Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls because 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 ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to co-existing disorders like anxiety and depression.
Inattention
Women with inattentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave things unattended around the house. adhd symptoms women struggle to keep the track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. They are also more likely to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory problems. These women also have difficulty staying still for long durations and are unable to focus or follow instructions.
While symptoms of add and impulse control are more prevalent in boys and men but the inattention ADHD subtype is also common for women and girls. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80% of all ADHD sufferers are inattentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must show at least five ongoing inattention-related symptoms that last longer than six months.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can be difficult to spot because they don't perceive them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how girls should behave. This is why parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than they are for boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects a woman can change over different periods of her life because of hormonal fluctuations. For instance women's symptoms could be more severe during the menstrual cycle, if she's pregnant, or when she enters menopausal.
These symptoms can have an impact on women's self-esteem as well as their satisfaction with life. They can lead to feelings of guilt and self-worth devaluation because they make it hard to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. They may also engage in sexual activities which increase the risk for pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They might also struggle with sensitization to rejection because they have a hard time accepting negative or real responses from others. They may avoid social situations or isolate themselves as a result.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first indications of ADHD for women and girls. They are more likely to procrastinate or misplace things, have trouble concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in a busy environment. They may also have difficulties sleeping or relaxing, and could be more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems in school, at home and in their relationships.
Girls and women are often not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent between males and females. Teachers and healthcare providers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do for male students. This can lead both to an incorrect diagnosis as well as delays in treatment.
Combined with a tendency to hide their issues It could result in adults suffering from ADHD have a more severe impact from the condition than typically reported. For instance, they may not have trouble focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making decisions at the supermarket or have trouble finding the time to sleep or relax.
This can affect their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies that may include substance addiction or poor eating habits. This can cause more problems in time, and stop the woman getting the help she needs.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable to boys and men socially It is possible that girls and women may suppress or hide them out of fear of being disregarded. For example, a girl who suffers from ADHD might display excessive and impulsive behavior in order to avoid being criticized for not conforming to the norms of her community or school.
Ultimately, these factors can lead to a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers should be aware of the struggles, as they may be signs of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. This condition can be treated by medication and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time managing their emotions than men. Moods are more likely to fluctuate due to hormonal changes throughout the day, which can increase symptoms such as anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional difficulties can have serious consequences for relationships and career prospects.
ADHD can be a problem for both children and parents however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can feel ashamed of ADHD and may not seek help due to this. They may even attempt to hide their symptoms by developing strategies for coping, such as drinking excessively or drug abuse, which can actually make the situation worse. Masking can also make it more difficult for employers and teachers to detect ADHD symptoms for women, and it could lead to a delay in diagnosing.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able to successfully hide her symptoms during her adolescence and youth, but it's more challenging as an adult. Stress from daily life and the pressures of society to excel in both relationships and work can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These challenges can result in women with ADHD feeling like they are failing as well as low self-esteem and constant stress. The diagnosis of ADHD could be a transformative moment for certain women. It can aid them in understanding the root of their struggles and allow them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women with ADHD struggle to find help at school or at work. They may be embarrassed confiding in a professor or supervisor, and they may worry that the support they require is considered an act of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make minor adjustments to help those with ADHD achieve their goals.
In addition to having people who can be supportive, women suffering from ADHD can also benefit by joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups provide an opportunity to share stories and discuss the particular challenges 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 example girls may try to dress and act more like her peers to avoid the attention of bullies or social rejection. In addition, she might compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by working harder at work or school or relying on productivity apps to get her tasks accomplished. These and other strategies for coping can mask the presence ADHD in females and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Often, women and girls who have ADHD are often diagnosed with mental health issues like anxiety or depression, before they receive a diagnosis for the disorder. 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 be afflicted by low self-esteem, as well as coexisting mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as emotionally unstable or temperamental, which contributes to their feelings of frustration.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to forget birthdays or misunderstand minor details, which can lead to conflict and confusion. They may also struggle to manage household chores financial obligations, personal finances, and other daily responsibilities. These difficulties can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel a dysfunctional internal landscape of beliefs about their worth.
Gender bias in clinical settings can also affect the rate that women and girls are being referred to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes that described children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They then evaluated their likelihood to recommend or seek services for the child in the. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
ADHD as with other conditions, can vary in severity and worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms could be more prominent during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can lead to issues with relationships, social functioning, and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of failure and frustration.