Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD often go undiagnosed as children because the disorder manifests differently in girls than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression.
Attention
Women who aren't attentive ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may forget appointments or leave things unattended around the house. They struggle to organize personal finances, record-keeping, and household chores. It is also common for these women to have issues with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult to remember names or dates. They also have a difficult time being still for long durations of time and have difficulty staying focused or following directions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more prevalent in boys and men, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also seen in women and girls. In fact, it's estimated that up to 80 percent of 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.
Inattention ADHD symptoms are often difficult for people to identify because they don't view the symptoms as a problem, or have different expectations of how a girl should act. Because of this, teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than they are for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can change in time due to hormonal changes. For instance, a woman's symptoms may become more severe during her menstrual cycle, if she is pregnant or when she enters menopause.
link can have a major impact on women's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. These symptoms can cause feelings of guilt and low self-esteem, as they make it hard to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD are also susceptible to depression and anxiety. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual activities which increase the chance of having a baby and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health issues. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or not. They may avoid social interactions or isolate themselves as a result.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first signs of ADHD for both genders. They may be more likely to procrastinate or lose things and have difficulty focusing on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have difficulty getting sleep or relaxing and are more prone to mood swings and anxieties. These signs can cause problems at home, school and in relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more common in boys and men however, girls and women may be omitted from a diagnosis. Healthcare professionals and teachers don't suggest ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do for male students. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis and delays in treatment.
This, combined with the tendency to hide their problems, could make it clear that people with ADHD experience a greater impact than is usually reported. For instance, they may not report having difficulty focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions at the grocery store or have trouble to sleep or relax.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies that may include alcohol use or poor eating habits. This can cause more problems over time, and may prevent the woman getting the help she requires.
It is also possible because ADHD-related behaviors are more acceptable in the social context of males and females, they may be suppressed or hid by women and girls who are concerned about being ostracized. For instance, a child with ADHD may exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being shamed for not fitting in with the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
These issues can lead to a cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers must be aware of these struggles because they could be indicators of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. The disorder can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Difficulties
Women with ADHD tend to find it more difficult than men to control their emotions. Moods are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal changes throughout the day, which may increase symptoms such as irritability and feelings of inadequacy. Women with ADHD also are more prone to anxiety and depression. These emotional difficulties may be detrimental to career and relationships.
Having ADHD can be a challenge for both parents and children, but it's especially difficult for women. Women often feel embarrassed or ashamed about 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, but this can cause more harm. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers as well as women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It can delay the diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able to effectively hide her symptoms in her adolescence and youth however, it can be more difficult when she's an adult. Stress from daily life and pressures from society to excel in work and relationships can intensify ADHD symptoms. These challenges can result in women suffering from ADHD feeling like they're failing as well as low self-esteem and chronic distress. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a transformative moment for some women. It can help them understand the root of their struggles and allow them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty finding support at school or at work. They may be embarrassed confiding in a professor or supervisor, and they may worry that the support they require is considered an act of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make small modifications to help individuals who suffer from ADHD succeed in their work.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups offer a chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD issues.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As girls and women mature, they may develop strategies to cope that mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to detect. A girl might dress and act like her peers in order to avoid being bullied or rejected by other people. She may compensate for her impulsive, disorganized behavior by working more at school or at work, or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other coping strategies can mask the presence ADHD in females and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
Most often, girls and women who have ADHD are often diagnosed with mental health issues like depression or anxiety, before they receive an official diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD, as well as make it difficult to treat and recover.
Girls and women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They may be misunderstood or dismissed as being impulsive or overly emotional, which can increase their angst.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They tend to forget birthdays or misunderstand minor details which can cause conflict and miscommunication. They also may be struggling to manage housework, personal finances and other responsibilities of daily life. adult adhd symptoms can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can create a dysfunctional internal landscape of beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias also affects the rate of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a classroom to read vignettes about children suffering from ADHD symptoms, and rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or find services for the child they described. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services for boys than for girls.
As with other types of illnesses, ADHD can vary in intensity for individuals and can worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms could be more prominent during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can lead to problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of disappointment and despair.