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.
signs of adhd adults are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as drinking excessively and using substances, which mask their ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. They are also susceptible to coexisting conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Attention
Women who are not attentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their schoolwork, job and daily routines. They might forget appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They struggle to manage their personal financial records, household chores. These women are also prone to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory problems. They also have difficulty staying still for long periods and aren't able to concentrate or follow directions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more common for males and boys, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also seen in girls and women. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must show at least five continuous inattention-related symptoms that last longer than six months.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD are often harder to identify than other kinds of ADHD because a lot of people don't consider them as being an issue or have different expectations about how a girl should behave. Parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects women's lives can vary during different times of her life because of hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms may worsen when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopause.
These issues can have an impact on women's self-esteem as well as their life satisfaction. They can trigger feelings of self-doubt and shame because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD might also suffer from depression and anxiety. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behavior that can increase the likelihood of having children and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health problems. They may also be afflicted by sensitization to rejection because they have difficulty accepting real or perceived negative reactions from others. They may avoid social situations or even isolate themselves due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first indications of ADHD for women and girls. They might be more procrastinative than usual, lose items or have difficulty concentrating. They can also become overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They may also have trouble relaxing or falling asleep and may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can cause problems at home, school and in relationships.
Women and girls are often overlooked for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common for both genders. Health professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do male students. This can lead both to an incorrect diagnosis as well as an inability to treat.
This, combined with the tendency to conceal their struggles can mean that adults who have ADHD experience a greater impact than is typically reported. They might not mention that they are having trouble concentrating at work or feel overwhelmed by household tasks. They might struggle to make decisions when shopping or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies, which could include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This can make it worse over time, and may prevent the woman from getting the help she needs.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more acceptable to males and boys it is possible that girls and women might hide or suppress from fear of being disregarded. For example, a girl who suffers from ADHD might display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being judged for not conforming to the norms of her community or school.
In the end, these triggers can result in a cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families, friends, and educators should be aware of these issues, as they may be signs of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. This disorder is treatable by medication and therapy.
Emotional Troubles
Women with ADHD are more difficult in controlling their emotions than men. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can cause symptoms like irritability and feeling of being inadequate. Women with ADHD also are more prone to depression and anxiety. These emotional issues could have serious implications for career and relationships.
Having ADHD can be a struggle for parents as well as children however, it is particularly challenging for women. Women can feel shy about ADHD and may not seek help because of this. They may try to mask their symptoms through strategies to cope, such as drinking excessively or drug use, which can cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers as well as women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It can also delay diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able to effectively hide her symptoms in the adolescent years and in her youth however, it can be more difficult as an adult. Stress from everyday life and pressures from society to excel in both relationships and work can cause more ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they're failing as well as low self-esteem and constant stress. For some, receiving an diagnosis of ADHD can be an epiphany, helping people to recognize the root of their issues and allowing them to accept their own uniqueness.
Many women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time trying to get support at school or work. They may be embarrassed to tell their supervisor or professor about their condition and worry that their choice will be seen as an indication of incompetence or weakness. However, most instructors and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to help those with ADHD to succeed in their roles.
In addition to finding female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can also benefit from joining online support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups provide a an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As girls and women mature, they may develop coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to recognize. A girl might dress and behave like her peers to avoid being criticized or bullied by other people. She may compensate for her impulsive, disorganized behavior by working more at school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other coping mechanisms can mask the presence of ADHD in women and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Often, women and girls who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, before they receive an official diagnosis of the disorder. These other disorders can disguise the presence of ADHD and complicate treatment and recovery.
Females and girls who have ADHD also have a greater risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be affected by mood disorders that coexist. This is more so than men or boys. They may be misunderstood and dismissed as emotionally unstable or temperamental, which contributes to their feelings of frustration.
Additionally many women experience difficulties in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to forget birthdays or miss important details which can cause conflict and miscommunication. They also may struggle to keep up with household chores, personal finances and other daily responsibilities. These difficulties can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can lead to an unhealthy internal landscape of beliefs about their worth.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings can also affect the rate at which girls and women are recommended to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a class to read vignettes that described children with ADHD symptoms, and rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or seek services for the child portrayed. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than for girls.
Like other disorders, ADHD can vary in intensity for individuals and may be worsened at different periods. For instance, symptoms might be more pronounced during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, and also result in feelings of anger and disappointment.