Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD often are not recognized as children due to the fact that the disorder is different 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 have a tendency to develop unhealthy strategies for coping, like excessive drinking and substance abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like anxiety and depression, are also common in these people.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD often find it hard to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They may forget appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They struggle to keep the track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping. These women are also prone to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory issues. They also have difficulty staying still for long durations and are unable to focus or follow instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more common in males and females, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also common in girls and women. In fact, it's believed that as high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are not attentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must show at least five continuous inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be harder for people to identify because they don't see them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how a girl should act. Because of this, parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can also change in time due to hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms may worsen when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopausal symptoms.
These symptoms can have a negative impact on women's self-esteem as well as their satisfaction with her life. They can trigger feelings of shame and low self-worth due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and domestic tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behavior that can increase the likelihood of having children sexually transmitted infections, as well as other health issues. They may also have difficulty accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or perceived. As a result, they may avoid social situations and isolate themselves.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD in women and girls. They might procrastinate more and lose things, or have difficulty concentrating. They can also become overwhelmed by the busy environment. symptoms of adhd adult may also have difficulty relaxing or falling asleep and may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause difficulties at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Girls and women are frequently left out of the diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common among boys and men. Health professionals and teachers don't recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male ones. This can result in an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to hide their problems, could result in adults with ADHD experience a greater impact than is usually reported. For instance, they might not have trouble focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making choices at the shop or struggle to relax or sleep.
This could have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that could include substance abuse or eating habits that are unhealthy. This can make the problem worse over time and keep the woman from seeking help that could change her life in a significant way.
It is also possible ADHD-related behavior is more popular with males and girls and women, they are repressed or concealed by women and girls who fear being judged. For instance, a child with ADHD may exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being shamed for not fitting in with the norms of her community or school.
In the end, these triggers can lead to a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It's important for family members, friends, and teachers to recognize these struggles in women and girls since they may be an indication of an undiagnosed disorder that needs to be addressed through therapy and medication management.
Emotional Difficulties
Women who suffer from ADHD have a harder time controlling their emotions than men. Their moods are more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms like irritability or a feeling of being inadequate. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional problems could have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
Having ADHD can be a slog for parents and children alike however, it is particularly challenging for women. Women can feel embarrassed about ADHD and may not seek help due to this. They may try to mask their symptoms by implementing coping strategies such as drinking excessively or substance abuse, which could cause the problem to get worse. Masking can also make it more difficult for teachers and employers to recognize ADHD symptoms for women, and could lead to delay in diagnosis.
It's easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal the signs of ADHD in her teens and early adolescence than it is as an adult. Stress from daily life and pressures from society to be successful in both relationships and work can intensify ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women with ADHD feeling like they are a victim of failure, low self-esteem and chronic distress. For some, the diagnosis of ADHD could be a lightbulb moment that helps them understand the root of their difficulties and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty finding support at school or at work. They might be shy to speak to an instructor or supervisor and worry that their choice will be seen as an indication of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make small adjustments to help people who suffer from ADHD succeed in their work.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups provide a an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD issues.
Co-occurring Conditions
As women and girls get older, they may develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to notice. For instance girls may attempt to dress and act like her peers to ward off attention from bullying or social rejection. She may compensate for her chaotic, impulsive behavior by working more at school or at work or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other strategies for coping can mask the presence ADHD in females and delay her adult diagnosis.
A lot of the time, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, before they are given a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions could conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They can cause complications in treatment.
Females and girls who have ADHD also have a greater risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by co-existing mood disorders than boys or men. They may be misunderstood and dismissed as being too emotional 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 miss birthdays or misunderstand minor details, which can lead to conflict and confusion. They may also be struggling to keep up with household chores, personal finances and daily responsibilities. These issues can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can fuel an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their worth and capabilities.
In clinical settings, gender bias also influences the rate that women and girls are recommended 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 like other disorders that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms can be more evident during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy, or menopause. These changes can lead to difficulties with relationships, social functioning, and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of disappointment and despair.