Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed as children because the disorder appears differently in girls than it does 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 and substance abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like depression and anxiety, are also common in these people.
Inattention
Women with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They might forget appointments or leave things unattended around the house. They struggle to manage their personal finances, record-keeping and household chores. It's also common for women with this condition to have problems with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult to remember names or dates. They also have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time and have difficulty staying focused or following instructions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more frequently found in males and females however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in girls and women. As high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. You must have five inattentive symptoms that persist for longer than six months to be eligible for a diagnosis.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be harder for people to identify because they don't see the symptoms as a problem, or have different expectations of how a girl should act. This is why teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than they are for boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms can change as time passes due to hormonal fluctuations. For example women's symptoms could be more severe during the menstrual cycle, when she's pregnant, or when she enters menopausal.
These signs can have a major impact on a woman's self-esteem and life satisfaction. These symptoms can lead to feelings of shame and low-self-worth, as they make it hard to manage relationships, work or household chores. Women who are not treated for ADHD can also suffer from anxiety and depression. They may also engage in sexual behaviors which increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also struggle with the sensitivity to rejection since they have difficulty accepting negative responses from others. They may avoid social interactions or isolate themselves due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD in women and girls. They may be more likely to be procrastinators or misplace things and have difficulty focusing on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have a hard time sleeping or relaxing and may be more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These signs can cause problems at school, home and in relationships.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are more common in males and females however, girls and women may be overlooked for a diagnosis. Health professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male ones. This can lead to an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to hide their struggles can mean that adults who have ADHD suffer more than is typically reported. For instance, they might not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. signs of adhd in adults may struggle to make choices at the shop or struggle to sleep or relax.
This can have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they could develop unhealthy ways to cope. This could include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time, and hinder the woman from seeking help that could improve her life dramatically.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable to males and females in social settings it is possible that women and girls might hide or suppress them out of fear of being disregarded. For instance, girls with ADHD may exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behaviors to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the norms of school or community.
In the end, these triggers can lead to a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. It is crucial for family members, friends and educators to be aware of these issues in girls and women, because they could be a sign of a disorder that is not recognized and requires treatment through therapy and medication management.
Emotional Troubles
Women with ADHD often struggle more than men to control their emotions. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of inadequate. Women with ADHD also are more prone to anxiety and depression. These emotional issues can have serious consequences for relationships and career prospects.
ADHD can be a challenge for parents and children alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women are often shy or embarrassed about their ADHD and this may hinder them from seeking assistance. They may also try to mask their symptoms by implementing strategies for coping, like excessive drinking or substance abuse, which can actually make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers to notice ADHD symptoms for women, and can lead to delay in diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able to successfully hide her symptoms during the adolescent years and in her youth, but it's more challenging when she's an adult. The pressures of life, along with the societal expectations to excel at work and in relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling like they are failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause constant stress. For some, getting the diagnosis of ADHD could be a lightbulb moment that helps people to recognize the root cause of their difficulties and giving them the chance to accept their own uniqueness.
Many women suffering from ADHD find it difficult to receive help at work or school. They may be embarrassed to tell an instructor or supervisor and fear that their accommodations is seen as an indication of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to help those with ADHD achieve their goals.
Women with ADHD who are seeking friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups offer an opportunity to share stories and discuss the particular challenges of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring conditions
As girls and women mature and develop, they may come up with strategies to cope that mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to spot. A girl may dress and behave like her peers to avoid being bullied or criticized by other people. In addition, she might take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by putting more effort into school or work or relying on productivity apps to get tasks accomplished. These and other coping strategies can disguise the existence of ADHD in females and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Most often, girls and women who have ADHD are often diagnosed with other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, before they are given a diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions may obscure the symptoms and presence of ADHD. They can cause complications in treatment.
Females and girls who have ADHD also have a greater chance of having low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by co-existing mood disorders than males or boys. They may be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which can increase their anger.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to forget birthdays or miss important details, which can lead to conflicts and confusion. Also, they may struggle to manage household chores, personal finances and daily responsibilities. These issues can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can fuel an internal chaos of untruthful beliefs about their worth and capabilities.
Gender bias in clinical settings can also affect the rate that women and girls are being referred to an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes about children with ADHD symptoms. They then assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek out services for the child in the. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD like other disorders is a condition that can be severe and worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms might be more prominent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can cause problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of failure and frustration.