Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls because it presents differently than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like depression and anxiety are also common among these people.
Attention!
Women with inattentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They are unable to keep the track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping. It's also normal for women to experience problems with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult to remember dates or names. They also have trouble staying still for long durations and aren't able to concentrate or follow directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more commonly associated with boys and men but the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in girls and women. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. You must show five inattentive symptoms that persist for more than six month to qualify for a diagnoses.
Inattention ADHD symptoms are often difficult for people to recognize because they don't view them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how girls should behave. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
In addition, the manner that ADHD affects women can change over different periods of her life because of hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms can worsen during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal changes.
These signs can have a profound impact on a woman's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. These issues can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame and can make it difficult to manage relationships, work or home tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also suffer from depression and anxiety. They could also engage in sexual behavior that increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, whether it's real or not. As a result, they may avoid social situations and isolate themselves.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first indications of ADHD for women and girls. They are more likely to procrastinate or lose things and have difficulty focusing on tasks and easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have trouble getting comfortable or falling asleep, and they may be more susceptible to mood fluctuation and anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause difficulties at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Since symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females, women and girls may be omitted from a diagnosis. Teachers and healthcare providers do not recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do for male students. This can lead to an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
Along with the tendency to hide their struggles, this can result in adults suffering from ADHD have a more severe impact of the condition than usually reported. For instance, they may not report having difficulty focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making choices at the grocery store or find it hard to relax or sleep.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they could adopt unhealthy ways of coping. symptoms of adhd adults may include substance abuse and unhealthy eating habits. This could make the problem worse over time, and prevent the woman from getting the help she requires.
It is also possible ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable in the social context of males and females and women, they are repressed or hidden by women and girls who are worried about being ostracized. For example, a girl with ADHD might show excessive and impulsive behavior in order to avoid being shamed for not conforming to the standards of her community or school.
In the end, these triggers can lead to a cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends, and teachers to recognize these struggles in women and girls as they can be an indication of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and needs to be addressed by a combination of therapy and medication.
Emotional Difficulties
Women with ADHD typically find it more difficult than men to manage their emotions. The mood of women with ADHD is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can lead to more severe symptoms like irritability and feeling of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional issues can have serious implications for relationships and job prospects.
ADHD can be a challenge for parents and children alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women may feel shy about ADHD and may not seek help because of this. Some women try to hide their symptoms using strategies to cope, such as excessive drinking or substance abuse, but this can make the situation more difficult. Masking can also make it harder for teachers and employers to recognize ADHD symptoms for women, and it could lead to a delay in diagnosing.
It is easier for women with ADHD to hide her symptoms during her teens and early adolescence than when she becomes an adult. Stress from everyday life and pressures from society to be successful in both relationships and work can cause more ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling like failures as well as low self-esteem and chronic distress. For some, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be an epiphany, helping them to understand the root cause of their difficulties and allowing them to accept their own uniqueness.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty finding support at school or at work. They may be uncomfortable in telling a supervisor or professor and worry that their choice will be seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make small adjustments to help people who suffer from ADHD achieve their goals.
In addition to locating supportive peers, women with ADHD can benefit from joining online support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups offer the opportunity to share personal stories and discuss the particular difficulties of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As women and girls mature they can develop coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to detect. A girl may dress and act as her peers in order to avoid being bullied or criticized by others. She could try to compensate for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by working more at school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other strategies for coping could disguise the presence of ADHD in females and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
A lot of the time, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, before they receive an official diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions can conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They can also make treatment more difficult.
adults adhd symptoms and women 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 temperamental or overly emotional, which can increase their frustration.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to miss birthdays or miss important details which can cause conflicts and confusion. They also might be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances, and other obligations of the day. These issues can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can create an unhealthy internal landscape of self-esteem and beliefs.
Gender bias in clinical settings can also affect the rate that women and girls are referred to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in the classroom to read vignettes about children suffering from ADHD symptoms, and then rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or seek services for the child described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD, like other conditions that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and deteriorate at various times. For example, symptoms may be more evident during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy or the menopause. These changes can lead to issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, and also cause feelings of frustration and disappointment.