Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often are not recognized as children due to the fact that the disorder is different in girls 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 mechanisms like excessive drinking and substance abuse that mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as depression and anxiety are also common among these individuals.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may skip appointments or leave their home unattended. They are unable to keep their finances in order chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. It's also common for women to experience trouble with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult to remember dates or names. They also have trouble sitting still for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused or following instructions.
While the impulse control and hyperactivity are more common in males and females however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent in women and girls. Around 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must show at least five inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be harder for people to identify because they don't perceive them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how girls should behave. This is why parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than they are for boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects women can vary during different times of her life because of hormone changes. For instance the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may be more severe during the menstrual cycle, when she's pregnant or as she enters menopausal.
These symptoms can have a negative impact on a woman’s self-esteem and her life satisfaction. These symptoms can lead to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem, as they make it difficult to manage relationships, work or household chores. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might also suffer from depression and anxiety. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual activities that can increase the likelihood of having children, sexually transmitted infections and other health issues. They may also be afflicted by the sensitivity to rejection since they have a hard time accepting real or perceived negative responses from other people. As a result, they may avoid social settings and avoid social situations.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first indications of ADHD for girls and women. They may be more likely to procrastinate or misplace items and have difficulty focusing on their tasks, and are easily overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have difficulty getting sleep or relaxing and are more prone to mood swings or anxiety. These symptoms can cause issues at home, school and in relationships.
Women and girls are often not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent among boys and men. Teachers and healthcare professionals often do not recommend ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male ones. This could result in an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
This, along with the tendency to conceal their struggles can make it clear that people with ADHD have a more significant impact than is usually reported. They may not be able to admit that they have difficulty concentrating at work or are overwhelmed by household tasks. They may struggle to make choices at the shop or struggle to sleep or relax.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they could adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This may include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This can make it worse in time, and stop the woman from receiving the assistance she needs.
It is also possible that because ADHD-related behaviors are more popular with males and girls however, they could be repressed or concealed by women and girls who are concerned about being judged. For example, a girl with ADHD might show excessive and impulsive behavior in order to avoid being judged for not conforming to the norms of her community or school.
These causes can create a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends and educators to recognize these struggles for women and girls, as they can be an indication of a disorder that is not recognized and must be treated by a combination of therapy and medication.
Emotional Troubles
Women with ADHD are more difficult in controlling their emotions than men. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder like irritability or a feeling of inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These emotional problems can have serious implications for relationships and job prospects.
ADHD can be a major challenge for parents and children alike, but it is especially difficult for women. Women are often shy or embarrassed about their ADHD and this may make it difficult for them to seek help. Women may attempt to mask symptoms with methods of coping such as excessive drinking or substance abuse, but this can make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers, as well as women themselves, to recognize ADHD symptoms. It may also delay the diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be able effectively hide her symptoms in her youth and adolescence however, it can be more difficult when she's an adult. Stress from everyday life and societal pressures to perform well in work and relationships can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These struggles can lead to women with ADHD feeling like they're failing, low self-esteem, and constant stress. For symptoms of adult add , receiving a diagnosis of ADHD could be an epiphany, helping them understand the root cause of their challenges and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.
Many women with ADHD find it difficult to receive support at school or work. They may feel embarrassed telling a supervisor or professor and may be concerned that the accommodations they require could be considered an indication of weakness or incompetence. However, the majority of supervisors and instructors are willing to make small adjustments to help those with ADHD to perform their roles.
Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups provide an opportunity to share stories and discuss the unique difficulties of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring conditions
As girls and women become teenagers, they develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to detect. For example the girl may try to dress and act like her peers in order to avoid the attention of bullies or social rejection. She might try to make up for her chaotic, impulsive behavior by putting more effort into school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other coping strategies could disguise the presence of ADHD in a female and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
Most often, girls and women who have ADHD are diagnosed with mental health issues like anxiety or depression, prior to the time they receive an official diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions could mask the presence and symptoms of ADHD. They can also make treatment more difficult.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They may be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which can increase their frustration.
Additionally many women experience difficulties in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to miss birthdays or misunderstand minor details which can cause conflict and confusion. Additionally, they might struggle to manage household chores as well as personal finances and daily obligations. These challenges can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an internal chaos of untruthful beliefs about their capabilities and worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias can also affect the rate that women and girls are recommended to an ADHD evaluation. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a classroom to read vignettes that described children who had ADHD symptoms, and then rate how likely they were to recommend or find services for the child they described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD as with other conditions is a condition that can be severe and worsen at different times. For example, symptoms may be more prominent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, or menopausal cycle. These changes can lead to issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, as well as cause feelings of frustration and disappointment.