Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often go undiagnosed as children, because the disorder appears 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 strategies for coping, like excessive drinking and substance abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to co-existing disorders like anxiety and depression.
Attention!
Women with inattentive ADHD often find it hard to keep up with their schoolwork, job and daily routines. They may miss appointments or leave their home unattended. They struggle to organize personal finances, record-keeping, and household chores. It is also common for these women to have problems with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult for them to remember dates or names. They also have a difficult time staying still for long periods of time and have difficulty staying focused or following the directions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more commonly associated with boys and men but the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in girls and women. Up to 80% of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. You must show five inattentive symptoms that persist for a period of more than six months to be eligible for a diagnosis.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to spot than other forms of ADHD because many people don't think about them as a part of an illness or have different expectations about how a girl should behave. signs of adhd in adults and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than boys.
In addition, the manner that ADHD affects a woman can vary during different times of her life because of hormone changes. For instance women's symptoms could be more severe during the menstrual cycle, when she is pregnant or when she enters menopause.
These signs can have a significant impact on a woman's self-esteem and life satisfaction. They can cause 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 can also suffer from depression and anxiety. They can also engage in sexual activities that increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and other health issues. They may also have difficulty accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or perceived. They may avoid social situations or isolate themselves because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first indications of ADHD for women and girls. They are more likely to be procrastinators or misplace things, have trouble concentrating on tasks and easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have trouble sleeping or relaxing, and are more prone to mood swings or anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Women and girls 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 evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male ones. This can lead both to an incorrect diagnosis as well as a delay in treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to conceal their struggles can make it clear that people with ADHD have a more significant impact than is usually reported. They may not be able to admit that they are having trouble concentrating at work or are overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions when shopping or have trouble finding the time to sleep or relax.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies that may include alcohol use or eating habits that are unhealthy. This can cause more problems over time, and may prevent the woman from getting the help she needs.
It is also possible that because ADHD-related behaviors are more socially acceptable for males and females, they may be suppressed or hidden by girls and women who are worried about being judged. For instance, girls with ADHD might display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being criticized for not fitting in with the norms at school or in the community.
In the end, these issues can lead to a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. It's important for family members, friends and educators to recognize these struggles in women and girls as they can be an indication of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and must be treated through therapy and medication management.
Emotional Problems
Women with ADHD have a difficult time managing their emotions than men. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal changes throughout the day, which can increase symptoms such as anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. Women with ADHD are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression. These emotional issues could have serious implications for career and relationships.
ADHD can be a major challenge for parents and children alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can feel embarrassed about ADHD and might not seek help because of this. They may even try to mask their symptoms by developing strategies for coping, such as drinking excessively or substance abuse, which can actually make the situation worse. Masking can also make it difficult for employers and teachers to notice ADHD symptoms for women, and it can contribute to delay in diagnosis.
It's easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal the signs of ADHD in her youth and adolescence than it is as an adult. Stress from daily life and the pressures of society to be successful in relationships and work can cause more ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling like failures and low self-esteem. They can also cause ongoing stress. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a transformative moment for certain women. It can help them understand the cause of their issues and allow them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to receive support at work or at school. They may be embarrassed telling a supervisor or professor, and they may worry that the accommodations they require is seen as an act of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to help those who suffer from ADHD achieve their goals.
Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups give members the chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women get older, they may develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to notice. Girls may dress and behave like her peers to avoid being bullied or criticized by peers. Or, she may take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by working harder at school or work or using productivity apps to get tasks accomplished. These and other coping strategies could disguise the presence of ADHD in a female and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Women and girls with ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD and make it difficult to treat and recover.
Girls and women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, as well as coexisting mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which adds to their sense of frustration.
In addition there are women who have issues in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to forget birthdays and make mistakes with minor details. This can cause miscommunication and conflict. They also might be struggling to manage housework, personal finances and other obligations of the day. These issues can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can create an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their worth and capabilities.
In clinical settings, gender bias influences the frequency of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes that described children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They then rated how likely they were to recommend or seek out services for the child depicted. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD as with other conditions is a condition that can be severe and worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms could be more prominent during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can lead to issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, and contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.