Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often go undiagnosed 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 are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and drug abuse, which mask their ADHD symptoms and hinders the diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to coexisting conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They may skip appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They have trouble keeping the track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. These women also tend to forget names and dates, and also suffer from memory problems. They also have a difficult time staying still for long periods of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following the directions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more commonly associated with males and boys however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common in women and girls. Up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must have at least five ongoing inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
The inattentive symptoms of ADHD can be harder to recognize than the other kinds of ADHD because a lot of people don't see them as being an issue or have different expectations about what a girl's behavior should be. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms may also change over time due to hormonal changes. Women's symptoms can worsen during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms.
These signs can have a significant effect on women's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. These issues can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame and make it difficult to manage relationships, work or home chores. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also be suffering from anxiety and depression. They may also engage in sexual behaviors which increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They may also be afflicted by sensitization to rejection because they have difficulty accepting negative or real reactions from others. They may avoid social situations or even isolate themselves due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first indications of ADHD for girls and women. They may be more likely to procrastinate or lose things or have difficulty concentrating on their tasks, and are easily overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have difficulty getting sleep or relaxing and are more prone to mood swings and anxiety. 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 common for both genders. Teachers and healthcare professionals often don't suggest ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as often as they do for male ones. This can lead to an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
This, combined with the tendency to conceal their issues, can mean that adults who have ADHD experience a greater impact than is usually reported. For instance, they may not report having difficulty focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making choices at the grocery store or have trouble finding the time to sleep or relax.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they may adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This could include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time and keep the woman from seeking help that could improve her life dramatically.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more popular with males and boys it is possible that girls and women might hide or suppress from fear of being rejected. For example, a girl who suffers from ADHD might display excessive and impulsive behavior in order to avoid being shamed for not conforming to the norms of her community or school.
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 must be aware of these issues, as they may be indicators of an undiagnosed disorder. The disorder is treatable with medication and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle more than men to manage their emotions. Their moods are more likely fluctuate due to hormonal changes throughout the day, which can exacerbate symptoms such as anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression. These emotional issues could have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
ADHD can be a major challenge for children and parents alike, but it is especially difficult for women. Women often feel shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD and this may make it difficult for them to seek assistance. Women may attempt to hide their symptoms using methods of coping such as excessive drinking or substance abuse which can make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers, as well as women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It can delay diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be able to effectively hide her symptoms in her adolescence and youth however, it can be more difficult as an adult. Stress from daily life and the pressures of society to be successful in work and relationships can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These struggles can lead to women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are failing, low self-esteem, and constant stress. The diagnosis of ADHD could be a transformative moment for certain women. It can help them understand the cause of their difficulties and help them to accept themselves better.
Many women with ADHD find it difficult to receive support at school or work. They may feel embarrassed about telling a professor or supervisor, and they may worry that the accommodation they need is perceived as an act of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make minor modifications to help individuals with ADHD succeed in their jobs.
Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for friends who can support them can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups provide a opportunities to share experiences and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.
adhd symptoms and treatment -Occurring Conditions
As women and girls mature, they may develop strategies to deal with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to recognize. A girl might dress and act as her peers to avoid being bullied or criticized by peers. She may compensate for her chaotic, impulsive behavior by working more at school or at work, or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other strategies for coping can disguise the existence of ADHD in females and delay her adult diagnosis.
Girls and women who suffer from 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 also complicate treatment.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of feeling low about themselves and are more likely to be afflicted by coexisting mood disorders than men or boys. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being impulsive or overly emotional, which can increase their anger.
In addition there are women who have issues in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They tend to forget birthdays or misunderstand minor details, which can lead to conflict and miscommunication. Additionally, they might have difficulty keeping up with household chores, personal finances and everyday responsibilities. These challenges can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can fuel an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their capabilities and worth.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings also influences the rate that women and girls are being referred to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes about children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They then evaluated their likelihood to recommend or seek services for the child in the. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD as with other conditions that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms can be more prominent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or the menopausal cycle. These changes can lead to issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and result in feelings of anger and failure.