Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often go undiagnosed as children due to the fact that the disorder appears differently in girls than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also have a tendency to develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, that mask their ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression.
Inattention
Women with inattentive ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. 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. These women are also more likely to forget names and dates, and have memory issues. They also have trouble being still for long durations of time and have trouble staying focused or following instructions.
While the impulse control and hyperactivity are more common in boys and men however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent in girls and women. As high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that persist for more than six month to qualify for a diagnoses.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to recognize than the other kinds of ADHD because many people don't see them as a part of a disorder or have different expectations of what a girl should be doing. This is why teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than for boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects women's lives can change over different periods of her life due to hormone fluctuations. For example, a woman's symptoms may get worse during the menstrual cycle, when she's pregnant, or when she enters menopause.
These symptoms can have an impact on women's self-esteem as well as their satisfaction with life. These symptoms can cause feelings of guilt and low self-esteem and can make it hard to manage relationships, work and home chores. Women with untreated ADHD may also be suffering from depression and anxiety. They can also engage in sexual activities that increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They may also experience sensitization to rejection because they have a hard time accepting negative or real responses from others. They might avoid social situations or isolate themselves because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They might procrastinate more than usual, lose items or have difficulty concentrating. They may also be overwhelmed by the busy environment. They may also have difficulty getting comfortable or falling asleep, and they may be more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems in the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are more common in boys and men, women and girls may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Healthcare professionals and teachers don't recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do male ones. This can lead to an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
This, combined with the tendency to conceal their issues, can make it clear that people with ADHD have a more significant impact than is usually reported. They may not be able to admit that they struggle to concentrate at work or feel overwhelmed by household tasks. They might struggle to make decisions when shopping or have trouble finding the time to relax or sleep.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they could develop unhealthy ways to cope. This could include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This could make the problem worse over time, and may prevent the woman getting the help she requires.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more popular with males and boys it is possible that women and girls may hide or suppress from fear of being disregarded. For instance, girls who have ADHD might exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being judged because they don't fit in with the norms of their school or in the community.
Ultimately, these factors can create a vicious cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It is crucial for family members, friends and teachers to notice these struggles for women and girls, because they could be a sign of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and requires treatment by a combination of therapy and medication.
Emotional Troubles
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time managing their emotions than men. adult add symptoms is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to 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 problems can have serious implications for relationships and career opportunities.
ADHD can be a problem for both children and parents but it can be especially difficult for women. Women can feel shy about ADHD and may not seek help due to this. Some women try to mask symptoms with coping strategies like excessive drinking or drug use however this could make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers and women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It may delay the diagnosis.
It is easier for women with ADHD to hide her symptoms in her youth and adolescence than as an adult. symptoms of adhd from daily life and pressures from society to perform well in work and relationships can cause more ADHD symptoms. These struggles can lead to women with ADHD feeling like failures as well as low self-esteem and chronic distress. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a transformative moment for some women. It can aid them in understanding the root of their struggles and allow them to accept themselves better.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to receive help at work or at school. They may feel embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the accommodations they require is seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make small adjustments to help those with ADHD achieve their goals.
Women with ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups offer a opportunities to share experiences and discuss women's ADHD issues.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As women and girls get older, they may develop coping strategies that cover their ADHD symptoms and make it harder for others to see. Girls may dress and behave like her peers to avoid being bullied or rejected by other people. In addition, she might try to redress her impulsive and chaotic behavior by putting more effort into school or work or using productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other coping strategies can disguise the existence of ADHD in females and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD and make it difficult to treat and recover.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which can increase their angst.
In addition there are women who have issues in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to forget birthdays or misunderstand minor details which can cause conflicts and confusion. Additionally, they might have difficulty keeping up with household chores financial obligations, personal finances, and other daily obligations. These challenges can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can lead to a dysfunctional internal landscape of beliefs about their worth.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings can affect the frequency of women and girls who are recommended to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes that described children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They then evaluated their likelihood to recommend or seek services for the child depicted. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
As with other disorders, ADHD can vary in severity for each patient and can worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms could be more prominent during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy or the menopausal phase. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships, and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of failure and frustration.