Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed among girls because it is different than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These people are also prone to developing unhealthy coping mechanisms that include excessive drinking and substance abuse, which mask their ADHD symptoms and delays the accurate diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like anxiety and depression, are also common in these people.
Attention
Women with inattention ADHD often have difficulty to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They may skip appointments or leave their home unattended. They struggle to organize personal financial records, household chores. They are also prone to forget names and dates, and also suffer from memory issues. They also have trouble staying still for long periods of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following the directions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more often associated with males and boys however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in women and girls. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80% of all ADHD sufferers are not attentive. You must show five inattentive symptoms that persist for longer than six months to qualify for a diagnoses.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD are often harder to identify than other forms of ADHD because many people don't see them as a part of an issue or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. Parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects a woman can vary during different times of her life because of hormone changes. For example, a woman's symptoms may be more severe during the menstrual cycle, while she is pregnant or when she enters menopausal.
These symptoms can affect a woman’s self-esteem and her satisfaction with life. These symptoms can cause feelings of shame and low-self-worth and make it hard to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD may also be suffering from depression and anxiety. They may also engage in sexual behavior which increase the risk for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also struggle with rejection sensitivity because they have difficulty accepting negative or real responses from other people. They may avoid social interactions or isolate themselves because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They may be more likely to be procrastinators or misplace items and have difficulty focusing on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in a busy environment. They may also have trouble sleeping or relaxing, and may be more susceptible to mood swings or anxiety. These signs can cause problems at school, home and in relationships.
Girls and women are often overlooked for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common for both genders. Healthcare providers and teachers often do not suggest ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for males. This can result in an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, along with the tendency to hide their struggles can mean that adults who have ADHD experience a greater impact than is normally reported. For instance, they may not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making decisions when shopping or have trouble finding the time to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they could develop unhealthy ways to cope. This could include substance abuse and unhealthy eating habits. This can cause more problems over time, and prevent the woman from receiving the assistance she needs.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more popular with males and females in social settings It is possible that women and girls may hide or suppress from fear of being disregarded. For example, a girl with ADHD might display hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the standards of her community or school.
These factors can ultimately create an environment of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families, friends, and educators should be aware of these issues because they could be signs of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. This condition can be treated by medication and therapy.
Emotional Problems
Women with ADHD often find it more difficult than men to manage their emotions. Their moods are more likely fluctuate due to hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which may cause symptoms like anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional problems could have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
ADHD can be a challenge for both children and parents, but it is especially difficult for women. Women may feel embarrassed about ADHD and may not seek help because of this. Some women may try to hide their symptoms using methods of coping such as excessive drinking or substance abuse, but this can make the situation more difficult. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers as well as women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It can delay diagnosis.
It's easier for a woman with ADHD to hide her symptoms in her adolescence and youth than it is as an adult. Stress from everyday life and the pressures of society to be successful in both relationships and work can intensify ADHD symptoms. These struggles can lead to women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause constant stress. The diagnosis of ADHD could be a transformative moment for certain women. It can help them understand the cause of their issues and allow them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive support at school or work. They may feel embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor, and they may worry that the accommodation they need will be perceived as an indication of weakness or incompetence. However, most instructors and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to enable those with ADHD to succeed in their jobs.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups offer the opportunity to share personal stories and discuss the particular issues of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring conditions
As girls and women mature they can develop coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to detect. For adult adhd symtoms may make an effort to dress and act like her peers to ward off being a target for bullying or social rejection. She might try to make up for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by working more at school or at work or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other strategies for coping could disguise the presence of ADHD in females 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 mask the presence of ADHD, as well as make it difficult to treat and recover.
Girls and females with ADHD also have a greater risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be affected by coexisting mood disorders than boys or men. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which can increase their angst.
In addition many women experience difficulties in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to overlook birthdays and to make mistakes with small details. This can cause miscommunication and conflict. They also may be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances and other obligations of the day. These difficulties can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can lead to an internal chaos of beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias can affect the frequency at which girls and women are being referred to an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes describing children with ADHD symptoms and rated how likely they were to recommend or seek services for the child in the. They found that participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
Like other illnesses, ADHD can vary in intensity for individuals and may worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms might be more prominent during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy or menopause. These changes can cause difficulties with relationships, social functioning and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of failure and frustration.