Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls since it presents differently 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 drinking and substance abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. They are also susceptible to coexisting conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Inattention
Women who are not attentive ADHD often have difficulty to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They may forget appointments or leave things unattended around the house. They struggle to organize personal financial records, household chores. These women are also more likely to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory problems. They also have trouble sitting still for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused or following directions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more common in males and females but the inattention ADHD subtype is also prevalent in women and girls. In fact, it's estimated that up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are inattentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must have at least five ongoing inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to identify than other forms of ADHD because a lot of people don't consider them as being an issue or have different expectations about how a girl should behave. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than boys.
In addition, the manner that ADHD affects women is different at different times of her life due to hormone fluctuations. For instance, a woman's symptoms may be more severe during the menstrual cycle, when she's pregnant, or when she enters menopause.
These signs can have an impact on a woman’s self-esteem and her satisfaction with her life. These symptoms can cause feelings of self-doubt and shame and can make it difficult to manage relationships, work or home chores. Women who are not treated for ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behavior that increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and other health problems. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, regardless of whether it is real or perceived. This is why they may avoid social settings and avoid social situations.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They might procrastinate more, misplace things or have trouble focusing. They may also become overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They might also have a hard time getting comfortable or falling asleep and are more prone to mood fluctuation and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to 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 health professionals typically do not recommend ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as often as they do for male ones. This can result in an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to conceal their issues, can mean that adults who have ADHD experience a greater impact than is typically reported. They might not mention that they struggle to concentrate at work or feel overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make decisions when they go to the grocery store or find it difficult to relax or sleep.
This can negatively impact 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 getting the help she needs.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more popular with boys and men socially It is possible that girls and women might hide or suppress from fear of being judged. For example, girls with ADHD may exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behaviors to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the norms at school or in the community.
Ultimately, these factors can lead to a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators should be aware of these issues and be aware that they could be indicators of an undiagnosed disorder. The disorder can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Problems
Women suffering from ADHD often have a harder time than men to control their emotions. The mood of women with ADHD is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of being inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional issues could have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
Being diagnosed with adult adhd signs can be a slog for parents as well as children however, it is particularly challenging for women. Women are often shy or embarrassed about their ADHD which can prevent them from seeking help. Some women may try to cover up their symptoms by using strategies to cope, such as excessive drinking or substance abuse which can cause more harm. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers, as well as women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It can delay the diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD might be able to manage to hide her symptoms throughout the adolescent years and in her youth however, it can be more difficult when she's an adult. The pressures of life, coupled with social pressures to be successful in work and relationships, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These struggles can lead to women with ADHD feeling like they are failing, low self-esteem, and chronic distress. The diagnosis of ADHD could be a life-changing moment for some women. It can help them understand the root of their struggles and allow them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty finding support at work or school. They may be embarrassed confiding in a professor or supervisor, and they may worry that the accommodations they require is considered an indication of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make small adjustments to help people with ADHD succeed in their work.
In addition to having people who can be supportive, women suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups provide an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the particular issues of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring conditions
As girls and women get older, they may develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to detect. For instance, a girl might attempt to dress and act like her peers in order to avoid attention from bullying or social rejection. She could try to compensate for her impulsive, disorganized behavior by working more at school or at work or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other coping strategies could conceal the presence of ADHD in a woman and delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD and hinder treatment and recovery.
Girls and females with ADHD also have a greater risk of feeling low about themselves and are more likely to be affected by co-existing mood disorders than males or boys. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being impulsive or overly emotional, which increases their frustration.
In addition there are women who have issues in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to miss birthdays or misunderstand minor details which can cause conflict and miscommunication. They also may be struggling to manage housework, personal finances and other responsibilities of daily life. These challenges can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can create an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their worth and capability.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings can affect the frequency of women and girls who are being referred for an ADHD evaluation. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in the classroom to read vignettes that described children who had ADHD symptoms and to rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or seek out services for the child described. They found that participants were more likely to recommend services to boys than girls.
As with other conditions, ADHD can vary in severity for individual patients and may worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms might be more pronounced during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can cause problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of failure and frustration.