Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in 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 have a tendency to develop unhealthy strategies for coping, like excessive alcohol and substance abuse, that mask their ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as depression and anxiety are also common among these people.
Inattention
Women with inattentive ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may miss appointments or leave their home unattended. They struggle to keep the track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping. It is also common for women to experience trouble with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult to remember names or dates. They also have trouble staying still for long periods and aren't able to concentrate or follow instructions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more often found in males and females but the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in girls and women. In fact, it's believed that as high as 80% of all ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. signs and symptoms of adhd in women must show five symptoms of inattention that persist for more than six month to be eligible for a diagnosis.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be difficult to spot because they don't view them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how girls should act. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can also change in time due to hormonal changes. Women's symptoms can worsen when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopausal changes.
These symptoms can have an impact on the self-esteem of women and their satisfaction with her life. These issues can lead to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem, as they make it hard to manage relationships, work and home chores. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also experience depression and anxiety. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual activities which increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health problems. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, whether it's real or perceived. They might avoid social situations or isolate themselves due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases the two are the first signs of ADHD in women and girls. They may be more likely to delay or misplace things, have trouble concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have difficulties getting sleep or relaxing and may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxieties. These symptoms can cause problems at home, school and in relationships.
Women and girls are often not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common for both genders. Health professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do male ones. This can lead both to an incorrect diagnosis as well as delays in treatment.
This, along with the tendency to hide their problems, could mean that adults who have 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 struggle to make decisions at the grocery store or have trouble to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies that may include substance addiction or eating habits that are unhealthy. This could make the issue worse over time and keep the woman from seeking help that could change her life in a significant way.
It is also possible because ADHD-linked behaviors are more popular with males and females and women, they are repressed or hidden by girls and women who are concerned about being ostracized. For instance, a girl with ADHD might show excessive and impulsive behavior in order to avoid being shamed for not fitting in with the norms of her community or school.
Ultimately, these factors can result in a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators should be aware of the struggles and be aware that they could be signs of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. This disorder is treatable by medication and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women with ADHD typically have a harder time than men to control their emotions. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate due to hormone fluctuations throughout the day, which may exacerbate symptoms such as anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more prone to depression and anxiety. These emotional issues could have serious implications for career and relationships.
ADHD can be a major challenge for parents and children alike, but it is especially difficult for women. Women can feel shy about ADHD and might not seek help due to this. They may even attempt to hide their symptoms by implementing coping strategies such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse, which could cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers and women themselves, to recognize ADHD symptoms. It may delay diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be able effectively hide her symptoms in her adolescence and youth however it becomes more difficult when she's an adult. The pressures of life, along with the social pressures to be successful at work and in relationships, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of failure, low self-esteem and a constant sense of anxiety. A diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for certain women. It can help them understand the cause of their difficulties and help them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women with ADHD are unable to find support at school or at work. They may be embarrassed to tell a supervisor or professor and worry that their accommodation could be interpreted as a sign of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to help people who suffer from ADHD achieve their goals.
In addition to having female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can benefit by joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups give members the an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD issues.
Co-Occurring conditions
As women and girls mature, they may develop strategies to deal with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to spot. A girl may dress and behave like her peers in order to avoid being criticized or bullied by others. She could try to compensate for her chaotic, impulsive behavior by putting more effort into school or at work or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other coping strategies can mask the presence ADHD in females and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions can conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They can also complicate treatment.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by coexisting mood disorders than boys or men. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being impulsive or overly emotional, which adds to their angst.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to miss birthdays and make mistakes with small details. This could lead to confusion and conflict. They also may 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 their beliefs about their worth.
Gender bias in clinical settings can affect the frequency that women and girls are referred to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes about children with ADHD symptoms. They also assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek help for the child in the. signs of attention deficit disorder in adults were more likely than girls to recommend services.
As with other illnesses, ADHD can vary in severity for each patient and can worsen at different periods. For instance, symptoms might be more pronounced during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.