Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed as children because the disorder is different in girls than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and substance abuse that cover up their ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to coexisting conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Attention!
Women who aren't attentive ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may miss appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They are unable to keep track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping. It's also common for women to experience trouble with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult for them to remember names or dates. They also have difficulty being still for long periods and aren't able to concentrate or follow instructions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more often found in males and females however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common in women and girls. In fact, it's believed that as high as 80% of all ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that persist for a period of more than six months to be able to receive a diagnosis.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are often difficult for people to identify because they don't see them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how a girl should act. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than boys.
In addition, the manner that ADHD affects women's lives can change over different periods of her life due to hormone fluctuations. For instance the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may be more severe during the menstrual cycle, if she's pregnant or as she enters menopause.
These symptoms can have a major impact on women's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. These symptoms can cause feelings of self-doubt and shame, as they make it hard to manage relationships, work or home tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might also suffer from anxiety and depression. They could also engage in sexual behavior that increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and other health issues. They may also be afflicted by sensitization to rejection because they have a hard time accepting negative responses from other people. In the end, they may avoid social situations and avoid social situations.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances the two are the first symptoms of ADHD in women and girls. They might procrastinate more than usual, lose items or have difficulty concentrating. They may also be overwhelmed by busy environments. They might also have difficulty relaxing or falling asleep and may be more susceptible to mood fluctuation and anxiety. These symptoms can cause problems at school, home and in relationships.
Girls and women are often left out of the diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common among boys and men. Healthcare providers and teachers often do not suggest ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male ones. This can lead to an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to hide their issues, can mean that adults who have ADHD have a more significant impact than is typically reported. They may not even mention that they struggle to concentrate at work or are overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making decisions at the grocery store or have trouble to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies that may include alcohol abuse or eating habits that are unhealthy. This can make the problem worse over time, and hinder the woman from seeking assistance that could improve her life in a significant way.
It is also possible that because ADHD-linked behaviors are more acceptable in the social context of males and girls and women, they are repressed or concealed by women and girls who are worried about being ostracized. For instance, girls with ADHD may exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized because they don't fit in with the norms of school or community.
In the end, these issues can lead to a cycle of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers should be aware of these struggles because they could be a sign of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. The disorder is treatable by medication and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women suffering from ADHD typically find it more difficult than men to control their emotions. Their moods are more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. adhd symptoms women like irritability or a feeling of inadequate. Women with ADHD also are more prone to anxiety and depression. These emotional issues could be detrimental to career and relationships.
ADHD can be a major challenge for both children and parents, but it is especially difficult for women. Women are often shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD and this may hinder them from seeking assistance. They may attempt to hide their symptoms through strategies to cope, such as drinking excessively or drug use, which can cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it harder for teachers and employers to recognize ADHD symptoms for women, and can contribute to a delay in diagnosing.
It's easier for a woman with ADHD to hide her symptoms in her youth and adolescence than it is as an adult. The stress of everyday life, coupled with expectations from society to excel in work and relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women with ADHD feeling a sense of being insecure, self-esteem issues and a constant sense of anxiety. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a transformative moment for certain women. It can help them understand the root of their difficulties and help them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find help at school or at work. They may feel uncomfortable in telling a supervisor or professor and worry that their accommodation is seen as a sign of incompetence or weakness. However, most supervisors and instructors are willing to make minor accommodations to allow people with ADHD to excel in their roles.
Women with ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups offer a chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women become teenagers, they develop coping strategies that cover their ADHD symptoms and make it harder for others to see. For instance the girl may try to dress and act like her peers to ward off being a target for bullying or social rejection. She could also take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to get her tasks done. These and other coping mechanisms 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 receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions can conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They may also complicate treatment.
Girls and females with ADHD are also at a higher risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be affected by coexisting mood disorders than males or boys. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which can increase their anger.
In addition, many women have difficulty in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to overlook birthdays and to make mistakes with minor details. This can cause miscommunication and conflict. They also might be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances and other responsibilities of daily life. These difficulties can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can fuel a dysfunctional internal landscape of beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias affects the rate of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes that described children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They then assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek help for the child in the. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services to boys than girls.
ADHD as with other conditions is a condition that can be severe and deteriorate at various times. For instance, symptoms might be more pronounced during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can cause difficulties with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of failure and frustration.