Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescents with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs, not the hyperactivity and impulsivity that are more prevalent in both men and boys. This makes them more likely to be missed and often misdiagnosed.
Gender stereotypes can be a contributing factor in the way that caregivers may assume that girls who are quiet or who appear to be shy and dreamy are simply "being girls." ADHD symptoms can be caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period and perimenopause.
1. Hyperactivity
Many people think of ADHD when they see a child who bounces off the walls at school. While this is one type of ADHD however, girls and women also suffer from the disorder in this form. ADHD symptoms in women and girls are typically more difficult to spot than in boys. This can lead to the condition being misdiagnosed and left untreated.
Women who suffer from ADHD may exhibit impulsive behavior that makes it difficult to stop and think before they act. They may not be able to listen when other people are talking and they may have difficulty following instructions or finishing tasks. These difficulties can lead to frustration and confusion in relationships with family, romantic partners, friends, and colleagues.
Many women suffering from ADHD have sensitivity to rejection which is a heightened emotional response to actual or perceived rejection. This can make it difficult for women who suffers from ADHD to cope, particularly if she has low self-esteem or difficulty in peer relationships.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can show up at different times during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger irritation, mood swings and problems with concentration.
Diet, exercise and sleeping habits can help women and girls suffering from ADHD control their symptoms. Regular physical activity releases neurotransmitters, which improve attention and concentration. It can also help to reduce anxiety and stress that are common among women suffering from ADHD. Being able to sleep enough and taking breaks can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Using tools like planners, checklists, and post-it notes to track tasks can be helpful for many people with ADHD. In some instances, a health care provider can prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Inattention
Even when symptoms are severe women and girls who suffer from inattentive ADHD are not diagnosed. They struggle to keep up at school, their homes may be messy, and they experience difficulties with relationships and performance. They might attempt to cope by hiding their problems or by convincing themselves that they're not affected their symptoms.
Gender bias can play a role in misdiagnosis or missed diagnoses. For example, when a boy displays an impulsive or hyperactive behavior, they're more likely to be referred for diagnosis and treatment. In contrast girls who display inattention symptoms can be written off as dreamy, space cases or ditzy.
Inattention can manifest itself in a variety of ways. You might forget appointments, not keep promises or struggle to stay focused during meetings or classroom lectures. You aren't able to wait for your turn and you constantly interrupt other people while you talk. Your memory is poor and you are prone to losing things or forget where you put them. You are unable to follow simple instructions and tend to avoid tasks requiring concentration such as homework or chores.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can also get worse when hormonal changes occur such as during menstrual cycle, pregnancy or perimenopausal. This can make it difficult to concentrate at work or at home, and can make it more difficult to keep friends or reach goals in life.
signs of adult add can help you manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals such as dopamine, which can improve your mood and focus. Plus, regular exercise helps to burn off excess energy and reduce anxiety or depression -- symptoms that are common in women with ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Teens and women with ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and mood issues than hyperactivity or impulsivity. The gender roles that are expected of girls make it harder for girls to acknowledge that they're struggling, so they tend to disguise ADHD symptoms with other behaviors. This can lead women and girls to be misdiagnosed and not report their ADHD symptoms. They may also be more likely to have inattentive ADHD symptoms, which don't show up as obvious as the impulsive/hyperactive ones that boys and men display.
Anxiety is the natural reaction to danger and stress. It can be overwhelming and painful, but it's actually a good thing: it keeps you alert to potential danger and helps you respond quickly when something is suspicious. Unfortunately, anxiety can trigger a range of physical symptoms including jitteriness, sweating, and rapid heartbeat (palpitations). An anxiety disorder may be diagnosed in those who suffer from frequent, severe, or even disabling anxiety. An anxiety disorder can include panic disorder (where you have frequent unplanned panic attacks) and fear of certain objects or situations (where you are intensely afraid of certain things or situations), obsessive compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thought and repetitive behavior) and separation anxiety disorder.
Many women with ADHD struggle with a concept known as "time blindness." They might forget important dates or appointments, arrive at the wrong place at the wrong time, or get so absorbed in their tasks that they miss out on social interactions. This can make them seem uncaring, uninterested or unfocused to others. A good night's sleep can prevent time blindness so make sure you stick to a regular time for bed and do something that is relaxing before you go to sleep, such as reading, listening to music or even meditating.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD have a difficult time being organized. They may find it difficult to keep the track of their schedules, appointments, and belongings. Their car, home and office might be cluttered and their handbags filled with receipts, 17 different chapsticks, and tickets to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their forgetfulness and disorganization can make it difficult to establish and maintain work and personal relationships.
Women may also have a difficult time expressing their opinions in social situations. Their impatience and impulsiveness can make them interrupt others or say things without thinking about the consequences. These struggles with filtering their thoughts can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
Symptoms of ADHD in women can vary between days due to hormonal fluctuation. For instance estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and the menstrual cycle, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These changes in symptom severity could be why many women with ADHD are not diagnosed and treated.
There is a bias against diagnosing females with ADHD as well as the biological differences between males and women in regards to brain structure and chemical. This bias is linked to the fact that ADHD research and educational programs primarily focus on boys and men/people AMAB, so it's more likely that healthcare providers and educators will see hyperactive/impulsive-type symptoms in those groups and overlook symptoms of inattentive ADHD in women.
If women have a definitive diagnosis of ADHD, they can manage their symptoms with the help of medications and other treatment strategies. They can achieve success in school, work as well as in their personal lives with the right help. The use of medication can improve concentration and help with everyday difficulties. The use of behavioral therapy and smartphone applications can also prove beneficial.
5. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD tend to be unable to control their impulses. This is because the brain part that makes decisions and weighs the consequences isn't working as well. This can result in an inability to make decisions or speak words without considering the possible consequences, which could have negative effects. For instance, impulsive behavior might lead to financial problems or damage relationships. It can also lead to dangerous sexual behavior.
A person suffering from ADHD might develop a variety of coping mechanisms that assist them in overcoming their inability to manage their impulses. They could resort to self-medicating using alcohol or other drugs or eating food as a method to relax. A poor diet or lack of sleep can also cause issues.
Girls and women with ADHD might have difficulty recognizing the signs of a problem with their behavior. They may be unable to explain their symptoms to their parents or teachers, so they try to cover up their problems. This makes it difficult for people to recognize their symptoms and delay diagnosis.
Additionally, girls and women who suffer from ADHD tend to present their symptoms in a different way than men or boys. They might be more inattentive and have a greater incidence of co-existing anxiety and mood disorders, such as depression. These factors could cause women and girls with ADHD are misdiagnosed more frequently than men or boys.
While awareness of ADHD has improved but it's still a problem that affects millions of people. It's more prevalent during the adolescent years and early adulthood, when people are juggling school or work. It is crucial for teachers and parents to be aware of the possibility that a child or woman they know has ADHD so that they can get the help she needs.