Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD are often not diagnosed as children due to the fact that the disorder manifests differently in girls than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They are also prone to developing unhealthy coping mechanisms that include drinking excessively and using substances that cover up their ADHD symptoms and hinders the accurate diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to coexisting conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Attention!
Women with inattention ADHD often find it hard to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave things unattended around the house. adhd symptoms in women have trouble keeping track of their finances as well as household chores and record-keeping. It's also common for these women to have problems with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult to remember dates or names. They also have trouble staying still for long periods of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following directions.
While the impulse control and hyperactivity are more common in males and females however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent for women and girls. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must show at least five inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be difficult to spot because they don't view them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. This is why teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than for boys.
In addition, the way that ADHD affects a woman can change over different periods of her life due to hormone changes. Women's symptoms may worsen during pregnancy, menstruation or menopause.
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, as they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home chores. Women who are not treated for ADHD might also suffer from depression and anxiety. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behavior that increase the likelihood of having children and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health problems. They may also experience sensitization to rejection because they have difficulty accepting negative responses from others. This is why they may avoid social settings and isolate themselves.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They might procrastinate more and lose things, or have trouble focusing. They may also be overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They may also have trouble sleeping or relaxing, and are more prone to mood swings and anxieties. These symptoms can cause problems at school, home and in relationships.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent for both genders however, girls and women may be overlooked for a diagnosis. Teachers and healthcare providers don't suggest ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do for male students. This can lead to an incorrect diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to conceal their problems, could make it clear that people with ADHD experience a greater impact than is usually reported. For instance, they might not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions when shopping or have trouble finding the time to relax or sleep.
This could affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they may adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This may include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time, and hinder the woman from seeking help that could improve her life dramatically.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more acceptable to males and females in social settings It is possible that girls and women might hide or suppress them out of fear of being disregarded. For instance, a girl who suffers from ADHD might show hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being judged for not conforming to the norms of her community or school.
These factors can ultimately create an environment of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. It's important for family members, friends and teachers to be aware of these issues for women and girls, since they may be an indication of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and must be treated through therapy and medication management.
Emotional Problems
Women suffering from ADHD tend to have a harder time than men to control their emotions. Moods are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which may increase symptoms such as anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression. These emotional difficulties may be detrimental to career and relationships.
Having ADHD can be a struggle for parents as well as children however, it is particularly challenging for women. Women often feel shy or embarrassed about their ADHD, and this can prevent them from seeking assistance. They may even attempt to hide their symptoms by implementing strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse, which could cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it harder for teachers and employers to recognize ADHD symptoms in women, and it can contribute to delays in diagnosis.
It's easier for a woman with ADHD to hide her symptoms in her teens and early adolescence than as an adult. The pressures of life, along with the expectations from society to excel at work and in relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These struggles can lead to women with ADHD feeling like they are failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause ongoing stress. For some, getting an diagnosis of ADHD could be a lightbulb moment, helping them to understand the root of their challenges and helping them accept their own uniqueness.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty finding support at work or school. They might be embarrassed to tell their supervisor or professor about their condition and fear that their accommodations will be seen as an indication of incompetence or weakness. However, the majority of instructors and supervisors will make small adjustments to help people with ADHD to perform their job.
Women with ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups offer a chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As girls and women grow older and develop, they may come up with strategies to cope that mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to recognize. For instance girls may try to dress and act more like her peers in order to avoid attention from bullying or social rejection. She might try to make up for her impulsive, disorganized behavior by putting more effort into school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other coping strategies can disguise the existence of ADHD in females and delay her adult diagnosis.
Women and girls with ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before receiving an official diagnosis. These other disorders can disguise the presence of ADHD, as well as complicate treatment and recovery.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which further contributes to their feelings of anger.
Additionally, many women have difficulty in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to forget birthdays or err on minor details which can cause conflicts and miscommunication. They also may struggle to keep up with household chores, personal finances and other daily responsibilities. These challenges can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can lead to an internal chaos of their beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias influences the frequency of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes that described children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They then evaluated their likelihood to recommend or seek out services for the child depicted. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD as with other conditions is a condition that can be severe and deteriorate at various times. For instance, symptoms might be more severe during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, as well as contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.