Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls because it is different than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These people are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping strategies that include drinking excessively and using substances that mask ADHD symptoms and hinders an accurate diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like depression and anxiety, are also common in these people.
Inattention
Women who are not attentive ADHD often find it hard to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They might forget appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They struggle to keep track of their finances as well as household chores and record-keeping. They are also more likely to forget names and dates, and have memory problems. They also have trouble staying still for long periods and are unable to concentrate or follow directions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more prevalent in males and females, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also seen in girls and women. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80% of all ADHD sufferers are not attentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that last for more than six month to be able to receive a diagnosis.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD can be harder to identify than other forms of ADHD because many people don't consider them as part of an illness or have different expectations for what a girl should be doing. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects a woman is different at different times of her life due to hormone fluctuations. Women's symptoms may worsen during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal symptoms.
These signs can have an impact on a woman’s self-esteem and her satisfaction with life. These issues can lead to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem and can make it difficult to manage relationships, work or home tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are also susceptible to anxiety and depression. They can also engage in sexual behaviors which increase the risk for pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They might also struggle with sensitization to rejection because they have a hard time accepting real or perceived negative responses from others. In the end, they may avoid social settings and avoid social situations.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first symptoms of ADHD for girls and women. They might be more procrastinative than usual, lose items or have trouble focusing. They may also become overwhelmed by busy environments. They may also have difficulty falling asleep or relaxing, and may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems in the classroom, at home, and in their 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 evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male students. symptoms of add in adults could lead to an incorrect diagnosis as well as delays in treatment.
Combined with a tendency to hide their issues This could result in adults suffering from ADHD experience a greater impact of the condition than usually reported. For instance, they might not have trouble focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might struggle to make choices at the grocery store or have trouble finding the time to relax or sleep.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies, which may include alcohol abuse or poor eating habits. This can make the problem worse over time and keep the woman from getting help that could improve her life dramatically.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more popular with males and boys It is possible that women and girls might hide or suppress from fear of being judged. For instance, girls with ADHD might exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the norms at school or in the community.
These causes can create a cycle of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. It is crucial for family members, friends and teachers to recognize these struggles in women and girls since they may be an indication of a disorder that is not recognized and needs to be addressed by a combination of therapy and medication.
Emotional Difficulties
Women suffering from ADHD have a harder time controlling their emotions than men. Moods are more likely to fluctuate due to hormonal changes throughout the day, which can cause symptoms like anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more prone to anxiety and depression. These emotional issues can have serious implications for relationships and job prospects.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a slog for parents as well as children, but it's especially difficult for women. Women can feel ashamed of ADHD and may not seek help due to this. Some women try to hide their symptoms using 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 and women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It can delay the diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able successfully hide her symptoms during the adolescent years and in her youth however it becomes more difficult when she's an adult. The pressures of daily life, along with the social pressures to be successful at work and in relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women suffering from 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 of their issues and helping them accept their own uniqueness.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to receive support at work or school. They may feel embarrassed about confiding in a professor or supervisor, and they may worry that the accommodation they need could be considered an indication of weakness or incompetence. However, the majority of supervisors and instructors will make small adjustments to help those with ADHD to succeed in their jobs.
In addition to finding female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can benefit from joining online support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can provide the opportunity to share personal stories and discuss the particular issues of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring conditions
As girls and women mature and develop, they may come up with strategies to deal with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to spot. A girl may dress and behave like her peers to avoid being bullied or rejected by other people. She might try to make up for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by working more at school or at work or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other coping strategies can mask the presence ADHD in a female and delay her adult diagnosis.
Often, women and girls who have ADHD are often diagnosed with mental health issues, such as 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.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which adds to their sense of anger.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to miss birthdays and miss small details. This could lead to confusion and conflict. Also, they may be struggling to keep up with household chores as well as personal finances and everyday responsibilities. These challenges can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can fuel an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their worth and capabilities.
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 describing children who had ADHD symptoms, and rate how likely they would be to recommend or seek services for the child they described. They found that participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than for girls.
ADHD as with other conditions is a condition that can be severe and worsen at various times. For add symptoms in adults , symptoms might be more prominent during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can lead to issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and also result in feelings of anger and disappointment.