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.
These people are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that include excessive drinking and substance abuse that cover up their ADHD symptoms and hinders the accurate diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to coexisting conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Attention
Women who are not attentive ADHD often have difficulty to keep up with their schoolwork, job and daily routines. They might forget appointments or leave things unattended around the house. They struggle to keep their finances in order, household chores and record-keeping. They are also prone to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory issues. They also have difficulty staying still for long durations and are unable to focus or follow instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more often associated with males and boys however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in women and girls. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are inattentive. To be eligible for a diagnosis, you must have at least five continuous inattention-related symptoms that last longer than six months.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD can be harder to spot than other forms of ADHD because a lot of people don't think about them as a part of an issue or have different expectations for how a girl should behave. Parents and teachers are 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 because of hormonal changes. For instance the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may be more severe during the menstrual cycle, when she's pregnant, or when she enters menopausal.
These issues can have a negative impact on women's self-esteem as well as their satisfaction with her life. These issues can lead to feelings of shame and low-self-worth and make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household chores. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also be suffering from depression and anxiety. They can also engage in sexual activities that increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They may also be afflicted by the sensitivity to rejection since they have difficulty accepting negative reactions from others. As a result, they may avoid social situations and avoid social situations.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases the two are the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They may be more likely to delay or misplace things or have difficulty concentrating on their tasks, and are easily overwhelmed in a busy environment. They may also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing, and are more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These signs can cause problems at school, home and in relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men however, girls and women may be omitted from a diagnosis. Health professionals and teachers don't suggest ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do for male students. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis and an inability to treat.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to hide their struggles can result in adults with ADHD experience a greater impact than is normally reported. They may not be able to admit that they are having trouble concentrating at work or feel overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make decisions at the grocery shop or struggle to relax or sleep.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies that may include alcohol addiction or eating habits that are unhealthy. This can cause more problems over time, and prevent the woman from getting the help she needs.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more popular with males and boys it is possible that girls and women may hide or suppress their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being disregarded. For instance, 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.
These factors can ultimately create a cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers must be aware of the struggles and be aware that they could be indicators of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. The disorder is treatable by medication and therapy.
Emotional Troubles
Women who suffer from ADHD typically find it more difficult than men to control their emotions. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can cause symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of inadequacy. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. symptoms of adhd in adults could have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
ADHD can be a problem for children and parents alike, but it is especially difficult for women. Women are often shy or embarrassed about their ADHD and this may make it difficult for them to seek assistance. They may try to mask their symptoms by implementing coping strategies such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse, which could make the situation worse. Masking can make it more difficult for teachers and employers to detect ADHD symptoms in women, and it could lead to delays in diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be able successfully hide her symptoms during the adolescent years and in her youth however, it can be more difficult as an adult. Stress from daily life and pressures from society to perform well in work and relationships can intensify ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they're failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause ongoing stress. 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 feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD are unable to find support at work or school. They may be embarrassed telling a supervisor or professor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the accommodation they need will be seen as an act of weakness or incompetence. Most teachers and supervisors are willing to make small adjustments to help those who suffer from ADHD succeed in their jobs.
Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for friends who can support them can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups offer an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the particular difficulties of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring conditions
As women and girls become teenagers, they develop coping strategies that cover their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to notice. For example girls may try to dress and behave like her peers in order to avoid attention from bullying or social rejection. 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 disguise the presence of ADHD in women and 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 conditions could mask the presence and symptoms of ADHD. They can also complicate treatment.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being impulsive or overly emotional, which adds to their anger.
Additionally there are women who have issues in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They tend to forget birthdays or miss important details which can cause conflicts and confusion. They may also have difficulty keeping up with household chores as well as personal finances and daily obligations. These difficulties can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can create an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their worth and capabilities.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings can also affect the rate that women and girls are referred for an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes that described children with ADHD symptoms. They then assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek help for the child in the. They found that participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
ADHD like other disorders, can vary in severity and deteriorate at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more pronounced during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, and also cause feelings of frustration and failure.