Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed among girls because it manifests differently than 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 consumption and drug abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to co-existing disorders like depression and anxiety.
Attention
Women with inattention ADHD often have difficulty to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They struggle to keep their finances in order as well as household chores and record-keeping. They are also prone to forget names and dates, and have memory problems. They also have a difficult time being still for long durations of time and have difficulty staying focused or following instructions.
While the impulse control and hyperactivity are more prevalent for males and boys, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also common in women and girls. As high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must have at least five inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD are often harder to identify than other kinds of ADHD because many people don't consider them as a part of a disorder or have different expectations of what a girl should be doing. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can change over time due to hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms can worsen when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopause.
These signs can have a significant effect on women's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. They can cause feelings of shame and low self-worth due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD are also susceptible to anxiety and depression. They may also engage in sexual behavior that increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They may also experience rejection sensitivity because they have difficulty accepting negative reactions from others. They may avoid social situations or isolate themselves because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first indications of ADHD for women and girls. They may procrastinate more than usual, lose items or have trouble focusing. They may also become overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They may also have difficulties falling asleep or relaxing, and could be more prone to mood swings and anxieties. Symptoms like these can cause problems at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Since symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females however, girls and women may be overlooked for a diagnosis. Teachers and health professionals typically don't suggest ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as often as they do for male students. This can result in an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to conceal their struggles can make it clear that people with ADHD suffer more than is usually reported. For instance, they may not have trouble focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making choices at the grocery store or have trouble finding the time to relax or sleep.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying problem, they may develop unhealthy ways to cope. This may include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This could make the problem worse in time, and stop the woman from receiving the assistance she needs.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more popular with males and boys, it is possible that girls and women may suppress or hide from fear of being disregarded. For instance, a girl who suffers from ADHD might display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being criticized for not conforming to the standards of her community or school.
These causes can create an environment of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers must be aware of these struggles and be aware that they could be a sign of an undiagnosed disorder. This condition can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Problems
Women with ADHD tend to have a harder time than men to control their emotions. Their moods are more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults can cause symptoms like irritability and feeling of inadequate. Women with ADHD are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression. These emotional difficulties may be detrimental to career and relationships.
ADHD can be a challenge for both children and parents 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 attempt to hide 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 and women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It can delay diagnosis.
It's much easier for a woman who suffers from ADHD to conceal her symptoms in her teens and early adolescence than it is as an adult. The pressures of daily life, along with the social pressures to be successful in work and relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women with ADHD feeling like they are a victim of failure, low self-esteem and a constant sense of anxiety. The diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for some women. It can help them understand the cause of their difficulties and help them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women with ADHD struggle to receive help at school or work. They may feel embarrassed telling a supervisor or professor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the support they require is seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, most supervisors and instructors are willing to make small adjustments to enable people with ADHD to perform their jobs.
In addition to finding supportive peers, women with ADHD can benefit by joining online support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups offer a an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.
Co-occurring conditions
As girls and women mature they can develop strategies to cope that mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to spot. For instance, a girl might make an effort to dress and behave like her peers to avoid being a target for bullying or social rejection. Or, she may take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by putting in more effort at school or work or relying on productivity apps to get her tasks done. These and other coping strategies can mask the presence ADHD in females and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
A lot of the time, girls and women who have ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, prior to the time they are given a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can mask the presence and symptoms 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 and other mood disorders. They are often misunderstood or dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which increases their feelings of discontent.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have issues in their relationships. They tend to forget birthdays or misunderstand minor details which can cause conflict and confusion. Additionally, they might struggle to manage household chores as well as personal finances and daily responsibilities. These difficulties can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can lead to an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their capabilities and worth.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings also influences the rate of women and girls who are being 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 how likely they were to recommend or seek services for the child described. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services to boys than girls.
As with other types of illnesses, ADHD can vary in intensity for individuals and may be worsened at different periods. For instance, symptoms might be more prominent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can lead to issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and cause feelings of frustration and failure.
