Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls since 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, that mask their ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to coexisting conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Attention
Women with inattentive ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may miss appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They have a difficult time organizing their personal finances, record-keeping, and household chores. These women also tend 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 directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more often associated with boys and men but the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent for women and girls. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80% of all ADHD sufferers are inattentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that last for a period of more than six months to be eligible for a diagnosis.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be difficult for people to recognize because they don't perceive them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how girls should act. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms may also change in time due to hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms can become more severe when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopausal symptoms.
These signs can have a negative impact on the self-esteem of women and their life satisfaction. They can trigger feelings of shame and low self-worth because they make it hard to manage relationships, work and domestic tasks. attention deficit disorder symptoms adults who suffer from untreated ADHD may also experience depression and anxiety. They can also engage in sexual behavior which increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or not. As a result, they might avoid social situations and avoid social situations.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD in girls and women. They are more likely to procrastinate or misplace items, have trouble concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in a busy environment. They may also have trouble sleeping or relaxing, and may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxieties. These signs can cause issues at home, school and in relationships.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are more common for both genders women and girls can be overlooked for a diagnosis. Teachers and health professionals typically don't suggest ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as often as they do for males. This can lead to an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
This, along with the tendency to conceal their struggles can mean that adults who have ADHD suffer more than is typically reported. They may not even mention that they have difficulty concentrating at work or feel overwhelmed by household tasks. They may have difficulty making choices at the store or have trouble to sleep or relax.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies, which could include substance use or eating habits that are unhealthy. This could make the problem worse over time, and may prevent the woman from getting the help she needs.
It is also possible that ADHD-related behavior is more popular with males and females, they may be suppressed or concealed by women and girls who are concerned about being ostracized. For example, a girl who suffers from ADHD may exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being shamed for not conforming to the norms of her community or school.
In the end, these triggers can lead to a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers should be aware of these struggles because they could be indicators of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. The disorder is treatable with medication and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time managing their emotions than men. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can cause symptoms like irritability or a feeling of inadequacy. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional issues can have a serious impact on relationships and career prospects.
ADHD can be a problem for both children and parents but it can be especially difficult for women. Women often feel embarrassed or ashamed about their ADHD, and this can hinder them from seeking help. Some women try to cover up their symptoms by using methods of coping such as excessive drinking or drug use which can make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers, as well as women themselves, to recognize ADHD symptoms. It may delay diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be able to successfully hide her symptoms during her youth and adolescence however, it can be more difficult as an adult. The stress of everyday life, combined with social pressures to be successful at work and in relationships, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling a sense of failure, low self-esteem and a constant sense of anxiety. For some, an diagnosis of ADHD can be like an epiphany, helping them understand the root cause of their challenges and helping them accept themselves more fully.
Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty finding support at school or at work. They might be shy to speak to an instructor or supervisor and worry that their accommodation will be seen as a sign of incompetence or weakness. However, most instructors and supervisors are willing to make small adjustments to help people with ADHD to succeed in their jobs.
In addition to finding people who can be supportive, women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups offer an opportunity to share stories and discuss the particular issues of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women mature, they may develop strategies to deal with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to spot. For example the girl may make an effort to dress and behave like her peers in order to avoid the attention of bullies or social rejection. She might try to make up for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other coping mechanisms can disguise the presence of ADHD in women and can delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Most often, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety, before they are given a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They may also make treatment more difficult.
Girls and females with ADHD are also at a higher risk of feeling low about themselves and are more likely to be affected by mood disorders that coexist. This is more so than boys or men. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which increases their feelings of anger.
Additionally many women experience difficulties in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to forget birthdays and to make mistakes with minor details. This could lead to confusion and conflict. Additionally, they might struggle to manage household chores, personal finances and everyday responsibilities. These issues can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can fuel an internal chaos of untruthful beliefs about their worth and capabilities.
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 to read vignettes describing children with ADHD symptoms. They then assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek 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 deteriorate at various times. For instance, symptoms can be more evident during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy or the menopausal cycle. These changes can cause issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and also cause feelings of frustration and failure.