Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often go undiagnosed as children due to the fact that the disorder manifests differently in girls 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 drinking and substance abuse, that mask their ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to coexisting conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Attention
Women with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may forget appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They are unable to keep track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. It is also common for women with this condition to have trouble with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult for them to remember names or dates. They also have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more often associated with boys and men however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in girls and women. Around 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are categorized as inattentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that persist for longer than six months to be able to receive a diagnosis.
The inattentive symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to recognize than the other kinds of ADHD because a lot of people don't consider them as part of an illness or have different expectations about what a girl's behavior should be. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
In addition, the way that ADHD affects a woman can vary during different times of her life due to hormone changes. Women's symptoms may worsen during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal changes.
These symptoms can have a profound impact on a woman's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. These symptoms can lead to feelings of shame and low-self-worth, as they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household chores. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might also suffer from depression and anxiety. They could also engage in sexual behaviors that increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it is real or perceived. This is why they may avoid social situations and avoid social situations.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first indications of ADHD for both genders. They might procrastinate more and lose things, or have trouble focusing. They may also be overwhelmed by the busy environment. They might also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing and may be more prone to mood fluctuation and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at school, home and in relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more common in males and females women and girls can be overlooked for a diagnosis. Health professionals and teachers don't suggest ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do male ones. This can lead to an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
In addition, with a tendency to conceal their problems, this can suggest that people with ADHD have a more severe impact from the condition than is generally reported. For instance, they might not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions when shopping or find it difficult to relax or sleep.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that may include alcohol abuse or poor eating habits. This can make the problem worse over time and prevent the woman from getting help that could improve her life dramatically.
It is also possible because ADHD-related behaviors are more acceptable in the social context of males and girls however, they could be repressed or hidden by women and girls who are worried about being rejected. For example, girls with ADHD may exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behaviors to avoid being criticized because they don't fit in with the norms of their school or in the community.
These issues can lead to a cycle of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators must be aware of these struggles and be aware that they could be signs of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. This disorder can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Problems
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to struggle more than men to manage their emotions. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can lead to more severe symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression. These emotional problems could have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
ADHD can be a challenge for both children and parents, but it is especially difficult for women. Women often feel embarrassed or ashamed about their ADHD which can hinder them from seeking assistance. They may attempt to hide their symptoms by implementing strategies for coping, like excessive drinking 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 can also delay the diagnosis.
It's much easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal the signs of ADHD in her adolescence and youth than it is as an adult. Stress from everyday life and pressures from society to perform well in work and relationships can cause more ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling a sense of failure, low self-esteem and constant stress. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a life-changing moment for some women. It can help them understand the cause of their issues and allow them to accept themselves better.
Many women with ADHD are unable to find support at work or school. They may feel shy to speak to a supervisor or professor and worry that their accommodation will be seen as an indication of incompetence or weakness. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make small adjustments to help people who suffer from ADHD succeed in their work.
Women with ADHD who are looking for supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups offer the opportunity to share personal stories and discuss the particular difficulties of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring conditions
As girls and women become teenagers, they develop coping strategies that cover their ADHD symptoms and make it harder for others to detect. Girls may dress and act as her peers in order to avoid being bullied or criticized by other people. In addition, she might compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by working harder at school or work or relying on productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other strategies for coping can disguise the existence of ADHD in a female and delay her adult diagnosis.
Most often, girls and women who have ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, prior to the time they are given a diagnosis for the disorder. These other disorders can disguise the presence of ADHD and hinder treatment and recovery.
Females and girls who have ADHD are also at a higher risk of feeling low about themselves and are more likely to be afflicted by coexisting mood disorders than men or boys. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which can increase their anger.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to forget birthdays and make mistakes with small details. This can cause miscommunication and conflict. They may also struggle to manage household chores, personal finances and daily obligations. These issues can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can lead to an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their worth and capability.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings can affect the frequency that women and girls are recommended to an ADHD evaluation. In adhd adult symptoms , Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes that described children with ADHD symptoms. They then evaluated their likelihood to recommend or seek help for the child in the. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
Like other disorders, ADHD can vary in severity for each patient and may worsen at various periods. For instance, symptoms may be more pronounced during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy or menopause. These changes can cause problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, as well as result in feelings of anger and failure.