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 coping strategies, such as excessive alcohol and substance abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to co-existing disorders like anxiety and depression.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They might forget appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They struggle to keep track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. They are also prone to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory problems. They also have difficulty staying still for long periods and are unable to focus or follow instructions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more frequently found in males and females however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent for women and girls. In fact, it's estimated that up to 80% of all ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that last for more than six month to be able to receive a diagnosis.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be difficult to spot because they don't see the symptoms as a problem, or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms can also change over time due to hormonal changes. Women's symptoms may worsen when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopausal changes.
These symptoms can have a negative impact on women's self-esteem as well as their satisfaction with life. These issues can lead to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem, as they make it difficult to manage relationships, work or home tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also suffer from depression and anxiety. They could also engage in sexual behavior which increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They may also have difficulty accepting rejection from others, whether it's real or perceived. This is why they may avoid social situations and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases the two are the first symptoms of ADHD in women and girls. They are more likely to be procrastinators or misplace items, have trouble concentrating on their tasks, and are easily overwhelmed in busy environments. They may also have trouble getting sleep or relaxing and may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxieties. symptoms of add can lead to problems in the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Women and girls are often not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common for both genders. Health professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do for male students. This can lead to an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
In addition, with a tendency to hide their struggles It could suggest that people with ADHD experience a greater impact of the condition than usually reported. For instance, they might not have trouble focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might struggle to make decisions at the supermarket or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This can affect their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying problem, they could develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that may include alcohol abuse or eating habits that are unhealthy. This could make the problem worse over time, and prevent the woman from getting the help she needs.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more acceptable to males and females in social settings it is possible that girls and women may hide or suppress them out of fear of being judged. For example, girls with ADHD may exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behaviors to avoid being criticized because they don't fit in with the norms at school or community.
In the end, these issues can create a vicious cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers should be aware of the struggles and be aware that they could be a sign of an undiagnosed disorder. The disorder is treatable by medication and therapy.
Emotional Troubles
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time managing their emotions than men. The mood of women with ADHD is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can cause symptoms like irritability and feeling of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional difficulties may have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a struggle for both parents and children however, it is particularly challenging 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 developing coping strategies such as excessive alcohol or drug abuse, which can actually cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers, as well as women themselves, to recognize ADHD symptoms. It can delay diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able to manage to hide her symptoms throughout the adolescent years and in her youth however, it can be more difficult as an adult. The pressures of life, along with the societal expectations to excel at work and in relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women with ADHD feeling a sense of failure, low self-esteem and constant stress. For some, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD could be a lightbulb moment that helps people to recognize the root cause of their challenges and giving them the chance to accept their own uniqueness.
Many women with ADHD struggle to find help at school or at work. They may feel embarrassed confiding in a professor or supervisor, and they may worry that the accommodations they require is considered an act of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make small adjustments to help those with ADHD achieve their goals.
In addition to locating people who can be supportive, women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups offer an opportunity to share stories and discuss the unique 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 difficult for others to spot. For instance girls may attempt to dress and behave like her peers to avoid attention from bullying or social rejection. In addition, she might compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by putting more effort into school or at work, or relying on productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other coping mechanisms can disguise the presence of ADHD in a woman and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Girls and women with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions can obscure the symptoms and presence of ADHD. They can cause complications in treatment.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They are often misunderstood or dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which further adds to their sense of anger.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to overlook birthdays and miss small details. This can lead to miscommunication and conflict. They may also have difficulty keeping up with household chores, personal finances and everyday responsibilities. These difficulties can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can create an internal chaos of untruthful beliefs about their capabilities and worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias can affect the frequency that women and girls are recommended to an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in a classroom to read vignettes describing children suffering from ADHD symptoms, and then rate how likely they would be to recommend or seek out services for the child they described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD like other disorders is a condition that can be severe and worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms can be more prominent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, or menopause. These changes can cause problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, as well as contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.