Female Symptoms of ADHD
Teens and women with ADHD tend to show inattentive symptoms, as opposed to the impulsivity and hyperactivity that are more prevalent in boys and men. This makes them more likely to be overlooked and not properly diagnosed.
Gender stereotypes can contribute to this as caregivers may believe that girls who are quiet or dreamy are simply "being girls." ADHD symptoms can be worsened by hormonal fluctuations in the menstrual cycle and perimenopausal.
1. Hyperactivity
Many people think of ADHD when they see a boy who flies off the walls at school. This is a form of ADHD that affects women as well as girls. ADHD symptoms in women and girls are often harder to identify than in boys, so the condition is often misdiagnosed or left untreated.
Women suffering from ADHD can exhibit unpredictable behavior which makes it difficult to stop and think before acting. They might not be able to hear to others when they are speaking, and may have trouble following instructions or working through tasks. These issues can lead to frustration and confusion with family or friends, as well as romantic partners and coworkers.
Many women with ADHD experience rejection sensitivity, which is an intense emotional response to real or perceived rejection. Combined with low self-esteem and difficulties in friendships with peers This can make it difficult for a woman to cope with her ADHD symptoms.
Symptoms of ADHD in women can flare up at various times during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger mood swings and irritability and may cause problems with concentration.
Some girls and women who have ADHD have a better chance to manage their symptoms through eating, exercise and sleep habits. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters which boost concentration and attention. It can also help calm anxiety and stress, which are common among women suffering from ADHD. Sleeping enough and taking breaks from your activities can also help with ADHD symptoms. Using tools like planners, checklists, and post-it notes to track tasks can be beneficial for many people suffering from ADHD. In certain instances healthcare professionals can prescribe medication to manage symptoms.
2. Inattention
Even when symptoms are severe, women and girls with inattention ADHD are not diagnosed. They struggle to stay on top of the classroom, their homes are messy, and they have trouble with relationships and performance at work. They might try to make up for it by hiding their problems or by convincing themselves that they're not affected their symptoms.
Gender bias can play a role in missed or misdiagnoses. For example, when males exhibit symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity are more likely to be referred for diagnosis and treatment. Girls who display inattention could be viewed as ditzy, dreamy or space cases.
Inattention can manifest in many ways. You may forget appointments, not adhere to your commitments, or have difficulty staying focused during classroom lectures. You have a hard time waiting your turn when talking with others and are unable to stop interrupting. You have a poor memory and are often lost items or forget their location. You are unable to follow simple instructions and are prone to avoid tasks that require concentration, like homework or chores.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can also become more severe when hormonal changes take place, such as during menstrual cycle, pregnancy or perimenopause. This makes it harder to focus at work or at home, and makes it harder to keep friendships intact or reach goals in life.
adults adhd symptoms can help you manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals like dopamine that can boost your mood and concentration. Regular exercise can help you burn extra energy and reduce depression or anxiety symptoms -which are common among women suffering from ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Women and adolescents who suffer from ADHD tend to experience more anxiety and mood issues than impulsivity or hyperactivity. Female gender roles make it difficult for girls to admit that they're struggling, which is why they tend to camouflage ADHD symptoms with other behaviors. This can lead to misdiagnosis and under-reporting among women and girls. They may also be more likely to have inattentive ADHD symptoms, which don't show up as obvious as the impulsive/hyperactive ones that boys and men display.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger and stress. It can be overwhelming and debilitating but it's a good thing. It keeps you aware of danger and helps you respond quickly if something is not right. However, anxiety can trigger a range of physical symptoms, such as sweating and jitteriness. It can also cause a rapid heartbeat, or palpitations. People who experience frequent, severe, or disabling anxiety may be diagnosed with anxiety disorders. An anxiety disorder can include panic disorder (where you experience frequent unplanned panic attacks) and fear of certain objects or situations (where you are extremely scared of certain objects or events), obsessive compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thoughts and repetitive behavior), and separation anxiety disorder.
Many women who suffer from ADHD struggle with a concept called "time blindness." They might forget important dates or appointments, show up at the wrong location at the wrong time, or get too distracted by their work that they miss social interactions. This can make them appear aloof, unfocused or inconsiderate of other people. Good sleep habits will aid in avoiding time blindness. Therefore make sure you have an established bedtime and take time to do something relaxing, such as reading, listening music, or meditating before you go to sleep.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD have a difficult time staying organized. They may find it difficult to keep on top of their schedules, appointments and other belongings. Their car, home and office could be messy and their bags filled with receipts, 17 different chapsticks, and a ticket to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their lack of organization and forgetfulness could make it difficult for them to maintain and develop relationships at work as well as in their personal lives.
Women can also have a difficult time expressing themselves in social situations. They may be impatient and impulsive and can cause them to interrupt others or blurt things out without considering the consequences. The struggle to filter their thoughts can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary from day to day due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance estrogen levels are at their lowest during ovulation and the menstrual cycle which can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms. These symptoms may be the reason for why many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed correctly.
There is a stigma against diagnosing females with ADHD, in addition to the biological differences between males and women in regards to brain structure and chemicals. This bias is linked to the fact that ADHD research and educational programs primarily focus on boys and men/people AMAB, so it's more likely that healthcare providers and educators will see hyperactive/impulsive-type symptoms in those groups and overlook symptoms of inattentive ADHD in women.
Women with ADHD can manage their symptoms with medications and other treatments. With the right support they can succeed in their work, school and in their personal lives. Medical treatment can give them a huge boost in concentration and help them better handle every day challenges, and behavioral therapy and special smartphone apps are additional tools to keep them on top of their game.
5. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD tend to be unable to control their impulses. This is because the part of the brain that makes decisions, and thinks about consequences, isn't functioning similarly. This could lead to the tendency of people to act or say things without thinking about the consequences, which can have negative consequences. For instance, an impulsive behaviour might lead to financial problems or cause damage to relationships. It can also lead to reckless behaviors, such as sexual.
A person suffering from ADHD may develop a variety of coping strategies to assist them in overcoming their difficulties with controlling their impulses. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, or calming yourself with food are all possible. Having a poor diet or sleeping less than you ought to can cause problems.
Women and girls with ADHD may also struggle to recognize they are having issues with their behavior. They may have difficulty to explain their problems, so they cover up their problems. This could make it difficult for people to understand their symptoms and delay diagnosis.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD typically have different symptoms than men or boys. They might be more inattentive and are more likely to be the victim of co-existing anxiety and mood disorders, like depression. These factors can be the reason for girls and women with ADHD being misdiagnosed more often than males or females.
While awareness of ADHD has improved but it's still a problem that affects millions of people. It's especially common in adolescence and early adulthood, when many people are trying to meet the demands of their work or school. It's important for parents and educators to be aware that a girl or woman they know is suffering from ADHD so that they can get her the help she needs.