Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often go undiagnosed as children, because the disorder appears 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 coping strategies, such as excessive alcohol and substance abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like depression and anxiety, are also common in these people.
Inattention
Women who are not attentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They may forget appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They struggle to keep track of their finances as well as household chores and record-keeping. It is also common for these women to have problems with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult for them to remember names or dates. They also have trouble sitting still for long periods of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following instructions.
While impulse control and hyperactivity are more common in boys and men, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also common in women and girls. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are inattentive. You must show five inattentive symptoms that persist for a period of more than six months to be able to receive a diagnosis.
The inattentive symptoms of ADHD are often harder to recognize than the other forms of ADHD because many people don't consider them as being an illness or have different expectations for what a girl should be doing. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects women is different at different times of her life because of hormone changes. Women's symptoms can worsen when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopause.
These signs can have a significant effect on women's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. They can cause feelings of guilt and self-worth devaluation because they make it hard to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also suffer from depression and anxiety. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors which increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health problems. They might also struggle with sensitization to rejection because they have difficulty accepting negative or real responses from others. This is why they may avoid social situations and isolate themselves.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They might procrastinate more than usual, lose items or have difficulty concentrating. adhd symptoms can also become overwhelmed by the busy environment. They may also have a hard time relaxing or falling asleep, and they may be more susceptible to mood fluctuation and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at school, home and in relationships.
Girls and women are frequently overlooked for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common between males and females. Health professionals and teachers don't recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do for male ones. This could result in an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to conceal their struggles can make it clear that people with ADHD experience a greater impact than is normally reported. For instance, they might not report having difficulty focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions when shopping or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This can have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they could adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This may include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time and keep the woman from seeking assistance that could improve her life in a significant way.
It is also possible ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable in the social context of boys and men however, they could be repressed or hid by girls and women who are concerned about being ostracized. For instance, girls who have ADHD might exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being judged because they aren't in line with the norms at school or in the community.
These issues can lead to a cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers should be aware of these issues and be aware that they could be signs of an undiagnosed disorder. The disorder is treatable with medication and therapy.
Emotional Problems
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their emotions than men. Their moods are more likely fluctuate as a result of hormone fluctuations throughout the day, which can cause symptoms like anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women with ADHD also have a higher risk of anxiety and depression. These emotional problems can have serious consequences for relationships and job prospects.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a challenge for parents and children alike however, it is particularly challenging for women. Women can be shy about ADHD and may not seek help due to this. Some women try to mask symptoms with coping strategies like excessive drinking or substance abuse, but this can make the situation worse. Masking can make it harder for teachers and employers to detect ADHD symptoms for women, and it could lead to delays in diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be able to effectively hide her symptoms in the adolescent years and in her youth, but it's more challenging when she's an adult. The pressures of daily life, combined with expectations from society to excel at work and in relationships, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling a sense of being insecure, self-esteem issues and constant stress. 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 suffering from ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive support at work or school. They may be embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the accommodation they need is perceived as an act of weakness or incompetence. However, most supervisors and instructors will make small accommodations to allow people with ADHD to perform their roles.
In addition to finding people who can be supportive, women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from joining online support groups for adults with ADHD. These groups offer 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 and develop, they may come up with coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to recognize. A girl might dress and act as her peers in order to avoid being criticized or bullied by others. She could try to compensate for her impulsive, disorganized behavior by putting more effort into school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other coping strategies can mask the presence of ADHD in women and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Most often, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed with mental health issues like anxiety or depression, before they receive an official diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions may mask the presence and symptoms of ADHD. They may cause complications in treatment.
Females and girls who have ADHD are also at a higher chance of having low self-esteem and are more likely to be affected by co-existing mood disorders than men or boys. They may be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which adds to their angst.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They tend to forget birthdays or err on minor details, which can lead to conflicts and miscommunication. They may also struggle to manage household chores financial obligations, personal finances, and other everyday responsibilities. These issues can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted which can create a dysfunctional internal landscape of their beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias influences the frequency of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes that described children with ADHD symptoms and evaluated their likelihood to recommend or seek help for the child in the. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD as with other conditions is a condition that can be severe and worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms might be more pronounced during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can cause issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and also contribute to feelings of frustration and disappointment.