women and girls may hide or suppress their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being disregarded. For instance, a girl who suffers from ADHD might display hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized for not fitting in with the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
Ultimately, these factors can create a vicious cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators must be aware of the struggles and be aware that they could be a sign of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. The disorder can be treated by medication and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to find it more difficult than men to control their emotions. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can cause symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more prone to anxiety and depression. These emotional problems can have a serious impact on relationships and career prospects.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a challenge for both parents and children, but it's especially difficult for women. Women can feel embarrassed about ADHD and might not seek help because of this. Some women try to mask symptoms with methods of coping such as excessive drinking or substance abuse which can cause more harm. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers as well as women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It may delay diagnosis.
It is easier for women with ADHD to hide the signs of ADHD in her youth and adolescence than as an adult. Stress from everyday life and the pressures of society to excel in relationships and work can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women with ADHD feeling a sense of being insecure, self-esteem issues and a constant sense of anxiety. The diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for certain women. It can help them understand the cause of their struggles and allow them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD are unable to find support at school or at work. They may feel embarrassed confiding in a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the accommodation they need will be seen as an indication of weakness or incompetence. However, most supervisors and instructors are willing to make small adjustments to enable those with ADHD to perform their job.
Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups provide a chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
Co-occurring conditions
As girls and women grow up, they can develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms and make it harder 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. In addition, she might take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by working harder at work or school or using productivity apps to get her tasks done. These and other coping mechanisms can disguise the presence of ADHD in women and delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Often, women and girls who have ADHD are often diagnosed with mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, before they are given a diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions could conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They can also complicate treatment.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem, as well as coexisting mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being impulsive or overly emotional, which increases their angst.
adhd symptoms in women can cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to forget birthdays or misunderstand minor details, which can lead to conflicts and miscommunication. They also might be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances, and other responsibilities of daily life. These difficulties can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can fuel an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their worth and capabilities.
In clinical settings, gender bias also influences the rate at which girls and women are recommended for an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in the classroom to read vignettes that described children suffering from ADHD symptoms, and rate how likely they were to recommend or seek services for the child portrayed. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD like other disorders is a condition that can be severe and worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms can be more prominent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or the menopausal cycle. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, as well as result in feelings of anger and failure.