Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who have ADHD often go undiagnosed as children, because 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 tend to develop unhealthy strategies for coping, like excessive drinking and substance abuse, that mask their ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like depression and anxiety, are also common in these people.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They are unable to keep their finances in order, household chores and record-keeping. It's also common for these women to have issues with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult to remember dates or names. They also have difficulty being still for long durations of time and have difficulty staying focused or following directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more commonly associated with males and boys, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is just as common in women and girls. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must show at least five inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be harder for people to recognize because they don't perceive them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how a girl should act. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can change as time passes due to hormonal changes. For instance women's symptoms could be more severe during the menstrual cycle, when she's pregnant or as she enters menopause.
These signs can have a significant impact on women's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. These symptoms can lead to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem and make it difficult to manage relationships, work or home tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are also susceptible to anxiety and depression. They can also engage in sexual behavior 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 is real or perceived. As a result, they may avoid social settings and isolate themselves.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD in women and girls. They may be more likely to procrastinate or misplace items and have difficulty focusing on tasks and easily become overwhelmed in busy environments. They may also have difficulties falling asleep or relaxing, and could be more prone to mood swings or anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause problems in the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Girls and women are frequently not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common for both genders. Healthcare professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do for male ones. This could lead to an incorrect 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 normally reported. They may not even mention that they are having trouble concentrating at work or feel 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 underlying problem, they may develop unhealthy ways to cope. This may include substance abuse and unhealthy eating habits. This can cause more problems over time, and may prevent the woman from receiving the assistance she needs.
It is also possible ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable in the social context of males and girls however, they could be repressed or concealed by women and girls who are worried about being rejected. For instance, a child who suffers from ADHD may exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being criticized for not fitting in with the norms of her community or school.
In the end, these issues can lead to a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators should be aware of these issues and be aware that they could be a sign of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. This disorder can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Difficulties
Women who suffer from ADHD have a harder time managing their emotions than men. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate due to hormonal changes throughout the day, which can increase symptoms such as irritability and feelings of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more prone to anxiety and depression. These emotional problems can have serious implications for relationships and career opportunities.
ADHD can be a challenge for children and parents alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women may feel embarrassed about ADHD and might not seek help because of this. They may also try to mask their symptoms by developing strategies for coping, such as drinking excessively or drug use, which can cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers as well as women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It may delay diagnosis.
It is easier for women with ADHD to conceal the signs of ADHD in her adolescence and youth than as an adult. Stress from everyday life and the pressures of society to be successful in both relationships and work can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they're failing as well as low self-esteem and ongoing stress. For some, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD could be an epiphany, helping people to recognize the root of their issues and giving them the chance to accept their own uniqueness.
Many women with ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive support at work or at school. They may feel embarrassed telling a supervisor or professor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the accommodation they need could be considered an indication of weakness or incompetence. read this article of teachers and supervisors are willing to make small adjustments to help those with ADHD succeed in their work.
Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups give members the an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.
Co-occurring conditions
As girls and women grow up, they can develop coping strategies that cover their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to detect. Girls may dress and act as her peers in order to avoid being bullied or criticized by others. She may compensate for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by putting more effort into school or at work, or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other coping strategies can disguise the existence of ADHD in a female and delay her adult diagnosis.
Women and girls with ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before receiving an official diagnosis. These other disorders can disguise the presence of ADHD, as well as hinder treatment and recovery.
Girls and females with ADHD are also at a higher chance of having low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by mood disorders that coexist. This is more so than men or boys. They are often misunderstood or dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which further adds to their sense of discontent.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. They tend to forget birthdays or miss important details, which can lead to conflict and confusion. They may also be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances, and other obligations of the day. These challenges can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can create an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their worth and capability.
In clinical settings, gender bias affects the number of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes about children with ADHD symptoms. They also evaluated their likelihood to recommend or seek out services for the child in the. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services to boys than girls.
As with other types of disorders, ADHD can vary in severity for individual patients and may be worsened at different periods. For instance, symptoms could be more apparent during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy, or menopause. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of disappointment and despair.