Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls since it presents differently than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety.
Attention!
Women with inattentive ADHD may 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 organize personal financial records, household chores. They are also more likely to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory problems. They also have trouble being still for long durations of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following directions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more prevalent in boys and men, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent in women and girls. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80% of all ADHD sufferers are inattentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that persist for a period of more than six months to qualify for a diagnoses.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD are often harder to identify than other types of ADHD because a lot of people don't see them as part of a disorder or have different expectations for what a girl should be doing. This is why parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD evaluations for girls than they are for boys.
In addition, the manner that ADHD affects a woman is different at different times of her life due to hormonal changes. For instance women's symptoms could be more severe during the menstrual cycle, while she's pregnant or as she enters menopause.
These symptoms can have a negative impact on women's self-esteem as well as their satisfaction with life. They can cause feelings of self-doubt and shame because they make it hard to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are also susceptible to depression and anxiety. They can also engage in sexual behavior that increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or perceived. In the end, 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 can easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have trouble falling asleep or relaxing, and are more prone to mood swings and anxieties. These symptoms can lead to issues at home, school and in relationships.
Women and girls are often overlooked for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common between males and females. Teachers and healthcare providers don't recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do male ones. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
Combined with a tendency to conceal their problems This could suggest that people with ADHD suffer more from the condition than usually reported. They may not be able to admit that they are having trouble concentrating at work or feel overwhelmed by household tasks. They may have difficulty making decisions at the supermarket or have trouble finding the time to relax or sleep.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they could develop unhealthy ways to cope. This could include substance abuse and poor eating habits. This could make the problem worse in time, and stop the woman from getting the help she requires.
It is also possible that ADHD-related behavior is more socially acceptable for boys and men however, they could be repressed or concealed by girls and women who fear being ostracized. For instance, a girl who suffers from ADHD might show hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized for not conforming to the norms of her community or school.
Ultimately, these factors can lead to a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends and teachers to notice these struggles for women and girls, since they may be a sign of a disorder that is not recognized and requires treatment through therapy and medication management.
Emotional Problems
Women with ADHD tend to struggle more than men to manage their emotions. Their moods are more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can lead to more severe symptoms like irritability and feeling of inadequate. Women with ADHD also are more prone to anxiety and depression. These emotional difficulties can have serious consequences for relationships and career prospects.
ADHD can be a major challenge for both children and parents but it can be especially difficult for women. Women are often shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD, and this can make it difficult for them to seek assistance. Some women try to mask symptoms with strategies to cope, such as excessive drinking or substance abuse however this could make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers and women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It may also delay diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able to successfully hide her symptoms during the adolescent years and in her youth however it becomes more difficult when she's an adult. Stress from everyday life and the pressures of society to excel in work and relationships can intensify ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling like failures and low self-esteem. They can also cause constant stress. For some, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be an epiphany, helping people to recognize the root cause of their challenges and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.
Many women with ADHD struggle to get support at work or school. They may feel shy to speak to an instructor or supervisor and fear that their accommodations 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 achieve their goals.
Women with ADHD who are seeking friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups offer a an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women grow up, they can develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to notice. For instance, a girl might attempt to dress and act like her peers to avoid attention from bullying or social rejection. In addition, she might try to redress her impulsive and chaotic behavior by putting more effort into school or work or relying on productivity apps to get her tasks done. These and other strategies for coping can disguise the existence of ADHD in a female and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD, as well as complicate treatment and recovery.
Girls and females with ADHD are also at a higher risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by coexisting mood disorders than boys or men. They are often misunderstood or dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which further increases their feelings of frustration.
Additionally many women experience difficulties in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. adhd symptoms in women are more likely than men to miss birthdays and to make mistakes with minor details. This can lead to miscommunication and conflict. Also, they may struggle to manage household chores as well as personal finances and daily responsibilities. These difficulties can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can fuel an unhealthy internal landscape of their beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias can affect the frequency of women and girls who are being referred for an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes describing children with ADHD symptoms. They also assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek help for the child depicted. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than for girls.
ADHD, like other conditions is a condition that can be severe and deteriorate at various times. For example, symptoms may be more prominent during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy or the menopause. These changes can cause problems with social functioning, relationships, and academic performance. They can also lead to feelings of disappointment and despair.