Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD often go undiagnosed as children because 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 are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as drinking excessively and using substances that cover up their ADHD symptoms and delays an accurate diagnosis. They are also susceptible to co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression.
Attention
Women with inattentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They may forget appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They are unable to keep their finances in order chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. It's also common for women to experience trouble with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult to remember dates or names. They also have trouble staying still for long periods and are unable to concentrate or follow instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more often associated with boys and men but the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common in girls and women. As high as 80% of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that persist for longer than six months to be able to receive a diagnosis.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to spot than other types of ADHD because a lot of people don't consider them as being a disorder or have different expectations about what a girl should be doing. Because of this, parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than for boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms can also change as time passes due to hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms may worsen during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal changes.
These symptoms can have a significant impact on a woman's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. They can lead to feelings of guilt and self-worth devaluation due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are also susceptible to depression and anxiety. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behavior that increase the likelihood of having children and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health problems. They may also be afflicted by sensitization to rejection because they have a hard time accepting negative reactions from others. They might avoid social situations or avoid social situations as a result.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first indications of ADHD for girls and women. They might procrastinate more than usual, lose items or have difficulty concentrating. They can also become overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They may also have difficulties falling asleep or relaxing, and are more prone to mood swings or anxiety. These symptoms can lead to issues at home, school and in relationships.
Since symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females however, girls and women may be omitted from a diagnosis. 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 to an incorrect diagnosis as well as an inability to treat.
This, along with the tendency to hide their struggles can mean that adults who have ADHD have a more significant impact than is normally reported. For instance, they may not report having difficulty focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make choices at the store or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies, which may include substance addiction or eating habits that are unhealthy. This could make the problem worse in time, and stop the woman getting the help she requires.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more accepted by boys and men socially, it is possible that girls and women might hide or suppress their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being rejected. For instance, girls with ADHD may exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the norms of school or in the community.
In the end, these triggers can result in a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families, friends, and educators must be aware of the struggles, as they may be a sign of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. The disorder can be treated by medication and therapy.
Emotional Problems
Women with ADHD often have a harder time than men to control their emotions. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can cause symptoms like irritability or a feeling of inadequacy. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional problems could have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
ADHD can be a major challenge for children and parents alike, but it is especially difficult for women. Women often feel embarrassed or ashamed about their ADHD which can prevent them from seeking help. They may try to mask their symptoms by implementing strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or substance use, which can 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.
It is easier for women who suffers from ADHD to conceal her symptoms in her teens and early adolescence than when she becomes an adult. Stress from everyday life and pressures from society to excel in both relationships and work can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women with ADHD feeling like they are a victim of self-doubt, a sense of inadequacy and chronic distress. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a transformative moment for certain women. It can help them understand the cause of their struggles and allow them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive support at school or work. They may feel embarrassed about confiding in a professor or supervisor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the accommodations they require will be perceived as an indication of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make small adjustments to help those with ADHD achieve their goals.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups can provide an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the particular issues of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring conditions
As women and girls mature and develop, they may come up with strategies to deal with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to recognize. For example girls may try to dress and behave like her peers to ward off the attention of bullies or social rejection. She might try to make up for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. add symptoms adults and other coping strategies could conceal the presence of ADHD in a woman and can delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Most often, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with mental health issues like anxiety or depression, before they are given a diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions may conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They can also make treatment more difficult.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They are often misunderstood or dismissed as emotionally unstable or temperamental, which further contributes to their feelings of frustration.
Additionally, many women have difficulty in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They tend to forget birthdays or miss important details, which can lead to conflicts and confusion. They also might be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances, and other responsibilities of daily life. These challenges can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their worth and capability.
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 in a classroom to read vignettes describing children with ADHD symptoms, and rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or find services for the child portrayed. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
As with other types of conditions, ADHD can vary in severity for individual patients and may be worsened at different times. For instance, symptoms could be more evident during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, or menopausal phase. These changes can lead to issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and also result in feelings of anger and failure.