Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD often go undiagnosed as children, because 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 also have a tendency to develop unhealthy strategies for coping, like excessive alcohol and substance abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like depression and anxiety are also common among these individuals.
Attention!
Women with inattentive ADHD often find it hard to keep up with their schoolwork, job and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They are unable to keep their finances in order chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. These women are also prone to forget names and dates, and also suffer from memory issues. They also have difficulty staying still for long periods and aren't able to concentrate or follow instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more frequently associated with boys and men however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common in girls and women. In fact, it's believed that as high as 80% of all ADHD sufferers are inattentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that last for more than six month to qualify for a diagnoses.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to recognize than the other kinds of ADHD because many people don't think about them as being an illness or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. Because of this, parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD evaluations for girls than they are for boys.
In addition, the way that ADHD affects women's lives is different at different times of her life due to hormone changes. Women's symptoms can become more severe during pregnancy, menstruation or menopause.
These issues can have a negative impact on women's self-esteem as well as their satisfaction with life. They can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and domestic tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are also susceptible to anxiety and depression. They can also engage in sexual behaviors which can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, whether it's real or perceived. As a result, they may avoid social situations and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They may be more likely to be procrastinators or lose things, have trouble concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in a busy environment. They may also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing, and may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems in the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Since signs of adhd in adults of ADHD are more prevalent for both genders however, girls and women may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Healthcare professionals and teachers don't suggest ADHD assessments 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 conceal their problems, this can suggest that people with ADHD experience a greater impact from the condition than generally reported. For instance, they might not report having difficulty focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They might struggle to make decisions at the supermarket or find it hard to relax or sleep.
This can have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they could adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This could include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This could make the problem worse in time, and stop the woman from receiving the assistance she requires.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more accepted by males and boys, it is possible that girls and women may suppress or hide their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being disregarded. For instance, a child with ADHD might show an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being criticized for not conforming to the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
These factors can ultimately create a cycle of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends, and teachers to recognize these struggles for women and girls, since they may be an indication of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and needs to be addressed with medication management and therapy.
Emotional Troubles
Women who suffer from ADHD have a harder time managing their emotions than men. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which can exacerbate symptoms such as anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional issues could have serious implications for career and relationships.
ADHD can be a challenge for children and parents alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women are often shy or embarrassed about their ADHD, and this can hinder them from seeking assistance. They may even try to mask their symptoms through strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or drug abuse, which could make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers and women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It may delay diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able manage to hide her symptoms throughout her youth and adolescence, but it's more challenging as an adult. The pressures of daily life, combined with social pressures to be successful in work and relationships, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These struggles can lead to women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are failing, low self-esteem, and chronic distress. For some, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD can be like an epiphany, helping people to recognize the root of their issues and allowing them to accept their own uniqueness.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find help at school or at work. They may be uncomfortable in telling an instructor or supervisor and worry that their accommodation is seen as an indication of incompetence or weakness. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor modifications to help individuals with ADHD achieve their goals.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups give members the opportunities to share experiences and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
Co-occurring conditions
As women and girls get older, they may develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms and make it harder for others to detect. For instance, a girl might try to dress and behave like her peers to avoid attention from bullying or social rejection. She could try to compensate for her chaotic, impulsive behavior by working more at school or at work or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other strategies for coping could conceal the presence of ADHD in women and can 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 obscure the symptoms and presence of ADHD. They may also complicate treatment.
Women and girls who suffer from 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 excessively emotional, which can increase their angst.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to overlook birthdays and make mistakes with minor details. This can cause miscommunication and conflict. They also may be struggling to manage housework, personal finances and other daily responsibilities. These issues can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted which can create an unhealthy internal landscape of their beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias affects the rate of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes describing children with ADHD symptoms. They also evaluated their likelihood to recommend or seek out services for the child in the. They found that participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than for girls.
As with other types of illnesses, ADHD can vary in severity for each patient and can worsen at different periods. For instance, symptoms could be more pronounced during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can lead to difficulties with relationships, social functioning, and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of failure and frustration.