Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often go undiagnosed as children because 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 strategies for coping, like excessive alcohol and substance abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as anxiety and depression, are also common in these individuals.
Attention
Women with inattention ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They might miss appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They have trouble keeping track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. It's also normal for women with this condition to have problems with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult for them to remember dates or names. These women also have difficulty being still for long periods and are unable to concentrate or follow directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more often found in males and females but the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in women and girls. In fact, it's estimated that up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. To be eligible for a diagnosis, you must have at least five ongoing inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
The inattentive symptoms of ADHD can be harder to recognize than the other forms of ADHD because a lot of people don't see them as part of a disorder or have different expectations for how a girl should behave. This is why teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can also change in time due to hormonal changes. For example, a woman's symptoms may be more severe during the menstrual cycle, if she's pregnant or as she enters menopause.
These symptoms can have a major effect on women's self-esteem and life satisfaction. They can trigger feelings of self-doubt and shame due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and domestic tasks. Women with untreated ADHD might also suffer from anxiety and depression. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors which increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health issues. They might also struggle with rejection sensitivity because they have difficulty accepting real or perceived negative responses from other people. They might avoid social situations or avoid social situations as a result.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first signs of ADHD for girls and women. They might procrastinate more and lose things, or have difficulty concentrating. They can also become overwhelmed by the busy environment. They may also have trouble sleeping or relaxing and may be more susceptible to mood fluctuation and anxiety. These symptoms can cause problems at home, school and in relationships.
Women and girls are often not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent between males and females. Teachers and health professionals typically do not recommend ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male ones. This can lead to an inaccurate diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
Along with the tendency to hide their struggles It could result in adults suffering from ADHD suffer more from the condition than usually reported. They may not be able to admit that they struggle to concentrate at work or are overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make choices at the shop or struggle to relax or sleep.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they may adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This could include substance abuse and poor eating habits. This can make the problem worse over time and keep the woman from seeking assistance that could improve her life in a significant way.
It is also possible that ADHD-related behavior is more socially acceptable for males and girls, they may be suppressed or hid by women and girls who fear being ostracized. For instance, a girl who suffers from ADHD might show hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being shamed for not fitting in with the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
Ultimately, the advantage can create a vicious cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. It's important for family members, friends and teachers to be aware of these issues in women and girls as they can be an indication of a disorder that is not recognized and needs to be addressed by a combination of therapy and medication.
Emotional Problems
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their emotions than males. Their moods are more likely fluctuate due to hormone fluctuations throughout the day, which may increase symptoms such as irritability and feelings of inadequacy. Women with ADHD also are more prone to anxiety and depression. These emotional problems could be detrimental to career and relationships.
the advantage can be a challenge for parents and children alike but it can be especially difficult for women. Women are often shy or embarrassed about their ADHD and this may prevent them from seeking assistance. Some women may try to cover up their symptoms by using coping strategies like excessive drinking or substance abuse, but this can make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers and women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It may delay diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able manage to hide her symptoms throughout her adolescence and youth however, it can be more difficult when she's an adult. Stress from everyday life and societal pressures to be successful in work and relationships can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of self-doubt, a sense of inadequacy and chronic distress. For some, an diagnosis of ADHD can be like an epiphany, helping people to recognize the root of their issues and giving them the chance to accept their own uniqueness.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to receive help at work or at school. They may feel uncomfortable in telling an instructor or supervisor and worry that their choice is seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, the majority of instructors and supervisors are willing to make small adjustments to help people with ADHD to succeed in their job.
In addition to having people who can be supportive, women suffering from ADHD can also benefit by joining online support groups for adults with ADHD. These groups provide an opportunity to share stories and discuss the unique challenges of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As girls and women become teenagers, they develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to see. For instance girls may try to dress and behave like her peers to ward off being a target for bullying or social rejection. Or, she may take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to get her tasks accomplished. These and other coping mechanisms could conceal the presence of ADHD in women and can delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions can conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They may cause complications in treatment.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They may be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which adds to their anger.
Additionally there are women who have issues in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to forget birthdays or miss important details which can cause conflict and miscommunication. They may also be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances, and other obligations of the day. These challenges can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can create an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their capabilities and worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias also influences the rate that women and girls are being referred to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes about children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They then assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek out services for the child in the. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than for girls.
ADHD like other disorders that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms could be more apparent during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy or menopause. These changes can lead to issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, and cause feelings of frustration and failure.