Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed as children, because the disorder manifests differently in girls than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These individuals are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping strategies like drinking excessively and using substances, which mask their ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like anxiety and depression are also common among these individuals.
Inattention
Women with inattention 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 have a difficult time organizing their personal financial records, household chores. It's also common for these women to have problems with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult for them to remember dates or names. They also have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following directions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more prevalent in males and females however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent in women and girls. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must have at least five inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD can be harder to spot than other forms of ADHD because a lot of people don't think about them as being an issue or have different expectations for what a girl's behavior should be. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than boys.
In addition, the way that ADHD affects women can change over different periods of her life because of hormone changes. Women's symptoms can become more severe during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms.
These symptoms can have a significant effect on women's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. They can lead to feelings of shame and low self-worth because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. They can also engage in sexual behaviors which increase the risk for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and other health issues. They may also experience the sensitivity to rejection since they have difficulty accepting negative responses from others. They may avoid social situations or avoid social situations due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first signs of ADHD for both genders. They may procrastinate more, misplace things or have difficulty concentrating. They may also be overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They may also have difficulty getting sleep or relaxing and could be more prone to mood swings and anxieties. These symptoms can lead to problems at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Girls and women are often left out of the diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent between males and females. Teachers and health professionals typically do not suggest ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as often as they do for male ones. This could result in an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to hide their struggles can result in adults with ADHD experience a greater impact than is normally reported. For instance, they might not have trouble focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making decisions when shopping or find it hard to relax or sleep.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they could develop unhealthy ways to cope. This could include substance abuse and poor eating habits. This could make the problem worse over time, and may prevent the woman from receiving the assistance she needs.
It is also possible ADHD-related behavior is more socially acceptable for males and females and women, they are repressed or hid by women and girls who are worried about being ostracized. For instance, girls who have ADHD might exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being judged because they don't fit in with the norms of school or community.
These factors can ultimately create an environment of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. Families, friends, and educators should be aware of the struggles, as they may be a sign of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. The disorder can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Troubles
Women who suffer from ADHD typically struggle more than men to manage their emotions. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate due to hormone fluctuations throughout the day, which may cause symptoms like anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. Women with ADHD also are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional problems can have serious consequences for relationships and job prospects.
Having ADHD can be a slog for parents and children alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women often feel shy or embarrassed about their ADHD which can make it difficult for them to seek help. female symptoms of adhd try to mask symptoms with coping strategies like excessive drinking or substance abuse which can cause more harm. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers as well as women themselves, to recognize ADHD symptoms. It may also delay the diagnosis.
It's much easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal her symptoms during her adolescence and youth than as an adult. The pressures of daily life, combined with societal expectations to excel in work and relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These struggles can lead to women with ADHD feeling like failures and low self-esteem. They can also cause ongoing stress. The diagnosis of ADHD could be a life-changing moment for certain women. It can help them understand the cause of their issues and allow them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty finding support at work or school. They may be shy to speak to an instructor or supervisor and worry that their accommodation could be interpreted as a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, most instructors and supervisors will make small adjustments to enable people with ADHD to perform their jobs.
Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups offer a opportunities to share experiences and discuss women's ADHD issues.
Co-occurring Conditions
As women and girls get older, they may develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to detect. A girl might dress and act as her peers in order to avoid being criticized or bullied by others. She could also compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to get her tasks accomplished. These and other coping strategies can disguise the existence of ADHD in a female and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
A lot of the time, girls and women who have ADHD are often diagnosed with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, before they are given a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD, as well as complicate treatment and recovery.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being impulsive or overly emotional, which adds to their anger.
Additionally there are women who have issues in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to miss birthdays and to make mistakes with minor details. This can cause miscommunication and conflict. They also might struggle to keep up with 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 influences the rate at which girls and women are recommended for an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes describing children with ADHD symptoms and assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek help for the child depicted. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
As with other types of disorders, ADHD can vary in intensity for individuals and may be worsened at different periods. For instance, symptoms may be more severe during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, and contribute to feelings of frustration and disappointment.