Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls because it presents differently than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These individuals are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking and drug abuse that mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as anxiety and depression, are also common in these individuals.
Inattention
Women who are not attentive ADHD often find it hard to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They might forget appointments or leave things unattended around the house. They struggle to keep the track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping. These women are also prone to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory issues. 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 found in males and females however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common in girls and women. In fact, it's estimated that up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. You must have five inattentive symptoms that persist for more than six month to qualify for a diagnoses.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to recognize than the other forms of ADHD because a lot of people don't see them as a part of an illness or have different expectations about what a girl's behavior should be. This is why teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than they are for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can also change as time passes due to hormonal fluctuations. For example, a woman's symptoms may become more severe during her menstrual cycle, if she's pregnant, or when she enters menopausal.
These signs can have a profound impact on women's self-esteem and life satisfaction. These symptoms can lead to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem, as they make it difficult to manage relationships, work or home tasks. Women with untreated ADHD can also suffer from anxiety and depression. They can also engage in sexual activities which can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, whether it's real or perceived. As a result, they may avoid social situations and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They might be more procrastinative than usual, lose items or have difficulty concentrating. They may also be overwhelmed by the busy environment. They may also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing, and could be more prone to mood swings and anxieties. These symptoms can lead to difficulties at school, at home and in their relationships.
Women and girls are often not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent for both genders. Health professionals and teachers don't suggest ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male ones. symptoms of adult add can lead both to an incorrect diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
This, combined with the tendency to conceal their struggles can result in adults with ADHD suffer more than is typically reported. For instance, they might not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They might struggle to make choices at the grocery store or have trouble finding the time to sleep or relax.
This could affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they might develop unhealthy ways to cope. This may include substance abuse and poor eating habits. This could make the problem worse over time, and may prevent the woman from getting the help she needs.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable to males and boys It is possible that girls and women may suppress or hide their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being judged. For instance, a child with ADHD might display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being criticized for not fitting in with the standards of her community or school.
These issues can lead to an environment of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers must be aware of these struggles, as they may be a sign of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. The disorder can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Troubles
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to find it more difficult than men to manage their emotions. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms like irritability or a feeling of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional issues can have serious implications for relationships and career prospects.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a challenge for parents as well as children, but it's especially difficult for women. Women often feel shy or embarrassed about their ADHD and this may make it difficult for them to seek assistance. Some women try to mask symptoms with strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or drug abuse which can make the situation more difficult. Masking can also make it more difficult for employers and teachers to notice ADHD symptoms for women, and can contribute to delays in diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able successfully hide her symptoms during her adolescence and youth however, it can be more difficult when she's an adult. Stress from daily life and pressures from society to perform well in work and relationships can cause more ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women with ADHD feeling a sense of self-doubt, a sense of inadequacy and constant stress. For some, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD can be a lightbulb moment that helps people to recognize the root cause of their difficulties and allowing them to accept their own uniqueness.
Many women with ADHD find it difficult to receive help at work or at school. add symptoms in adults may feel embarrassed about confiding in a professor or supervisor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the accommodation they need is seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make small modifications to help individuals with ADHD achieve their goals.
In addition to having supportive peers, women with ADHD can benefit by joining online support groups for adults with ADHD. These groups can provide an opportunity to share stories and discuss the particular issues of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring conditions
As women and girls grow up, they can develop coping strategies that cover their ADHD symptoms and make it harder for others to notice. A girl may dress and behave like her peers to avoid being criticized or bullied by peers. She may compensate for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other strategies for coping can mask the presence of ADHD in a woman and can delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Most often, girls and women who have ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, prior to the time they are given a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions could obscure the symptoms and presence of ADHD. They may cause complications in treatment.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They are often misunderstood or dismissed as emotionally unstable or temperamental, which further increases their feelings of discontent.
Additionally there are women who have issues in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to miss birthdays and to make mistakes with minor details. This can cause miscommunication and conflict. They may also be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances, and other obligations of the day. These issues can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their worth and capability.
In clinical settings, gender bias influences the frequency of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a classroom to read vignettes about children who had ADHD symptoms, and rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or find services for the child described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
As with other illnesses, ADHD can vary in intensity for individuals and may worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more evident during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy, or menopausal phase. These changes can cause issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and also contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.