Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD are often not diagnosed as children, because 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 develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, that mask their ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. They are also susceptible to co-existing disorders like anxiety and depression.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They might forget appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They are unable to keep the track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. They also tend to forget names and dates, and have memory issues. They also have trouble being still for long periods and are unable to concentrate or follow instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more commonly found in males and females however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in girls and women. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80% of all ADHD sufferers are inattentive. You must have five inattentive symptoms that persist for a period of more than six months to qualify for a diagnoses.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are often difficult to spot because they don't see them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms may also change over time due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance women's symptoms could get worse during the menstrual cycle, if she's pregnant or as she enters menopause.
These symptoms can have a major effect on women's self-esteem and life satisfaction. They can trigger feelings of shame and low self-worth because they make it hard to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women with untreated ADHD may also experience depression and anxiety. They can also engage in sexual activities which can increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and other health issues. They may also experience sensitization to rejection because they have a hard time accepting negative responses from other people. They might avoid social situations or isolate themselves because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They may procrastinate more and lose things, or have difficulty concentrating. They can also become overwhelmed by busy environments. They might also have a hard time relaxing or falling asleep, and they may be more susceptible to mood fluctuations and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at home, school and in relationships.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men however, girls and women may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Healthcare professionals and teachers don't suggest ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do for male students. This can result in an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, combined with the tendency to hide their problems, could make it clear that people with ADHD have a more significant impact than is typically reported. For instance, they might not report having difficulty focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making choices at the store or have trouble to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they may adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This may include substance abuse and poor eating habits. This could make the problem worse in time, and stop the woman from receiving the assistance she requires.
It is also possible because ADHD-related behaviors are more socially acceptable for males and girls and women, they are repressed or hidden by women and girls who are concerned about being judged. For instance, a child with ADHD might show hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized for not conforming to the norms of her community or school.
These issues can lead to a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. Families, friends, and educators must be aware of the struggles because they could be indicators of an undiagnosed disorder. The disorder is treatable by medication and therapy.
Emotional Troubles
Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their emotions than males. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can cause symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional issues can have a serious impact on relationships and career opportunities.
Having ADHD can be a slog for both parents and children however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can feel shy about ADHD and might not seek help because of this. Women may attempt to hide their symptoms using methods of coping such as excessive drinking or drug use however this could make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers as well as women themselves, to recognize ADHD symptoms. It can also delay the diagnosis.
It is easier for women who suffers from ADHD to hide the signs of ADHD in her adolescence and youth than it is as an adult. The pressures of life, coupled with societal expectations to excel at work and in relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling like they are failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause ongoing stress. For adhd adult symptoms , the diagnosis of ADHD could be an epiphany, helping people to recognize the root of their issues and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.
Many women suffering from ADHD are unable to find support at work or school. They may be embarrassed to tell an instructor or supervisor and worry that their choice is seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, most supervisors and instructors are willing to make minor accommodations to allow those with ADHD to succeed in their job.
In addition to having female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can also benefit by joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups can provide the opportunity to share personal stories and discuss the unique issues of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As girls and women mature they can develop strategies to cope that mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to spot. For example the girl may make an effort to dress and behave like her peers to ward off the attention of bullies or social rejection. She could also compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by putting in more effort at school or work or using productivity apps to get her tasks accomplished. These and other strategies for coping can mask the presence ADHD in females and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
Most often, girls and women who have ADHD are diagnosed with mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, before they receive a diagnosis of the disorder. These other disorders can disguise the presence of ADHD, as well as complicate treatment and recovery.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which increases their angst.
Additionally there are women who have issues in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to miss birthdays or miss important details, which can lead to conflicts and miscommunication. They may also be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances, and other responsibilities of daily life. These difficulties can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can create an internal chaos of self-esteem and beliefs.
In clinical settings, gender bias influences the frequency of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes that described children with ADHD symptoms. They then assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek help for the child depicted. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
Like other illnesses, ADHD can vary in severity for individual patients and may worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more prominent during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy, or menopausal phase. These changes can lead to problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. They can also lead to feelings of frustration and failure.