Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed among girls because it manifests differently than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also tend to develop unhealthy coping strategies that include drinking excessively and using substances that cover up their ADHD symptoms and delays an accurate diagnosis. They are also susceptible to co-existing disorders like anxiety and depression.
Attention
Women with inattentive ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They might forget appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They struggle to keep the track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. It is also common for women with this condition to have trouble with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult for them to remember names or dates. They also have trouble staying still for long periods of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following instructions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more frequently associated with boys and men however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common in women and girls. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80% of all ADHD sufferers are inattentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that last for longer than six months to be able to receive a diagnosis.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to spot than other forms of ADHD because a lot of people don't think about them as part of an illness or have different expectations about how a girl should behave. This is why parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD evaluations for girls than they are for boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms can change in time due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may become more severe during her menstrual cycle, while she's pregnant or as she enters menopause.
These symptoms can have a profound impact on women's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. These issues can lead to feelings of shame and low-self-worth and make it hard to manage relationships, work or home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors that increase the risk of pregnancy sexually transmitted infections, as well as other health problems. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, whether it's real or perceived. They may avoid social situations or avoid social situations as a result.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They are more likely to procrastinate or misplace things or have difficulty concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They might also have trouble getting comfortable or falling asleep and are more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to difficulties at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Since symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females, women and girls may be overlooked for a diagnosis. Healthcare professionals and teachers don't recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do male students. This could result in an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
Combined with a tendency to hide their struggles, this can result in adults suffering from ADHD experience a greater impact from the condition than is typically reported. They may not even mention that they have difficulty concentrating at work or feel overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions when they go to the grocery store or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing adhd symptoms for women , they may develop unhealthy ways to cope. This may include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This can make the problem worse over time and prevent the woman from getting help that could improve her life dramatically.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more acceptable to males and females in social settings, it is possible that women and girls might hide or suppress them out of fear of being judged. For example, a girl who suffers from ADHD might show excessive and impulsive behavior in order to avoid being judged for not conforming to the standards of her community or school.
These factors can ultimately create a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators must be aware of these issues, as they may be a sign of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. The disorder is treatable with medication and therapy.
Emotional Troubles
Women with ADHD often have a harder time than men to control their emotions. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate due to hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which may exacerbate symptoms such as anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional issues can have serious consequences for relationships and career prospects.
Having ADHD can be a challenge for both parents and children however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women may feel ashamed of ADHD and might not seek help because of this. They may even try to mask their symptoms by developing strategies for coping, like excessive drinking or substance abuse, which can actually cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers as well as women themselves, to recognize ADHD symptoms. It can also delay diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be able effectively hide her symptoms in her adolescence and youth however, it can be more difficult when she's an adult. The pressures of life, along with the expectations from society to excel in work and relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women with ADHD feeling like they are a victim of failure, low self-esteem and constant stress. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a transformative moment for certain women. It can aid them in understanding the root of their issues and allow them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women with ADHD have a difficult time trying to get support at work or school. They may feel embarrassed confiding in a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the accommodation they need is perceived as a sign of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor modifications to help individuals who suffer from ADHD achieve their goals.
Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups provide an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the particular issues of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring conditions
As girls and women become teenagers, they develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms and make it harder for others to detect. For instance, a girl might attempt to dress and act like her peers to avoid the attention of bullies or social rejection. She may compensate for her chaotic, impulsive behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other coping strategies can mask the presence of ADHD in women and can delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions could mask the presence and symptoms of ADHD. They may cause complications in treatment.
Females and girls who have ADHD also have a higher risk of feeling low about themselves and are more likely to be afflicted by co-existing mood disorders than men or boys. They may be misunderstood and dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which further contributes to their feelings of frustration.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely to miss birthdays or misunderstand minor details, which can lead to conflict and confusion. They also might be struggling to manage housework, personal finances and other obligations of the day. These difficulties can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an unhealthy internal landscape of self-esteem and beliefs.
In clinical settings, gender bias affects the rate of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in the classroom to read vignettes describing children with ADHD symptoms, and rate how likely they would be to recommend or find services for the child described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD like other disorders, can vary in severity and deteriorate at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more evident during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, or menopause. These changes can lead to issues with relationships, social functioning, and academic performance. add symptoms in women may also contribute to feelings of failure and frustration.