Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls because it presents differently than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These individuals are also prone to developing unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and drug abuse that cover up their ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as anxiety and depression are also common among these people.
Inattention
Women with inattentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They may forget appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They struggle to keep their finances in order chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. It's also normal for women with this condition to have issues with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult for them to remember dates or names. They also have trouble sitting 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 boys and men however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent for women and girls. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are not attentive. symptoms of adult adhd must have five symptoms of inattention that last for longer than six months to be eligible for a diagnosis.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms are often difficult 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 evaluations for girls than they are for boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms can change in time due to hormonal fluctuations. For example the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may become more severe during her menstrual cycle, when she is pregnant or when she enters menopause.
These symptoms can have a profound effect on women's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. These symptoms can lead to feelings of shame and low-self-worth and can make it hard to manage relationships, work or household chores. Women who are not treated for ADHD are also susceptible to depression and anxiety. They could also engage in sexual behaviors that increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, regardless of whether it is real or perceived. As a result, they may avoid social settings and avoid social situations.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first symptoms of ADHD for girls and women. They may procrastinate more, misplace things or have trouble focusing. They can also become overwhelmed by the busy environment. They may also have difficulty getting sleep or relaxing and may be more susceptible to mood swings or anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at school, at home and in their relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more common for both genders women and girls can be overlooked for a diagnosis. Teachers and healthcare professionals often don't suggest ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male ones. This can lead to an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
Along with the tendency to hide their issues It could suggest that people with ADHD have a more severe impact from the condition than usually reported. For instance, they may not have trouble focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might struggle to make decisions at the supermarket or find it hard to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they could adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This could include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This can cause more problems over time, and prevent the woman from receiving the assistance she needs.
Because symptoms of adhd adults -related behaviors are more acceptable to males and boys, it is possible that girls and women might hide or suppress from fear of being rejected. For instance, girls who have ADHD might exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behaviors to avoid being judged because they don't fit in with the norms of school or in the community.
Ultimately, these factors can create a vicious cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. Families, friends, and educators should be aware of the struggles, as they may be signs of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. The disorder is treatable with medication and therapy.
Emotional Troubles
Women suffering from ADHD tend to struggle more than men to control their emotions. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of inadequate. Women with ADHD are also more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These emotional issues can have serious implications for relationships and job prospects.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a challenge for parents as well as children, but it's especially difficult for women. Women can feel embarrassed about ADHD and might not seek help due to this. Women may attempt to mask symptoms with strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or drug abuse which can make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers and women themselves, to recognize ADHD symptoms. It may delay diagnosis.
It's much easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal her symptoms during her teens and early adolescence than as an adult. The stress of everyday life, combined with expectations from society to excel at work and in relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling a sense of failure, low self-esteem and a constant sense of anxiety. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a life-changing moment for certain women. It can help them understand the root of their difficulties and help them to accept themselves better.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find help at school or at work. They may be embarrassed to tell an instructor or supervisor and worry that their choice is seen as an indication of weakness or incompetence. Most teachers and supervisors are willing to make small modifications to help individuals with ADHD succeed in their work.
Women with ADHD who are looking for supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups can provide an opportunity to share stories and discuss the particular challenges of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring conditions
As women and girls become teenagers, they develop coping strategies that cover their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to see. A girl might dress and act like her peers to avoid being bullied or rejected by others. She may compensate for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other strategies for coping can mask the presence of ADHD in a woman and delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Girls and women with ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD, as well as make it difficult to treat and recover.
Females and girls who have ADHD are also at a higher risk of feeling low about themselves and are more likely to be affected by co-existing mood disorders than men or boys. They are often misunderstood or dismissed as emotionally unstable or temperamental, which adds to their sense of frustration.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely than men to forget birthdays and miss small details. This could lead to confusion and conflict. They also may struggle to keep up with housework, personal finances and other obligations of the day. These challenges can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their worth and capability.
Gender bias in clinical settings can affect the frequency at which girls and women are referred for an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in a class to read vignettes describing children with ADHD symptoms, and then rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or seek services for the child they described. They found that the respondents 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 may worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms can be more evident during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy or the menopausal cycle. These changes can lead to problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance. They can also lead to feelings of failure and frustration.