Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD often are not recognized as children due to the fact that the disorder manifests differently in girls than it does 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 like excessive drinking and drug abuse that mask ADHD symptoms and delays an accurate diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like anxiety and depression, are also common in these people.
Inattention
Women who are not attentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They may skip appointments or leave their home unattended. They struggle to organize personal financial records, household chores. It's also normal for women to experience issues with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult for them to remember dates or names. They also have a difficult time staying still for long periods of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following the directions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more prevalent in boys and men, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also seen for women and girls. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80% of all ADHD sufferers are inattentive. You must have five inattentive symptoms that persist for longer than six months to qualify for a diagnoses.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD are often harder to spot than other types of ADHD because a lot of people don't see them as a part of an issue or have different expectations about what a girl should be doing. This is why teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD evaluations for girls than for boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms can also change over time due to hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms can become more severe when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopausal symptoms.
These signs can have a negative impact on the self-esteem of women and their satisfaction with her life. These symptoms can cause feelings of shame and low-self-worth and make it hard to manage relationships, work or household chores. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. They may also engage in sexual activities which can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or perceived. They might avoid social situations or avoid social situations because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first signs of ADHD for both genders. They might be more procrastinative than usual, lose items or have difficulty concentrating. They can also become overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They may also have difficulty 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 prevalent among boys and men. Teachers and health professionals typically don't suggest ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for males. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis as well as an inability to treat.
Along with the tendency to hide their struggles This could mean that adults with ADHD have a more severe impact from the condition than is generally reported. They may not even mention that they struggle to concentrate at work or feel overwhelmed by household tasks. They may have difficulty making decisions when shopping or find it difficult 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 hinder the woman from getting help that could improve her life dramatically.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more popular with males and females in social settings, it is possible that girls and women may hide or suppress from fear of being judged. For instance, a girl who suffers from ADHD might show hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the norms of her community or school.
In the end, these triggers can create a vicious cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends and educators to recognize these struggles in girls and women, because they could be an indication of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and requires treatment through therapy and medication management.
Emotional Difficulties
Women suffering from ADHD typically find it more difficult than men to manage their emotions. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal changes throughout the day, which can cause symptoms like anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional difficulties can have serious consequences 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 ashamed of ADHD and may not seek help due to this. Women may attempt to hide their symptoms using coping strategies like excessive drinking or substance abuse which can make the situation worse. Masking can also make it harder for teachers and employers to recognize ADHD symptoms in women, and it could lead to a delay in diagnosing.
It's much easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal her symptoms in her youth and adolescence than as an adult. The stress of everyday life, combined with expectations from society to excel in work and relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of self-doubt, a sense of inadequacy and constant stress. For adhd adult symptoms , receiving the diagnosis of ADHD can be a lightbulb moment that helps people to recognize the root of their challenges and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.
Many women suffering from ADHD find it difficult to get support at work or at school. They may be uncomfortable in telling a supervisor or professor and worry that their choice could be interpreted as an indication of incompetence or weakness. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make small modifications to help individuals with ADHD succeed in their jobs.
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 women and girls become teenagers, they develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to see. A girl might dress and behave like her peers in order to avoid being bullied or rejected by other people. She could try to compensate for her impulsive, disorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other strategies for coping could disguise the presence of ADHD in females and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
Often, women and girls who have ADHD are often diagnosed with mental health issues like anxiety or depression, before they receive an official diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD and make it difficult to treat and recover.
Females and girls who have ADHD also have a higher chance of having low self-esteem and are more likely to be affected by co-existing mood disorders than men or boys. They may be misunderstood and dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which further increases their feelings of frustration.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to forget birthdays or misunderstand minor details, which can lead to conflict and miscommunication. Also, they may struggle to manage household chores, personal finances and daily obligations. These issues can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can create an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their capabilities and worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias can also affect the rate of women and girls who are being referred to an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in a class to read vignettes describing children who had ADHD symptoms, and then rate how likely they would be to recommend or seek services for the child portrayed. They found that participants were more likely to recommend services to boys than girls.
ADHD as with other conditions that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more prominent 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.