Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed as children due to the fact that the disorder is different in girls than it does in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These people are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping strategies like drinking excessively and using substances that cover up their ADHD symptoms and hinders the accurate diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to co-existing disorders like anxiety and depression.
Attention
Women with inattention ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their schoolwork, job and daily routines. They may miss appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They struggle to organize personal financial records, household chores. It's also common for women to experience issues with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult for them to remember names or dates. These women also have difficulty staying still for long durations and are unable to focus or follow directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more commonly found in males and females however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in women and girls. In fact, it's believed that as high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are inattentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must show at least five continuous inattention-related symptoms that last longer than six months.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can be difficult for people to identify because they don't view the symptoms as a problem, or have different expectations of how a girl should act. Parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects women is different at different times of her life due to hormone fluctuations. For instance the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may become more severe during her menstrual cycle, while she is pregnant or when she enters menopause.
These symptoms can have a negative impact on a woman’s self-esteem and her life satisfaction. They can cause feelings of guilt and self-worth devaluation because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might also suffer from depression and anxiety. They may also engage in sexual activities that increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and other health issues. They may also be afflicted by sensitization to rejection because they have a hard time accepting real or perceived negative responses from others. They may avoid social interactions or even isolate themselves because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They are more likely to be procrastinators or misplace things, have trouble concentrating on their tasks, and are easily overwhelmed in a busy environment. They might also have trouble relaxing or falling asleep and may be more prone to mood fluctuation and anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause problems in school, at home and in their relationships.
Women and girls are often overlooked for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common between males and females. Healthcare providers and teachers often don't suggest ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male students. This can lead to an incorrect diagnosis as well as delays in treatment.
This, combined with the tendency to conceal their problems, could make it clear that people with ADHD suffer more than is normally reported. They may not be able to admit that they have difficulty concentrating at work or are overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions at the supermarket or find it hard to relax or sleep.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they might develop unhealthy ways to cope. adult adhd symtoms may include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This can make it worse over time, and prevent the woman from getting the help she requires.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more accepted by males and boys It is possible that girls and women might hide or suppress their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being judged. For instance, girls with ADHD might exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behaviors to avoid being criticized because they aren't in line with the norms at school or community.
In the end, these issues can create a vicious cycle of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators should be aware of these struggles and be aware that they could be a sign of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. This disorder is treatable through therapy and medication.
Emotional Problems
Women with ADHD have a harder time managing their emotions than men. The mood of women with ADHD is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can lead to more severe symptoms like irritability or a feeling of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional problems can have a serious impact on relationships and career prospects.
ADHD can be a challenge for children and parents alike, but it is especially difficult for women. Women may feel embarrassed about ADHD and might not seek help due to this. They may try to mask their symptoms by developing strategies for coping, such as excessive alcohol or drug use, which can make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers as well as women themselves, to recognize ADHD symptoms. It may also delay the diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able to manage to hide her symptoms throughout her adolescence and youth however it becomes more difficult as an adult. Stress from daily life and the pressures of society to perform well in work and relationships can cause more ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women with ADHD feeling a sense of failure, low self-esteem and a constant sense of anxiety. For some, receiving an diagnosis of ADHD could be a lightbulb moment, helping them understand the root cause of their challenges and allowing them to accept their own uniqueness.
Many women with ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive help at work or school. They may be embarrassed confiding in a professor or supervisor, and they may worry that the accommodation they need will be considered a sign of weakness or incompetence. Most teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to help people with ADHD succeed in their work.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups offer a an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.
Co-occurring conditions
As girls and women grow up, they can develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to see. For instance the girl may try to dress and behave like her peers to avoid attention from bullying or social rejection. She could also take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by putting in more effort at school or work or using productivity apps to get her tasks done. These and other strategies for coping could disguise the presence of ADHD in females and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
Most often, girls and women who have ADHD are often diagnosed with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, before they are given a diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD and hinder treatment and recovery.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, as well as coexisting mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which can increase their frustration.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to overlook birthdays and miss minor details. adult adhd symptom can lead to miscommunication and conflict. Additionally, they might struggle to manage household chores as well as personal finances and everyday responsibilities. These challenges can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can create an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their worth and capabilities.
In clinical settings, gender bias also affects the number of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes describing children suffering from ADHD symptoms and evaluated their likelihood to recommend or seek help for the child depicted. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than for girls.
ADHD like other disorders is a condition that can be severe and worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms might be more prominent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or menopause. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, and also result in feelings of anger and disappointment.