Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls since it presents differently than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These people are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as drinking excessively and using substances that mask ADHD symptoms and delays the diagnosis. They are also susceptible to co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety.
Attention
Women with inattention ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may forget appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They have trouble keeping the track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping. They are also prone to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory problems. These women also have difficulty staying still for long durations and aren't able to concentrate or follow instructions.
While the impulse control and hyperactivity are more common in males and females but the inattention ADHD subtype is also common for women and girls. Up to 80% of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that persist for longer than six months to qualify for a diagnoses.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can be difficult for people to identify because they don't view the symptoms as a problem, or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects women can change over different periods of her life due to hormone changes. For instance the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may be more severe during the menstrual cycle, while she's pregnant, or when she enters menopause.
These symptoms can have a negative impact on a woman’s self-esteem and her satisfaction with her life. They can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women with untreated ADHD might also suffer from anxiety and depression. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors that can increase the chance of having a baby and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health problems. They may also have difficulty accepting rejection from others, whether it is real or perceived. They may avoid social interactions or isolate themselves due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first indications of ADHD for both genders. They might procrastinate more than usual, lose items or have difficulty concentrating. They may also be overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They might also have difficulty getting comfortable or falling asleep and are more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at home, school and in relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more common for both genders however, girls and women may be overlooked for a diagnosis. Teachers and healthcare professionals often do not recommend ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male students. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
adult adhd symptoms , combined with the tendency to hide their issues, 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 feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions at the grocery shop or struggle to sleep or relax.
This can affect their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying issue, they may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that may include substance abuse or eating habits that are unhealthy. This can cause more problems in time, and stop the woman getting the help she needs.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more accepted by males and females in social settings, it is possible that girls and women may suppress or hide them out of fear of being rejected. For instance, girls with ADHD might exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being judged because they aren't in line with the norms at school or community.
These causes can create an environment of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends and teachers to be aware of these issues in women and girls as they can be an indication of an undiagnosed disorder that needs to be addressed with medication management and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle more than men to manage their emotions. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate due to hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which can exacerbate symptoms such as anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women with ADHD also are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional problems can have a serious impact on relationships and career opportunities.
Having ADHD can be a challenge for both parents and children however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can feel ashamed of ADHD and might not seek help due to this. Some women may try to cover up their symptoms by using strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or drug abuse however this could make the situation worse. Masking can make it more difficult for employers and teachers to notice ADHD symptoms in women, and it can lead to delay in diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able to effectively hide her symptoms in her adolescence and youth however it becomes more difficult when she's an adult. The stress of everyday life, combined with expectations from society to excel in work and relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These struggles can lead to women with ADHD feeling like failures as well as low self-esteem and constant stress. For some, the diagnosis of ADHD can be like a lightbulb moment, helping them understand the root of their difficulties and helping them accept their own uniqueness.
Many women with ADHD struggle to find help at work or school. They may feel embarrassed about confiding in a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the accommodation they need is considered a sign of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make minor adjustments to help those with ADHD succeed in their work.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups give members the chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women grow older, they may develop coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to recognize. For example the girl may make an effort to dress and behave like her peers to avoid being a target for bullying or social rejection. She could try to compensate for her impulsive, disorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other coping strategies can mask the presence of ADHD in a woman and can delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Girls and women with ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before they receive an official diagnosis. These other disorders can disguise the presence of ADHD and complicate treatment and recovery.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They may be misunderstood and dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which further adds to their sense of discontent.
In addition there are women who have issues in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They tend to forget birthdays or miss important details, which can lead to conflicts and confusion. They also may be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances, and other responsibilities of daily life. These difficulties can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can lead to an unhealthy internal landscape of beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias influences the frequency of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a class to read vignettes that described children suffering from ADHD symptoms, and rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or seek out services for the child described. They found that participants were more likely to recommend services to boys than girls.
As with other types of illnesses, ADHD can vary in severity for each patient and may be worsened at different times. For instance, symptoms might be more pronounced during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can lead to difficulties with relationships, social functioning, and academic performance. They can also lead to feelings of disappointment and despair.