Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed among girls because it presents differently than in 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 and substance abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD often find it hard 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 finances, record-keeping, and household chores. It's also common for women to experience problems with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult to remember names or dates. These women also have difficulty staying still for long durations and are unable to focus or follow instructions.
While the impulse control and hyperactivity are more prevalent for males and boys but the inattention ADHD subtype is also prevalent in women and girls. Up to 80% of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that persist for more than six month to qualify for a diagnoses.
The inattentive symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to recognize than the other types of ADHD because a lot of people don't think about them as part of an issue or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. Parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
In addition, the way that ADHD affects women can vary during different times of her life due to hormone fluctuations. Women's symptoms can become more severe when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopause.
These issues can affect women's self-esteem as well as their life satisfaction. They can trigger feelings of self-doubt and shame because they make it hard to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are also susceptible to anxiety and depression. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual activities which increase the chance of having a baby and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health issues. They may also be afflicted by rejection sensitivity because they have a hard time accepting negative or real responses from other people. They may avoid social situations or even isolate themselves because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They are more likely to procrastinate or misplace items and have difficulty focusing on their tasks, and are easily overwhelmed in a busy environment. They may also have difficulties sleeping or relaxing, and may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxieties. Symptoms like these can cause difficulties at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Girls and women are frequently not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent among boys and men. Teachers and healthcare professionals often do not recommend ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as often as they do for males. This can lead both to an inaccurate diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
Along with the tendency to hide their struggles This could result in adults suffering from ADHD experience a greater impact from the condition than is generally reported. For instance, they might not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make decisions when they go to the grocery shop or struggle to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing signs of adhd in adults , they may adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This may include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time and prevent the woman from seeking assistance that could improve her life dramatically.
It is also possible that because ADHD-linked behaviors are more acceptable in the social context of males and girls and women, they are repressed or hidden by women and girls who are concerned about being ostracized. For instance, girls who have ADHD might display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being criticized because they aren't in line with the norms at school or in the community.
These causes can create an environment of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. It's important for family members, friends and educators to be aware of these issues for women and girls, because they could be an indication of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and needs to be addressed by a combination of therapy and medication.
Emotional Difficulties
Women suffering from ADHD often find it more difficult than men to manage their emotions. Their moods are more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms like irritability or a feeling of inadequacy. Women with ADHD also are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional issues can have serious consequences for relationships and career opportunities.
Having ADHD can be a slog for parents as well as children however, it is particularly challenging for women. Women often feel shy or embarrassed about their ADHD, and this can make it difficult for them to seek help. They may try to mask their symptoms by implementing strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or drug use, which can cause the problem to get worse. Masking can also make it harder for teachers and employers to notice ADHD symptoms for women, and can contribute to delay in diagnosis.
It's easier for a woman who suffers from ADHD to hide her symptoms in her teens and early adolescence than when she becomes an adult. The pressures of daily life, coupled with social pressures to be successful in work and relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These challenges can result in women suffering from ADHD feeling like failures and low self-esteem. They can also cause ongoing stress. For some, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be like a lightbulb moment that helps them understand the root cause of their issues and allowing them to accept their own uniqueness.
Many women suffering from ADHD find it difficult to receive support at school or work. They may feel embarrassed about telling a supervisor or professor, and they may worry that the accommodation they need will be considered an indication of weakness or incompetence. However, the majority of instructors and supervisors will make small accommodations to allow people with ADHD to perform their roles.
In addition to locating supportive peers, women with ADHD can benefit by joining online support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups offer a chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.
Co-Occurring conditions
As women and girls mature, they may develop strategies to cope that mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to spot. For example, a girl might attempt to dress and act like her peers in order to avoid the attention of bullies 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 coping strategies could conceal the presence of ADHD in a woman and can delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Often, women and girls who have ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, before they receive a diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD and hinder treatment and recovery.
Females and girls who have ADHD are also at a higher risk of feeling low about themselves and are more likely to be affected by mood disorders that coexist. This is more so than boys or men. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which can increase their anger.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely than men to forget birthdays and make mistakes with minor details. This could lead to confusion and conflict. They may also be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances, and other daily responsibilities. These difficulties can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted which can create an unhealthy internal landscape of beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias also affects the rate of referrals for ADHD evaluations. 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 services for the child depicted. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD as with other conditions, can vary in severity and worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms may be more severe during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. sign of adhd in adults can cause problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, as well as contribute to feelings of frustration and disappointment.