Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed as children because the disorder manifests differently in girls than it does in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also tend to develop unhealthy coping strategies that include drinking excessively and using substances, which mask their ADHD symptoms and delays an accurate diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to coexisting conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Attention!
adult signs of adhd with inattentive ADHD often find it hard to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They have trouble keeping track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. It is also common for women to experience trouble with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult to remember dates or names. They also have difficulty being still for long durations of time and have difficulty staying focused or following directions.
While impulse control and hyperactivity are more prevalent in males and females however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent in girls and women. As high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. To be eligible for a diagnosis, you must show at least five ongoing inattention-related symptoms that last longer than six months.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms are often difficult for people to identify because they don't perceive them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can also change over time due to hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms may worsen when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopause.
These signs can have a major impact on a woman's self-esteem and life satisfaction. These symptoms can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame and make it hard to manage relationships, work or home chores. Women with untreated ADHD may also be suffering from depression and anxiety. They can also engage in sexual behaviors that increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They may also be afflicted by the sensitivity to rejection since they have difficulty accepting negative responses from other people. signs of adhd in adults might avoid social situations or avoid social situations due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD for both genders. They may be more likely to delay or lose things or have difficulty concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in busy environments. They may also have difficulty getting sleep or relaxing and could be more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can cause problems at school, home and in relationships.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men, women and girls may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Healthcare providers and teachers often do not recommend ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for males. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis as well as a delay in treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to conceal their issues, can mean that adults who have ADHD experience a greater impact than is usually reported. They may not be able to admit that they have difficulty concentrating at work or are overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making choices at the grocery store or have trouble finding the time to relax or sleep.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying problem, they may adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This may include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This can make it worse over time, and may prevent the woman getting the help she needs.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable to males and boys it is possible that girls and women may hide or suppress from fear of being rejected. For example, a girl who suffers from ADHD may exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being shamed for not fitting in with the standards of her community or school.
These factors can ultimately create an environment of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It's important for family members, friends, and teachers to be aware of these issues for women and girls, as they can be a sign of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and must be treated with medication management and therapy.
Emotional Problems
Women suffering from ADHD typically 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 being inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. These emotional difficulties may have serious implications for career and relationships.
ADHD can be a problem for parents and children alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women may feel ashamed of ADHD and might not seek help due to this. Women may attempt to hide their symptoms using coping strategies like excessive drinking or substance abuse which can make the situation more difficult. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers to recognize ADHD symptoms in women, and it can lead to delay in diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be able to effectively hide her symptoms in her youth and adolescence however, it can be more difficult when she's an adult. Stress from everyday life and pressures from society to perform well in relationships and work can cause more ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling a sense of being insecure, self-esteem issues and a constant sense of anxiety. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a life-changing moment for some women. It can help them understand the cause of their difficulties and help them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD find it difficult to receive help at work or school. They might be embarrassed to tell a supervisor or professor and worry that their accommodation could be interpreted as a sign of incompetence or weakness. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make small modifications to help individuals who suffer from ADHD succeed in their work.
Women with ADHD who are seeking friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups provide a chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
Co-occurring conditions
As women and girls grow up, they can develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to see. A girl might dress and act as her peers in order to avoid being criticized or bullied by peers. Or, she may try to redress her impulsive and chaotic behavior by putting in more effort at work or school or using productivity apps to get her tasks accomplished. These and other coping strategies could conceal the presence of ADHD in women and delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
A lot of the time, girls and women who have ADHD are often diagnosed with other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, before they receive an official diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can obscure the symptoms and presence of ADHD. They can also make treatment more difficult.
Girls and women with ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which increases their anger.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to miss birthdays and miss small details. This could lead to confusion and conflict. They may also struggle to keep up with housework, personal finances and other obligations of the day. These challenges can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can lead to an internal chaos of beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias also affects the number of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in the classroom to read vignettes describing children suffering from 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.
ADHD, like other conditions 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 the menopausal phase. These changes can lead to difficulties with social functioning, relationships, and academic performance. They can also lead to feelings of disappointment and despair.