Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who have ADHD often are not recognized as children due to the fact that the disorder manifests differently in girls than it does 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, that mask their ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like anxiety and depression, are also common in these people.
Attention
Women with inattention ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They may forget appointments or leave things unattended around the house. They have trouble keeping their finances in order as well as household chores and record-keeping. adhd symptoms and treatment is also common for these women to have trouble with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult for them to remember names or dates. These women also have difficulty staying still for long periods and are unable to concentrate or follow directions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more frequently associated with males and boys however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in girls and women. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers are categorized as inattentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that last for more than six month to be able to receive a diagnosis.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD are often harder to recognize than the other kinds of ADHD because many people don't think about them as a part of an illness or have different expectations about what a girl's behavior should be. Parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects women's lives can vary during different times of her life because of hormone changes. For example, a woman's symptoms may become more severe during her menstrual cycle, while she's pregnant, or when she enters menopausal.
These symptoms can affect the self-esteem of women and their satisfaction with her life. These symptoms can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame, as they make it hard to manage relationships, work and household chores. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behavior that can increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and other health issues. They may also have difficulty accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or not. They might avoid social situations or avoid social situations because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD in girls and women. They are more likely to be procrastinators or lose things or have difficulty concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in a busy environment. They may also have trouble sleeping or relaxing, and they may be more prone to mood fluctuation and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to difficulties at school, at home and in their relationships.
Girls and women are frequently not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent for both genders. Healthcare providers and teachers often do not suggest ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as often as they do for male ones. This can lead both to an incorrect diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
Combined with a tendency to hide their struggles This could result in adults suffering from ADHD have a more severe impact from the condition than is usually reported. They may not even mention that they are having trouble concentrating at work or feel overwhelmed by household tasks. They might have trouble making decisions at the grocery store or find it difficult to relax or sleep.
This can have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying issue, they may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that may include alcohol use or eating habits that are unhealthy. This can cause more problems over time, and prevent the woman from receiving the assistance she requires.
It is also possible ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable in the social context of males and girls and women, they are repressed or concealed by girls and women who are worried about being rejected. For example, girls with ADHD may exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being shamed because they don't fit in with the norms of their school or in the community.
These factors can ultimately create a cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. It is crucial for family members, friends, and teachers to recognize these struggles for women and girls, since they may be a sign of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and must be treated by a combination of therapy and medication.
Emotional Troubles
Women with ADHD often find it more difficult than men to control their emotions. The mood of women with ADHD is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms like irritability or a feeling of inadequate. Women with ADHD are also more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These emotional issues could be detrimental to career and relationships.
ADHD can be a major challenge for children and parents alike, but it is especially difficult for women. Women can be ashamed of ADHD and might not seek help because of this. They may attempt to hide their symptoms through coping strategies like excessive drinking or drug use, which can cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers, as well as women themselves, to recognize ADHD symptoms. It may also delay diagnosis.
It is easier for women who suffers from ADHD to hide the signs of ADHD in her youth and adolescence than it is as an adult. Stress from daily life and societal pressures to perform well in both relationships and work can intensify ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women with ADHD feeling like they are a victim of being insecure, self-esteem issues and constant stress. For some, getting the diagnosis of ADHD can be like a lightbulb moment, helping people to recognize the root cause of their difficulties and giving them the chance to accept themselves more fully.
Many women with ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive support at school or work. They may feel embarrassed telling a supervisor or professor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the accommodation they need could be seen as an act of weakness or incompetence. However, most supervisors and instructors are willing to make small accommodations to allow people with ADHD to perform their job.
Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups give members the chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.
Co-Occurring conditions
As women and girls grow up, they can develop coping strategies that cover their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to see. A girl may dress and act as her peers in order to avoid being bullied or criticized by others. Or, she may take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by putting more effort into work or school or relying on productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other coping strategies could conceal the presence of ADHD in women and delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Women and girls with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions can obscure the symptoms and presence of ADHD. They may cause complications in treatment.
Girls and women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which further contributes to their feelings of discontent.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely to forget birthdays or miss important details, which can lead to conflict and miscommunication. They also may be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances and other daily responsibilities. These difficulties can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can create an internal chaos of untruthful beliefs about their worth and capability.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings also influences the rate at which girls and women are 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 rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or seek services for the child portrayed. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
As with other types of disorders, ADHD can vary in severity for individual patients and may worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms can be more prominent during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy or menopausal phase. These changes can cause problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of failure and frustration.