Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed 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.
These individuals are also prone to developing unhealthy coping mechanisms that include drinking excessively and using substances, which mask their ADHD symptoms and hinders the diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like depression and anxiety, are also common in these people.
Attention
Women who are not attentive ADHD often have difficulty to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They might forget appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They struggle to keep the track of their finances as well as household chores and record-keeping. These women are also prone to forget names and dates, and have memory problems. They also have difficulty being still for long periods and are unable to concentrate or follow instructions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more frequently associated with boys and men but the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in women and girls. In fact, it's estimated that up to 80% of all ADHD sufferers are not attentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that persist for more than six month to be eligible for a diagnosis.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be harder for people to identify because they don't see them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how girls 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 may also change as time passes due to hormonal changes. For example, a woman's symptoms may become more severe during her menstrual cycle, when she's pregnant, or when she enters menopause.
These symptoms can have a profound effect on women's self-esteem and life satisfaction. They can trigger feelings of self-doubt and shame because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women with untreated ADHD can also suffer from depression and anxiety. They can also engage in sexual activities 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 is real or perceived. This is why they may avoid social situations and avoid social situations.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances the two are the first signs of ADHD in women and girls. They might be more procrastinative, misplace things or have difficulty concentrating. They may also be overwhelmed by busy environments. They may also have a hard time relaxing or falling asleep, and they may be more prone to mood fluctuations and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at home, school and in relationships.
Girls and women are frequently not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent among boys and men. Healthcare professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do for male students. inattentive adhd symptoms can result in an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to hide their struggles can result in adults with ADHD suffer more than is usually reported. For instance, they may not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions when they go to the grocery store or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they might develop unhealthy ways to cope. This may include substance abuse and poor eating habits. This could make the problem worse over time, and prevent the woman from getting the help she requires.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more popular with boys and men socially it is possible that women and girls may hide or suppress them out of fear of being disregarded. For instance, a child with ADHD may exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being criticized for not fitting in with the norms of her community or school.
These causes can create an environment of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It's important for family members, friends, and teachers to recognize these struggles in girls and women, because they could be an indication of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and requires treatment with medication management and therapy.
Emotional Problems
Women with ADHD often have a harder time than men to manage their emotions. The mood of women with ADHD is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can lead to more severe symptoms like irritability or a feeling of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more prone to anxiety and depression. These emotional problems can have serious implications for relationships and job prospects.
Having ADHD can be a slog for parents and children alike however, it is particularly challenging for women. Women may feel ashamed of ADHD and may not seek help because of this. They may even attempt to hide their symptoms by developing coping strategies such as drinking excessively or drug abuse, which can actually make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers, as well as women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It can also delay diagnosis.
It is easier for women with ADHD to conceal her symptoms in her adolescence and youth than when she becomes an adult. Stress from daily life and societal pressures to excel in relationships and work can intensify ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling like they're failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause constant stress. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a life-changing moment for certain women. It can aid them in understanding the root of their struggles and allow them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women with ADHD find it difficult to get support at school or work. They may be embarrassed to tell an instructor or supervisor and fear that their accommodations will be seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make small adjustments to help people who suffer from ADHD succeed in their work.
In addition to finding people who can be supportive, women suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining online support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups provide an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the unique challenges of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring conditions
As girls and women grow older and develop, they may come up with strategies to deal with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to recognize. For instance, a girl might attempt to dress and act like her peers to avoid attention from bullying or social rejection. She could also try to redress her impulsive and chaotic behavior by putting more effort into school or work or relying on productivity apps to get tasks accomplished. These and other coping strategies can disguise the existence of ADHD in a female and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Women and girls with ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD, as well as hinder treatment and recovery.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD also have a greater risk of feeling low about themselves and are more likely to be afflicted by mood disorders that coexist. This is more so than men or boys. They are often misunderstood or dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which further increases their feelings of anger.
In addition many women experience difficulties in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to miss birthdays or err on minor details, which can lead to conflict and miscommunication. adhd symptoms women might struggle to keep up with housework, personal finances and other responsibilities of daily life. These challenges can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted which can create an unhealthy internal landscape of self-esteem and beliefs.
Gender bias in clinical settings also influences the rate that women and girls are referred for an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes describing children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They also evaluated their likelihood to recommend or seek out services for the child depicted. 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 times. For instance, symptoms could be more evident during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or the menopausal phase. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, as well as result in feelings of anger and disappointment.