Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls because it presents differently than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These individuals are also prone to developing unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive drinking and substance abuse that cover up their ADHD symptoms and hinders an accurate diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to co-existing disorders like depression and anxiety.
Attention
Women who aren't attentive ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may skip appointments or leave their home unattended. They are unable to keep track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping. They are also prone to forget names and dates, and also suffer from memory issues. They also have trouble being still for long periods and are unable to focus or follow instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more frequently found in males and females however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common in girls and women. As high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. To be eligible for a diagnosis, you must show at least five inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can be harder to spot because they don't see them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how girls should behave. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
In addition, the way that ADHD affects women's lives can vary during different times of her life due to hormone changes. For example the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may be more severe during the menstrual cycle, when she is pregnant or when she enters menopausal.
These symptoms can have a significant impact on a woman's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. They can trigger feelings of shame and low self-worth because they make it hard to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD might also suffer from anxiety and depression. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors that increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health problems. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, whether it's real or not. This is why they might avoid social situations and isolate themselves.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first symptoms of ADHD for girls and women. They might procrastinate more and lose things, or have trouble focusing. They may also be overwhelmed by busy environments. They may also have trouble sleeping or relaxing and may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause problems 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 prevalent among boys and men. Health professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male students. This can lead to an inaccurate diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to conceal their issues, can mean that adults who have ADHD have a more significant impact than is usually reported. For instance, they may not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions at the grocery store or have trouble to relax or sleep.
This could have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they could adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This may include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This can make it worse over time, and may prevent the woman getting the help she needs.
It is also possible that because ADHD-related behaviors are more popular with males and girls and women, they are repressed or concealed by girls and women who are concerned about being judged. For instance, a girl who suffers from ADHD may exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior in order to avoid being judged for not conforming to the standards of her community or school.
These causes can create an environment of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators must be aware of the struggles and be aware that they could be signs of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. This condition can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Difficulties
Women who suffer from ADHD have a harder time controlling their emotions than males. The mood of women with ADHD is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms like irritability or a feeling of being inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. These emotional issues could have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
Having ADHD can be a challenge for both parents and children however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can feel embarrassed about ADHD and may not seek help due to this. They may try to mask their symptoms through strategies for coping, like excessive drinking or drug abuse, which can actually make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers as well as women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It may also delay the diagnosis.
It is easier for women with ADHD to conceal her symptoms in her youth and adolescence than when she becomes an adult. The stress of everyday life, combined with societal expectations to excel in work and relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These struggles can lead to women suffering from ADHD feeling like they're failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause ongoing stress. For some, receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a lightbulb moment, helping them to understand the root of their challenges and helping them accept their own uniqueness.
Many women with ADHD struggle to receive help at school or work. They might be shy to speak to an instructor or supervisor and fear that their accommodations will be seen as an indication of incompetence or weakness. However, the majority of supervisors and instructors will make small adjustments to enable those with ADHD to succeed in their jobs.
In addition to having female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can also benefit by joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups provide a an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As women and girls mature, they may develop strategies to cope that mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to spot. A girl may dress and act as her peers to avoid being bullied or criticized by others. She may compensate for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other coping strategies can disguise the existence of ADHD in females and delay her adult diagnosis.
A lot of the time, girls and women who have ADHD are often diagnosed with other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, before they receive a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions could obscure the symptoms and presence of ADHD. They can also complicate treatment.
Girls and females with ADHD also have a higher risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by co-existing mood disorders than boys or men. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which adds to their frustration.
In addition many women experience difficulties in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to miss birthdays or err on minor details which can cause conflicts and miscommunication. Additionally, they might struggle to manage household chores as well as personal finances and daily obligations. These challenges can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can fuel an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their worth and capability.
In clinical settings, gender bias can also affect the rate at which girls and women are being referred for an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes that described children with ADHD symptoms. They then assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek services for the child in the. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
As with other illnesses, ADHD can vary in severity for each patient and may worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more prominent during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy or the menopausal cycle. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. adult female add symptoms can also contribute to feelings of disappointment and despair.