Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls because it is different than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also develop unhealthy strategies for coping, like excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like depression and anxiety, are also common in these people.
Attention
Women with inattentive ADHD often find it hard to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They might forget appointments or leave things unattended around the house. They struggle to manage their personal financial records, household chores. It is also common for these women to have issues with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult to remember dates or names. They also have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time and have difficulty staying focused or following directions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more frequently found in males and females, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is equally prevalent for women and girls. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must have at least five ongoing inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD can be harder to spot than other kinds of ADHD because a lot of people don't think about them as part of an illness or have different expectations about what a girl's behavior should be. Because of this, teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD evaluations for girls than they are for boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms can change as time passes due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may be more severe during the menstrual cycle, when she's pregnant, or when she enters menopausal.
These issues can have a negative impact on women's self-esteem as well as their satisfaction with life. They can trigger 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 are also susceptible to anxiety and depression. They may also engage in sexual activities which increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, whether it's real or not. They might avoid social situations or avoid social situations due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They may be more likely to be procrastinators or misplace things and have difficulty focusing on their tasks, and are easily overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing, and are more prone to mood swings or anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause difficulties at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Girls and women are often not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common for both genders. Healthcare providers and teachers often do not suggest ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for males. This can lead to an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to conceal their struggles can make it clear that people with ADHD experience a greater impact than is typically reported. For instance, they might not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might struggle to make decisions at the supermarket or find it difficult to relax or sleep.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies that may include substance abuse or eating habits that are unhealthy. This could make the issue worse over time and prevent the woman from seeking assistance that could improve her life in a significant way.
It is also possible ADHD-related behavior is more socially acceptable for males and girls however, they could be repressed or hid by women and girls who fear being judged. For instance, a girl who suffers from ADHD might display hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being judged for not conforming to the standards of her community or school.
Ultimately, these factors can create a vicious cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers must be aware of these struggles and be aware that they could be a sign of an undiagnosed disorder. This condition is treatable with medication and therapy.
Emotional Problems
Women suffering from ADHD tend to find it more difficult than men to control their emotions. Their moods are more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can lead to more severe symptoms like irritability or a feeling of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more prone to depression and anxiety. These emotional difficulties may have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
ADHD can be a problem for both children and parents but it can be especially difficult for women. Women can feel embarrassed about ADHD and might not seek help because of this. Some women may try to mask symptoms with methods of coping such as excessive drinking or drug use, but this can cause more harm. Masking can make it more difficult for employers and teachers to detect ADHD symptoms for women, and it can contribute to delays in diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD might be able to effectively hide her symptoms in the adolescent years and in her youth, but it's more challenging as an adult. add symptoms from daily life and societal pressures to perform well in work and relationships can intensify ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they're failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause ongoing stress. The diagnosis of ADHD could be a transformative moment for some women. It can aid them in understanding the root of their issues and allow them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to find help at work or school. They may be embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the accommodations they require will be perceived as an act of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make minor modifications to help individuals who suffer from ADHD succeed in their work.
In addition to finding female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can benefit by joining online support groups for adults with ADHD. These groups give members the an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD issues.
adhd adult symptoms -occurring conditions
As women and girls mature, they may develop coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to detect. Girls may dress and behave like her peers to avoid being bullied or rejected by peers. She could also compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by putting more effort into school or work or relying on productivity apps to get her tasks done. These and other strategies for coping can mask the presence ADHD in a female and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
Most often, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, prior to the time they receive a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD and complicate treatment and recovery.
Girls and females with ADHD are also at a higher risk of feeling low about themselves and are more likely to be affected by co-existing mood disorders than men or boys. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which adds to their angst.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely to forget birthdays or misunderstand minor details which can cause conflicts and miscommunication. They may also struggle to keep up with household chores, personal finances and other obligations of the day. These challenges can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an internal chaos of untruthful beliefs about their capabilities and worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias also influences the rate of women and girls who are being referred to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes about children with ADHD symptoms. They also assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek help for the child depicted. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
As with other illnesses, ADHD can vary in intensity for individuals and may be worsened at different times. For instance, symptoms could be more pronounced during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of disappointment and despair.