Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD often are not recognized as children, because the disorder is different in girls than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also have a tendency to develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol and substance abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to co-existing disorders like depression and anxiety.
Attention!
Women who aren't attentive ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They might miss appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They have a difficult time organizing their personal finances, record-keeping, and household chores. It's also common for these women to have issues with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult for them to remember dates or names. They also have trouble being still for long periods and aren't able to concentrate or follow directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more often associated with males and boys however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in girls and women. In fact, it's estimated that up to 80% of all ADHD sufferers are not attentive. To be eligible for a diagnosis, you must show at least five ongoing inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be difficult for people to recognize because they don't view them as a sign of 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.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can change in time due to hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms can worsen during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms.
These symptoms can have a negative impact on the self-esteem of women and their satisfaction with her life. They can lead to feelings of shame and low self-worth due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women with untreated ADHD may also be suffering from anxiety and depression. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors which increase the likelihood of having children sexually transmitted infections, as well as other health issues. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or not. They might avoid social situations or isolate themselves as a result.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD for girls and women. They may be more likely to be procrastinators or misplace things or have difficulty concentrating on tasks and easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They might also have a hard time relaxing or falling asleep and are more susceptible to mood fluctuations and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at school, at home and in their relationships.
Since symptoms of ADHD are more common in boys and men women and girls can be overlooked for a diagnosis. Health professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do male students. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis as well as an inability to treat.
Combined with a tendency to hide their issues, this can result in adults suffering from ADHD experience a greater impact from the condition than typically reported. For instance, they might not have trouble focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make decisions at the grocery store or have trouble to sleep or relax.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they might adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This could include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This can make the problem worse over time and keep the woman from getting assistance that could improve her life dramatically.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more popular with boys and men socially It is possible that girls and women may suppress or hide from fear of being disregarded. For instance, girls with ADHD might exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being judged because they aren't in line with the norms of their school or community.
In the end, these triggers can create a vicious cycle of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators must be aware of these issues and be aware that they could be a sign of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. This disorder is treatable through therapy and medication.
Emotional Difficulties
Women with ADHD tend to struggle more than men to control their emotions. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormone fluctuations throughout the day, which may cause symptoms like anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. sign of adhd in adults can have serious consequences for relationships and career opportunities.
Having ADHD can be a challenge for parents and children alike however, it is particularly challenging for women. Women often feel embarrassed or ashamed about their ADHD which can prevent them from seeking assistance. They may also try to mask their symptoms by developing strategies to cope, like excessive drinking or substance use, which can make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers, as well as women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It may delay the diagnosis.
It is easier for women with ADHD to hide her symptoms during her teens and early adolescence than when she becomes an adult. The stress of everyday life, along with the social pressures to be successful at work and in relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they're failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause chronic distress. For some, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD can be like a lightbulb moment that helps them to understand the root cause of their difficulties and helping them accept their own uniqueness.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty finding support at work or school. They may feel shy to speak to a supervisor or professor and worry that their choice will be seen as an indication of weakness or incompetence. However, the majority of supervisors and instructors are willing to make small adjustments to enable people with ADHD to succeed in their roles.
Women with ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups offer an opportunity to share stories and discuss the unique issues of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring conditions
As girls and women become teenagers, they develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to see. A girl may dress and act like her peers to avoid being bullied or rejected by peers. She could also try to redress her impulsive and chaotic behavior by putting in more effort at school or at work, or relying on productivity apps to get her tasks accomplished. These and other strategies for coping can disguise the presence of ADHD in a woman and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Girls and women with ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions could conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They can also make treatment more difficult.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by co-existing mood disorders than males or boys. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which can increase their anger.
Additionally, many women have difficulty in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to miss birthdays and miss small details. This could lead to confusion and conflict. Additionally, they might struggle to manage household chores financial obligations, personal finances, and other daily obligations. These issues can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can fuel an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their worth and capabilities.
In clinical settings, gender bias also affects the number of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes about children with ADHD symptoms and rated how likely they were to recommend or seek out services for the child depicted. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD like other disorders, can vary in severity and deteriorate at various times. For instance, symptoms might be more severe during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or menopause. These changes can lead to difficulties with relationships, social functioning and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of disappointment and despair.