Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often go undiagnosed 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 tend to develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol and substance abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like anxiety and depression are also common among these individuals.
Inattention
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 around the house unattended. They are unable to keep track of their finances as well as household chores and record-keeping. They also tend to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory problems. They also have trouble sitting still for long periods of time and have difficulty staying focused or following the directions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more often found in males and females but the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent for women and girls. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers are categorized as inattentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that persist for longer than six months to be eligible for a diagnosis.
The inattentive symptoms of ADHD are often harder to spot than other types of ADHD because many people don't see them as a part of an issue or have different expectations about what a girl should be doing. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than boys.
In addition, the way that ADHD affects a woman is different at different times of her life due to hormonal fluctuations. For example the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may become more severe during her menstrual cycle, if she's pregnant, or when she enters menopause.
These symptoms can have a profound effect on women's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. They can lead to feelings of shame and low self-worth because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also be suffering from depression and anxiety. They can also engage in sexual activities which increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They may also have difficulty accepting rejection from others, whether it's real or not. As a result, they may avoid social settings and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD in women and girls. They are more likely to delay or lose things, have trouble concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in busy environments. They might also have a hard time sleeping or relaxing, and they may be more prone to mood fluctuations and anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause problems at school, at home and in their relationships.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are more common in boys and men women and girls can be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Healthcare professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do for male ones. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
This, combined with the tendency to conceal their issues, can result in adults with ADHD experience a greater impact than is typically reported. For instance, they may not have trouble focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They might struggle to make decisions when shopping or have trouble finding the time to relax or sleep.
This can affect their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying issue, they may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that could include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This could make the problem worse in time, and stop the woman from receiving the assistance she needs.
It is also possible that because ADHD-linked behaviors are more popular with boys and men and women, they are repressed or concealed by women and girls who are worried about being rejected. For instance, a child who suffers from ADHD may exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being judged for not conforming to the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
Ultimately, these factors can result in a cycle of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers should be aware of these struggles and be aware that they could be indicators of an undiagnosed disorder. The disorder can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Difficulties
Women who suffer from ADHD have a harder time managing their emotions than men. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can lead to more severe symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of inadequate. Women with ADHD are also more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These emotional issues could be detrimental to career and relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a slog for both parents and children however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women may feel shy about ADHD and might not seek help because of this. They may also try to mask their symptoms by implementing 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 as well as women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It can also delay diagnosis.
It's much easier for a woman with ADHD to hide her symptoms in her adolescence and youth than when she becomes an adult. Stress from daily life and the pressures of society to be successful in relationships and work can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women with ADHD feeling a sense of failure, low self-esteem and constant stress. For some, getting the diagnosis of ADHD could be a lightbulb moment, helping them to understand the root of their difficulties and helping them accept their own uniqueness.
Many women with ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive help at work or at school. They may feel embarrassed confiding in a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the accommodations they require will be perceived as a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, the majority of supervisors and instructors will make small accommodations to allow people with ADHD to perform their roles.
In addition to locating female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can benefit from joining online support groups for adults with ADHD. These groups offer a opportunities to share experiences and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.
Co-Occurring conditions
As girls and women mature, they may develop strategies to deal with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to spot. For example, a girl might try to dress and act more like her peers to ward off attention from bullying or social rejection. Or, she may try to redress her impulsive and chaotic behavior by putting in more effort at work or school or using productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other strategies for coping can disguise the presence of ADHD in a woman and delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Women and girls with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions could conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They may cause complications in treatment.
Females and girls who have ADHD are also at a higher chance of having low self-esteem and are more likely to be affected by co-existing mood disorders than men or boys. adhd adult symptoms are often misunderstood or dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which adds to their sense of discontent.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to overlook birthdays and to make mistakes with minor details. This can lead to miscommunication and conflict. Additionally, they might have difficulty keeping up with household chores as well as personal finances and everyday responsibilities. These issues can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can create an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their worth and capability.
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 in the classroom to read vignettes that described children suffering from ADHD symptoms, and rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or seek services for the child described. They found that participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
ADHD as with other conditions is a condition that can be severe and deteriorate at various times. For instance, symptoms may be more pronounced during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can lead to difficulties with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.