Female Symptoms of ADHD
Teens and women with ADHD tend to show inattentive symptoms, as opposed to the hyperactivity and impulsivity which are more common for both genders. This makes them more easily overlooked and not properly diagnosed.
Stereotypes about gender can contribute to this as caregivers may believe that quiet or dreamy girls are simply "being girls." Also, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle as well as perimenopausal symptoms can cause ADHD symptoms to become more severe.
1. Hyperactivity
When it is ADHD the first image most people think of is the hyperactive boy bouncing off the walls of class. While this is one type of ADHD, women and girls also suffer from the disorder in this type. ADHD symptoms for women and girls are usually more difficult to identify than those of boys. This leads to the disorder being misdiagnosed or going untreated.
Women with ADHD can exhibit impulsive behavior which makes it difficult to take a step back and think before deciding to act. They might not be able to listen well when other people are speaking, and could have difficulty following instructions or performing tasks. These difficulties can lead them to frustration and misunderstandings with family or friends, as well as romantic partners, as well as coworkers.
Many women suffering from ADHD have rejection sensitivity. This is an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection. In combination with low self-esteem, and a lack of friendships with peers which can make it hard for women to cope with her ADHD symptoms.
The symptoms of ADHD in women may flare up at various times during the menstrual cycle as well as during pregnancy and menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger irritation, mood swings and trouble with concentration.
Exercise, diet and sleeping habits can help some women and girls with ADHD control their symptoms. Regular physical activity releases neurotransmitters which boost attention and concentration. It also helps to ease stress and anxiety that are common among women with ADHD. Getting enough sleep and taking breaks from work can also help with ADHD symptoms. Utilizing tools such as planners, checklists, and post-it notes to track tasks can be beneficial for many people with ADHD. In some cases, health care providers can prescribe medication to manage symptoms.
2. Attention!
Even when the symptoms are severe women and girls suffering from inattention ADHD are not diagnosed. They have a difficult time keeping up at school, their homes can be messy, and they face trouble with relationships and work performance. They may try to compensate by hiding their symptoms or by trying to convince themselves that they're not affected by them.
Gender bias can be a factor in misdiagnosis or omissions. For instance, if a boy displays hyperactive or impulsive symptoms, they're more likely to get assessed for diagnosis and treatment. Girls who exhibit inattention can be dismissed as ditzy, dreamy or space cases.
Attention deficit can manifest in a variety of ways. adhd in adults signs might forget appointments, not adhere to your commitments or struggle to stay focused during meetings or classroom lectures. You aren't able to wait for your turn and you constantly interrupt other people when you're talking. Your memory is poor and you easily lose things or forget where you put them. You struggle to follow simple instructions and tend to avoid tasks that require concentration, like homework or chores.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can also worsen when hormonal changes occur such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or perimenopause. This can make it more difficult to focus at work or at home, and can make it more difficult to keep friendships intact or reach goals in life.
Exercise can help you control your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals such as dopamine that can improve your mood and improve your focus. Regular exercise can also help you burn extra energy and ease depression or anxiety symptoms -that are common among women suffering from ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Women and adolescents with ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety-related symptoms and mood disorders than impulsivity or hyperactivity. The gender roles that are expected of girls make it more difficult for girls to admit that they're struggling, which is why they tend to cover up ADHD symptoms with other behaviors. This can lead girls and women to be misdiagnosed and not report their symptoms of ADHD. They may also be more likely to have inattentive ADHD symptoms, which don't show up as obvious as the impulsive/hyperactive ones that boys and men display.
Anxiety is a natural response to stress and danger. It can be overwhelming and painful, but it's actually beneficial because it helps you stay alert to possible dangers and helps you respond quickly when something is suspicious. Unfortunately, anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including sweating, jitteriness, and an increased heart rate (palpitations). An anxiety disorder can be diagnosed in those who suffer from frequent, severe or disabling anxiety. An anxiety disorder can include panic disorder (where you have frequent, unplanned panic attacks), phobias (where you are intensely scared of certain things or situations) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thoughts and repetitive behavior), and separation anxiety disorder.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle with a concept known as "time blindness." They may miss important dates or appointments, arrive at the wrong place at the incorrect time, or be so lost in tasks that they miss social interactions. This can cause them to appear unfocused, aloof or inconsiderate of other people. A good night's sleep can prevent time blindness so make sure you stick to a regular time for bed and do something relaxing before you go to sleep, such as reading, listening to music or even meditating.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD struggle with keeping their schedules in order. They may have difficulty to keep track of their schedules, appointments and other belongings. Their home, car and office could be cluttered and their handbags are filled with receipts, 17 chapsticks, as well as tickets to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their lack of organization and forgetfulness can make it difficult for them to build and maintain work and personal relationships.
Women may also have difficulty communicating what they mean in social situations. Their impulsiveness and impatience can make them interrupt others or blurt out things without considering the consequences. These struggles to filter their thoughts could lead to hurt feelings and miscommunications.
The symptoms of ADHD can change throughout the day due to hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lowest at the time of ovulation and during menstruation which can cause ADHD. These symptoms could be the reason that many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed and treated.
In addition to the biological differences in the brain's structure and the chemicals that are involved with ADHD in females and males as well as the stigma against diagnosing women suffering from the disorder. This bias is linked to the fact that ADHD research and educational programs primarily focus on boys and men/people AMAB, so it's more likely that healthcare providers and educators will see hyperactive/impulsive-type symptoms in those groups and overlook symptoms of inattentive ADHD in women.
Women with ADHD can manage their symptoms with medication and other treatment methods. With the right help, they can achieve success at school, work and in their personal lives. Medication can provide a significant boost in concentration and help them better handle every day challenges, and the use of behavioral therapy and other special smartphone apps are additional tools to keep them on top of their game.
5. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD typically have issues with controlling their impulses. This is because the brain part that makes decisions and weighs the consequences isn't working as well. This causes them to make decisions or act without thinking about the consequences, which can have negative effects. Impulsive behavior can result in financial difficulties or relationships that are damaged. It could also lead to sexually risky behaviors.
Someone suffering from ADHD may develop a number of coping mechanisms that aid them in their struggle to control their impulses. These might include self-medicating with alcohol or other drugs or using food as a way to relax. A poor diet or lack of sleep can also lead to issues.
Women and girls with ADHD might also have difficulty to recognize they are having issues with their behavior. They may have difficulty to articulate their issues, so they conceal their issues. This makes it more difficult for people to spot their issues and can delay a diagnosis.
In addition, girls and women who suffer from ADHD tend to display their symptoms in a different way than men or boys. They might be more distracted and have a higher rate of co-existing anxiety and mood disorders, like depression. These factors can cause girls and women with ADHD being misdiagnosed more often than males or females.
While awareness of ADHD has increased, it's still a disorder that affects millions of people. It's most prevalent in the adolescent and early adulthood, when many people are trying to meet the demands of their jobs or schools. It's important for educators and parents to be aware of the possibility that a person they know is suffering from ADHD so that they can receive the assistance she requires.