Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls because it presents differently 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 alcohol and substance abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like depression and anxiety, are also common in these people.
Inattention
Women with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may forget appointments or leave things unattended around the house. They struggle to keep the track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. These women are also prone to forget names and dates, and also suffer from memory problems. They also have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused or following instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more frequently found in males and females but the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent for women and girls. In fact, it's believed that as high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must show at least five inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
The inattentive symptoms of ADHD can be harder to identify than other forms of ADHD because a lot of people don't see them as a part of a disorder or have different expectations for what a girl's behavior should be. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects women's lives is different at different times of her life because of hormonal changes. Women's symptoms can worsen during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal symptoms.
These symptoms can have a significant impact on women's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. These symptoms can cause feelings of guilt and low self-esteem, as they make it difficult to manage relationships, work or home tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are also susceptible to depression and anxiety. They could also engage in sexual behaviors which increase the risk for pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or perceived. They may avoid social situations or avoid social situations due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They may be more likely to procrastinate or lose things and have difficulty focusing on tasks and easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They might also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing, and they may be more susceptible to mood fluctuations and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems in school, at home and in their relationships.
Women and girls are often overlooked for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent between males and females. Teachers and healthcare professionals often do not recommend ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as often as they do for male students. This can lead both to an inaccurate diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
Along with the tendency to conceal their problems, this can suggest that people with ADHD have a more severe impact from the condition than typically reported. For instance, they may not report having difficulty focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. 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. Rather than addressing the underlying problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies, which could include substance addiction or eating habits that are unhealthy. This could make the issue worse over time and prevent the woman from getting assistance that could improve her life dramatically.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable to males and females in social settings, it is possible that girls and women might hide or suppress them out of fear of being judged. For instance, girls with ADHD may exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being judged because they aren't in line with the norms at school or in the community.
Ultimately, these factors can lead to a cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. It's important for family members, friends, and teachers to be aware of these issues for women and girls, since they may be a sign of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and requires treatment through therapy and medication management.
Emotional Troubles
Women who suffer from ADHD typically struggle more than men to control their emotions. Moods are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which can increase symptoms such as anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional issues can have a serious impact on relationships and job prospects.
ADHD can be a major challenge for parents and children alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. adhd in men symptoms feel shy or embarrassed about their ADHD which can hinder them from seeking assistance. Women may attempt to cover up their symptoms by using strategies to cope, such as excessive drinking or drug use, but this can cause more harm. Masking can also make it difficult for employers and teachers to notice ADHD symptoms for women, and 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 becomes more difficult as an adult. The pressures of life, combined with expectations from society to excel in work and relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of being insecure, self-esteem issues and constant stress. A diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for some women. It can help them understand the root of their issues and allow them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women with ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive help at school or work. They may be embarrassed telling a supervisor or professor and may be concerned that the support they require is considered an indication of weakness or incompetence. Most teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to help people who suffer from ADHD achieve their goals.
In addition to locating 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 can provide the opportunity to share personal stories and discuss the particular difficulties of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring conditions
As girls and women grow up, they can develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms and make it harder for others to see. For instance girls may attempt to dress and act more like her peers to avoid the attention of bullies or social rejection. She may compensate for her chaotic, impulsive behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other strategies for coping can disguise the presence of ADHD in women and can delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD, as well as hinder treatment and recovery.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, as well as coexisting mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which further contributes to their feelings of frustration.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely to miss birthdays or misunderstand minor details which can cause conflict and miscommunication. They may also be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances and other daily responsibilities. These issues can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can lead to an internal chaos of untruthful beliefs about their worth and capability.
In clinical settings, gender bias also influences the frequency of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in a classroom to read vignettes about children suffering from ADHD symptoms and to rate how likely they would be to recommend or find services for the child they described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
Like other illnesses, ADHD can vary in severity for each patient and may worsen at various periods. For instance, symptoms might be more prominent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or menopause. what are the symptoms of adult adhd can cause problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, as well as cause feelings of frustration and disappointment.