Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD often go undiagnosed as children due to the fact that the disorder manifests 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 coping strategies, such as excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like depression and anxiety are also common among these individuals.
Attention!
Women with inattention ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may forget appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They struggle to keep track of their finances as well as household chores and record-keeping. They are also more likely to forget names and dates, and also suffer from memory issues. They also have trouble sitting still for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused or following instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more prevalent in boys and men however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also common for women and girls. As high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that last for a period of more than six months to be eligible for a diagnosis.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD can be harder to spot than other forms of ADHD because many people don't consider them as a part of an issue or have different expectations of what a girl should be doing. Because of this, parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD evaluations for girls than for boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms can also change over time due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may be more severe during the menstrual cycle, when she is pregnant or when she enters menopausal.
These signs can affect the self-esteem of women and their satisfaction with life. These symptoms can cause feelings of self-doubt and shame and can make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD may also experience depression and anxiety. They could also engage in sexual behaviors that increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They may also be afflicted by the sensitivity to rejection since they have difficulty accepting negative or real responses from others. This is why they may avoid social settings and avoid social situations.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases the two are the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They might be more procrastinative, misplace things or have difficulty concentrating. They can also become overwhelmed by the busy environment. They may also have trouble getting comfortable or falling asleep and may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can cause problems at school, home and in relationships.
Girls and women are often not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common among boys and men. Teachers and healthcare professionals often do not recommend ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as often as they do for male ones. This can result in an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, combined with the tendency to conceal their struggles can result in adults with ADHD suffer more than is normally reported. For instance, they might not have trouble focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions at the grocery shop or struggle to relax or sleep.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they could adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This could include substance abuse and poor eating habits. This could make the problem worse over time, and may prevent the woman from getting the help she needs.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more popular with boys and men socially, it is possible that women and girls may hide or suppress their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being rejected. For example, girls with ADHD might exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behaviors to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the norms of school or in the community.
In the end, these issues can lead to a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. Families, friends, and educators should be aware of these issues, as they may be indicators of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. The disorder can be treated by medication and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their emotions than males. adult adhd symptoms 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 inadequate. Women with ADHD also have a higher risk of anxiety and depression. These emotional difficulties can have a serious impact on relationships and career opportunities.
ADHD can be a challenge for both children and parents however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can feel ashamed of ADHD and might not seek help due to this. Some women try to mask symptoms with methods of coping such as excessive drinking or drug use, but this can make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers to detect ADHD symptoms in women, and it can lead to delay in diagnosis.
It is easier for women who suffers from ADHD to conceal her symptoms during her youth and adolescence than as an adult. The stress of everyday life, coupled with social pressures to be successful at work and in relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These challenges can result in women with ADHD feeling like they are failing and low self-esteem. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults can also cause ongoing stress. For some, getting an diagnosis of ADHD could be an epiphany, helping them understand the root of their challenges and helping them accept their own uniqueness.
Many women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive support at work or at school. They may be embarrassed to tell a supervisor or professor and worry that their choice is seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make minor modifications to help individuals who suffer from ADHD achieve their goals.
In addition to having female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can also benefit by joining online support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups offer the opportunity to share personal stories and discuss the particular difficulties of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring conditions
As women and girls get older, they may develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to see. For instance the girl may make an effort to dress and act like her peers to avoid the attention of bullies or social rejection. Or, she may try to redress her impulsive and chaotic behavior by putting in more effort at school or at work, or relying on productivity apps to get her tasks accomplished. These and other strategies for coping could disguise the presence of ADHD in a female and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Girls and women with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD, as well as make it difficult to treat and recover.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, as well as coexisting mood disorders. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being impulsive or overly emotional, which can increase their anger.
In addition 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 conflicts and confusion. They also might be struggling to manage housework, personal finances and other daily responsibilities. These issues can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can fuel an internal chaos of their beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias also influences the rate of women and girls who are being referred to an ADHD evaluation. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a classroom to read vignettes that described children suffering from ADHD symptoms, and then rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or find services for the child described. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than for girls.
As with other types of conditions, ADHD can vary in severity for individual patients and may worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms might be more pronounced during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can cause problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, and result in feelings of anger and disappointment.