Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in 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 also tend to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive drinking and substance abuse that cover up their ADHD symptoms and delays the diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like depression and anxiety, are also common in these people.
Attention!
Women with inattention ADHD often have difficulty to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They may forget appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They are unable to keep the track of their finances as well as household chores and record-keeping. These women are also prone to forget names and dates, and have memory problems. They also have difficulty being still for long durations of time and have trouble staying focused or following the directions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more common in boys and men, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also common for women and girls. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are inattentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must show at least five ongoing inattention-related symptoms that last longer than six months.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD are often harder to spot than other types of ADHD because many people don't see them as a part of an issue or have different expectations of what a girl should be doing. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms can change over time due to hormonal changes. Women's symptoms may worsen when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopausal symptoms.
These issues can have a negative impact on women's self-esteem as well as their life satisfaction. These issues can lead to feelings of shame and low-self-worth, as they make it difficult 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 activities that increase the chance of having a baby, sexually transmitted infections and other health issues. They might also struggle with the sensitivity to rejection since they have a hard time accepting real or perceived negative responses from other people. They may avoid social interactions or even isolate themselves due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD for both genders. They might procrastinate more, misplace things or have difficulty concentrating. They can also become overwhelmed by busy environments. They might also have trouble getting comfortable or falling asleep, and they may be more susceptible to mood fluctuations and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at school, home and in relationships.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent for both genders women and girls can be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Healthcare professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do for male ones. This could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis and delays in treatment.
In addition, with a tendency to hide their struggles, this can mean that adults with ADHD have a more severe impact of the condition than typically reported. They might not mention that they have difficulty concentrating at work or are overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making decisions when shopping or have trouble finding the time to sleep or relax.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies that may include alcohol addiction or eating habits that are unhealthy. This can make the problem worse over time, and hinder the woman from seeking help that could change her life dramatically.
It is also possible ADHD-related behavior is more socially acceptable for boys and men and women, they are repressed or hidden by girls and women who are concerned about being rejected. For instance, girls with ADHD might display excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized because they don't fit in with the norms at school or community.
These factors can ultimately create an environment of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators should be aware of these struggles because they could be signs of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. This condition can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Troubles
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their emotions than males. The mood of women with ADHD is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms like irritability and feeling of inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional problems can have serious implications for relationships and career opportunities.
ADHD can be a major challenge for children and parents alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can feel embarrassed about ADHD and might not seek help because of this. Women may attempt to cover up their symptoms by using coping strategies like excessive drinking or substance abuse which can cause more harm. Masking can also make it more difficult for teachers and employers to notice ADHD symptoms for women, and it can lead to a delay in diagnosing.
It is easier for women with ADHD to hide the signs of ADHD in her teens and early adolescence than it is as an adult. The pressures of life, combined with expectations from society to excel at work and in relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These struggles can lead to women with ADHD feeling like failures, low self-esteem, and ongoing stress. The 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 suffering from ADHD have difficulty finding support at work or school. They may feel uncomfortable in telling their supervisor or professor about their condition and fear that their accommodations will be seen as an indication of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make small modifications to help individuals who suffer from ADHD succeed in their work.
In addition to locating people who can be supportive, women suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups provide an opportunity to share stories and discuss the unique issues of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring conditions
As girls and women mature and develop, they may come up with coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to recognize. For example girls may attempt to dress and act like her peers to avoid being a target for bullying or social rejection. In addition, she might try to redress her impulsive and chaotic behavior by working harder at school or work or using productivity apps to get her tasks done. These and other coping strategies could conceal the presence of ADHD in a woman and delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions can mask the presence and symptoms of ADHD. They can cause complications in treatment.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem, as well as coexisting mood disorders. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which adds to their frustration.
In signs and symptoms of adhd in adults , many women have difficulty in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to miss birthdays and to make mistakes with small details. This could lead to confusion and conflict. They also may be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances and other obligations of the day. These challenges can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted which can lead to an internal chaos of untruthful beliefs about their worth and capability.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings can affect the frequency that women and girls are referred to an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a classroom to read vignettes that described children with ADHD symptoms, and then rate how likely they were to recommend or seek out services for the child they described. They found that participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
Like adult adhd symptoms , ADHD can vary in intensity for individuals and can worsen at different times. For example, symptoms may be more prominent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or the menopausal phase. These changes can cause problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.