Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who have ADHD often are not recognized 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 prone to developing unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and substance abuse that cover up their ADHD symptoms and delays the accurate diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like depression and anxiety, are also common in these individuals.
Inattention
Women who are not attentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their schoolwork, job and daily routines. They may forget appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They have trouble keeping track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping. It is also common for these women to have problems with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult to remember names or dates. They also have difficulty being still for long periods and are unable to focus or follow instructions.
While the impulse control and hyperactivity are more common for males and boys but the inattention ADHD subtype is also prevalent for women and girls. As high as 80% of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must have at least five ongoing inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD are often harder to spot than other types of ADHD because a lot of people don't see them as part of an issue or have different expectations for what a girl's behavior should be. Parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms can also change in time due to hormonal changes. Women's symptoms can become more severe during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause.
These symptoms can have a significant impact on a woman's self-esteem and life satisfaction. These symptoms can cause feelings of guilt and low self-esteem and make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD may also be suffering from anxiety and depression. They may also engage in sexual activities which can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, regardless of whether it is real or perceived. In the end, they might avoid social situations and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They might be more procrastinative, misplace things or have trouble focusing. They may also be overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They might also have a hard time sleeping or relaxing, and they may be more susceptible to mood fluctuation and anxiety. These symptoms can cause problems at home, school and in relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females, women and girls may be overlooked for a diagnosis. Teachers and healthcare professionals often do not suggest ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male students. This could result in an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
Along with the tendency to hide their struggles, this can result in adults suffering from ADHD have a more severe impact from the condition than is usually reported. For instance, they might not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make decisions at the grocery store or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying issue, they may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that may include alcohol use or eating habits that are unhealthy. This can make it worse in time, and stop the woman getting the help she requires.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable to males and boys It is possible that women and girls may suppress or hide them out of fear of being judged. For example, a girl with ADHD might show an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
These issues can lead to a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It's important for family members, friends and educators to notice these struggles in women and girls because they could be a sign of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and needs to be addressed with medication management and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women suffering from ADHD often have a harder time than men to manage their emotions. Their moods are more likely fluctuate due to hormone fluctuations throughout the day, which may cause symptoms like irritability and feelings of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression. These emotional difficulties may have serious implications for career and relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a slog for parents and children alike, but it's especially difficult for women. Women often feel shy or embarrassed about their ADHD, and this can make it difficult for them to seek help. Some women may try to hide their symptoms using coping strategies like excessive drinking or substance abuse however this could make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers, as well as women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It may also delay the diagnosis.
It's easier for a woman who suffers from ADHD to hide her symptoms during her youth and adolescence than when she becomes an adult. Stress from daily life and the pressures of society to perform well in both relationships and work can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women with ADHD feeling a sense of being insecure, self-esteem issues and chronic distress. For some, getting an diagnosis of ADHD can be a lightbulb moment, helping people to recognize the root cause of their challenges and helping them accept themselves more fully.
Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty finding support at school or at work. They may feel embarrassed about telling a supervisor or professor and may be concerned that the accommodation they need could be considered an indication of weakness or incompetence. However, the majority of instructors and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to enable those with ADHD to perform their jobs.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking friends who can support them can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups provide a an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD issues.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As girls and women get older, they may develop coping strategies that cover their ADHD symptoms and make it harder for others to see. For example girls may try to dress and act like her peers to ward off the attention of bullies or social rejection. She may compensate for her chaotic, impulsive behavior by working more at school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other strategies for coping can mask the presence ADHD in females and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
Girls and women with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions may obscure the symptoms and presence of ADHD. They may also complicate treatment.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They may be misunderstood and dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which further increases their feelings of anger.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely to miss birthdays or err on minor details, which can lead to conflicts and confusion. inattentive adhd symptoms may also be struggling to keep up with household chores, personal finances and daily obligations. These difficulties can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can lead to an internal chaos of beliefs about their worth.
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 parents and teachers to read vignettes about children with ADHD symptoms. They then assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek services for the child depicted. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services to boys than girls.
Like other illnesses, ADHD can vary in severity for each patient and may worsen at various times. For example, symptoms may be more evident during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or the menopausal cycle. These changes can cause issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and result in feelings of anger and failure.