Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD often are not recognized as children due to the fact that the disorder appears differently 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 also tend to develop unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking and substance abuse that cover up their ADHD symptoms and hinders an accurate diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety.
Attention!
Women who are not attentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They may forget appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They struggle to organize personal finances, record-keeping and household chores. It's also normal for these women to have problems with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult to remember names or dates. They also have difficulty staying still for long periods and aren't able to concentrate or follow directions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more common in boys and men but the inattention ADHD subtype is also seen for women and girls. As high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are categorized as inattentive. To be eligible for a diagnosis, you must have at least five continuous inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD are often harder to spot than other kinds of ADHD because a lot of people don't think about them as being a disorder or have different expectations about what a girl's behavior should be. Parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can change over time due to hormonal changes. Women's symptoms may worsen during pregnancy, menstruation or menopause.
These signs can have a major impact on women'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 domestic tasks. Women with untreated ADHD might also suffer from depression and anxiety. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behavior which increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health problems. They may also be afflicted by the sensitivity to rejection since they have a hard time accepting negative or real responses from other people. In the end, they may avoid social settings and avoid social situations.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They are more likely to delay or misplace things and have difficulty focusing on tasks and easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have trouble sleeping or relaxing, and could be more prone to mood swings or anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause difficulties at the classroom, 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. Teachers and health professionals typically do not suggest ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as often as they do for males. This can result in an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
Along with the tendency to hide their issues It could result in adults suffering from ADHD suffer more from the condition than is generally reported. For instance, they might not have trouble focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions when shopping or find it hard to relax or sleep.
This could have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies, which may include alcohol use or poor eating habits. This can make it worse in time, and stop the woman from getting the help she requires.
It is also possible that ADHD-related behavior is more popular with males and girls, they may be suppressed or hid by women and girls who are concerned about being judged. For instance, a child who suffers from ADHD may exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being shamed for not fitting in with the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
In the end, these triggers can result in a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends and teachers to recognize these struggles for women and girls, as they can be a sign of a disorder that is not recognized and requires treatment through therapy and medication management.
Emotional Troubles
Women who suffer from ADHD have a harder time controlling their emotions than men. Their moods are more likely fluctuate as a result of hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which may exacerbate symptoms such as anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more prone to anxiety and depression. These emotional issues can have serious consequences for relationships and job prospects.
Having ADHD can be a slog for both parents and children, but it's especially difficult for women. Women are often embarrassed or ashamed about their ADHD which can make it difficult for them to seek assistance. They may also try to mask their symptoms by implementing strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse, which could make the situation worse. Masking can make adhd symptoms adult for employers and teachers and women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It can delay diagnosis.
It is easier for women with ADHD to hide her symptoms in her youth and adolescence than it is as an adult. The pressures of life, coupled with social pressures to be successful in work and relationships, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women suffering from ADHD feeling a sense of being insecure, self-esteem issues and a constant sense of anxiety. For some, the diagnosis of ADHD could be a lightbulb moment, helping them to understand the root cause of their issues and helping them accept themselves more fully.
Many women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive help at work or school. They might be embarrassed to tell an instructor or supervisor and worry that their accommodation will be seen as an indication of incompetence or weakness. Most teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to help those with ADHD succeed in their jobs.
adhd symptom adult with ADHD who are seeking friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups can provide an opportunity to share stories and discuss the unique difficulties of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women get older, they may develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to detect. A girl may dress and act as her peers in order to avoid being criticized or bullied by other people. Or, she may take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by working harder at work or school or relying on productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other coping strategies could conceal the presence of ADHD in a woman and can delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Most often, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, prior to the time they receive an official diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD and hinder treatment and recovery.
Females and girls who have ADHD also have a greater chance of having low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by mood disorders that coexist. This is more so than males 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 experience difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to forget birthdays or miss important details which can cause conflicts and miscommunication. Also, they may have difficulty keeping up with household chores, personal finances and everyday responsibilities. These issues can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted which can lead to an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their worth and capability.
In clinical settings, gender bias 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 about children who had ADHD symptoms, and then rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or find services for the child described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
As with other types of conditions, ADHD can vary in severity for each patient and can worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms can be more evident during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or menopausal phase. These changes can cause difficulties with relationships, social functioning and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of failure and frustration.