Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls since it is different than 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, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as anxiety and depression are also common among these individuals.
Attention
Women with inattentive ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They might miss appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They are unable to keep track of their finances as well as household chores and record-keeping. These women are also more likely to forget names and dates, and also suffer from memory issues. These women also have difficulty being still for long periods and aren't able to concentrate or follow instructions.
While the impulse control and hyperactivity are more common in boys and men but the inattention ADHD subtype is also common in girls and women. Around 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that last for a period of more than six months to be able to receive a diagnosis.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can be difficult for people to recognize because they don't see them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. This is why parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than for boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms can also change over time due to hormonal changes. add symptoms adults can become more severe during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms.
These signs can affect a woman’s self-esteem and her satisfaction with life. They can cause feelings of shame and low self-worth due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also suffer from anxiety and depression. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual activities which increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health issues. They may also have difficulty accepting rejection from others, whether it's real or not. In the end, they may avoid social situations and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD in girls and women. They may be more likely to delay or lose things or have difficulty concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in busy environments. They may also have difficulty getting sleep or relaxing and may be more susceptible to mood swings or anxiety. These symptoms can cause issues at home, school and in relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more common in boys and men, women and girls may be omitted from a diagnosis. Teachers and healthcare providers don't suggest ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male ones. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis as well as an inability to treat.
In addition, with a tendency to hide their struggles, this can result in adults suffering from ADHD suffer more from the condition than typically reported. They might not mention that they have difficulty concentrating at work or feel overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make choices at the shop or struggle to sleep or relax.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies, which could include substance addiction or poor eating habits. This can make the problem worse over time, and hinder the woman from seeking help that could improve her life dramatically.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more popular with males and boys It is possible that women and girls may hide or suppress their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being judged. For instance, girls with ADHD might display hyperactive and impulsive behaviors to avoid being judged because they aren't in line with the norms of school or in the community.
Ultimately, these factors can result in a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators should be aware of the struggles because they could be signs of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. The disorder can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Problems
Women suffering from ADHD typically find it more difficult than men to control their emotions. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormone fluctuations throughout the day, which can increase symptoms such as anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. Women who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. These emotional issues can have serious implications for relationships and job prospects.
ADHD can be a challenge for both children and parents however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women often feel shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD which can hinder them from seeking assistance. Women may attempt to mask symptoms with coping strategies like excessive drinking or drug use which can make the situation worse. Masking can make it harder for employers and teachers to notice ADHD symptoms for women, and it can contribute to a delay in diagnosing.
It's much easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal her symptoms in her teens and early adolescence than it is as an adult. The pressures of daily life, along with the social pressures to be successful at work and in relationships, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of being insecure, self-esteem issues 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 feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find help at work or school. They may feel uncomfortable in telling a supervisor or professor and worry that their accommodation could be interpreted as a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, the majority of instructors and supervisors will make small adjustments to help those with ADHD to succeed in their jobs.
Women with ADHD who are looking for supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups provide an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the unique issues of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As girls and women grow older and develop, they may come up with strategies to deal with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to detect. For instance girls may attempt to dress and act more like her peers in order to avoid attention from bullying or social rejection. She could try to compensate for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by putting more effort into school or at work or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other strategies for coping can mask the presence ADHD in a female and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Most often, girls and women who have ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety, before they receive a diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions could obscure the symptoms and presence of ADHD. They may 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 can be misunderstood and dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which increases their frustration.
Additionally, many women have difficulty in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They tend to forget birthdays or misunderstand minor details, which can lead to conflicts and confusion. They also may struggle to keep up with housework, personal finances and other obligations of the day. These issues can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can fuel an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their worth and capability.
In clinical settings, gender bias influences the frequency of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes about children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They also rated how likely they were to recommend or seek services for the child depicted. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD like other disorders, can vary in severity and worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more apparent during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy or the menopausal cycle. These changes can cause problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.