Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed among girls because it manifests differently than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse that mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to coexisting conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Inattention
Women with inattentive ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They might miss appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They struggle to organize personal finances, record-keeping, and household chores. It's also common for women to experience trouble 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 instructions.
While impulse control and hyperactivity are more common in boys and men however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent for women and girls. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must have at least five inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can be harder for people to identify because they don't view them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. Because of this, teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than they are for boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects a woman is different at different times of her life because of hormone changes. For instance women's symptoms could get worse during the menstrual cycle, when she is pregnant or when she enters menopause.
These signs can affect women's self-esteem as well as their life satisfaction. These symptoms can cause feelings of guilt and low self-esteem and can make it hard to manage relationships, work or home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD might also suffer from anxiety and depression. They could also engage in sexual behavior which increase the risk for pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They may also be afflicted by rejection sensitivity because they have a hard time accepting negative or real responses from others. This is why they may avoid social settings and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They might be more procrastinative, misplace things or have trouble focusing. They may also become overwhelmed by busy environments. They might also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing, and they may be more prone to mood fluctuations and anxiety. These symptoms can cause problems at home, school and in relationships.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females however, girls and women may be overlooked for a diagnosis. Healthcare providers and teachers often do not recommend ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for males. This can lead to an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
In addition, with a tendency to hide their struggles It could mean that adults with ADHD suffer more of the condition than usually reported. For instance, they might not have trouble focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making choices at the grocery store or have trouble finding the time to sleep or relax.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies that may include substance addiction or poor eating habits. what are the symptoms of adult adhd can make the problem worse over time and prevent the woman from getting assistance that could improve her life dramatically.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more accepted by boys and men socially it is possible that women and girls may suppress or hide from fear of being judged. For example, girls with ADHD might display excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being shamed because they aren't in line with the norms of school or in the community.
Ultimately, these factors can result in a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It's important for family members, friends and educators to recognize these struggles in women and girls because they could be an indication of an undiagnosed disorder that must be treated by a combination of therapy and medication.
Emotional Troubles
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle more than men to control 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 anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. Women with ADHD also are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional issues can have serious implications for relationships and career opportunities.
ADHD can be a major challenge for children and parents alike but it can be especially difficult for women. Women can feel shy about ADHD and might not seek help because of this. They may also attempt to hide their symptoms through strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse, which can actually make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers and women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It can also delay diagnosis.
It's easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal her symptoms during her youth and adolescence than it is as an adult. Stress from daily life and the pressures of society to be successful in relationships and work can cause more ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling like they're failing as well as low self-esteem and constant stress. For some, receiving a diagnosis of ADHD could be a lightbulb moment that helps people to recognize the root cause of their challenges and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.
Many women suffering from ADHD are unable to find support at work or school. They may be embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor, and they may worry that the accommodation they need could be considered an indication of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make small modifications to help individuals with ADHD succeed in their work.
In addition to having female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can also benefit from joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups provide an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the particular challenges of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As girls and women grow older they can develop strategies to cope that mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to recognize. For instance, a girl might attempt to dress and act more like her peers in order to avoid the attention of bullies or social rejection. She could also compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by putting more effort into school or at work, or relying on productivity apps to get her tasks accomplished. These and other coping strategies can disguise the presence of ADHD in a woman and can delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Women and girls with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions could conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They may also complicate treatment.
Females and girls who have ADHD also have a greater risk of feeling low about themselves and are more likely to be affected by co-existing mood disorders than men or boys. They are often misunderstood or dismissed as emotionally unstable or temperamental, which increases their feelings of anger.
Additionally many women experience difficulties in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. what are symptoms of adhd in adults are more likely to miss birthdays or misunderstand minor details, which can lead to conflict and confusion. Additionally, they might be struggling to keep up with household chores, personal finances and daily responsibilities. These issues can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can create an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their worth and capabilities.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings also influences the rate of women and girls who are referred to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes that described children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They also assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek services for the child depicted. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services to boys than girls.
ADHD like other disorders that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms can be more apparent during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy or menopausal cycle. These changes can lead to issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, as well as result in feelings of anger and disappointment.