Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls because it manifests differently than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These individuals are also prone to developing unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as drinking excessively and using substances that mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to coexisting conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Inattention
Women who aren't attentive ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They might forget appointments or leave things unattended around the house. They have a difficult time organizing their personal finances, record-keeping, and household chores. These women are also prone to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory issues. They also have difficulty staying still for long periods of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following the directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more frequently found in males and females however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent for women and girls. Around 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that last for a period of more than six months to qualify for a diagnoses.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can be difficult for people to identify because they don't perceive them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how a girl should act. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
In addition, the manner that ADHD affects women's lives is different at different times of her life because of hormonal changes. For instance, a woman's symptoms may get worse during the menstrual cycle, when she's pregnant or as she enters menopause.
These signs can have a profound impact on a woman's self-esteem and life satisfaction. These symptoms can cause feelings of self-doubt and shame and make it difficult to manage relationships, work or household chores. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also suffer from anxiety and depression. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behavior that increase the chance of having a baby, sexually transmitted infections and other health issues. They may also be afflicted by sensitization to rejection because they have difficulty accepting negative reactions from others. They might avoid social situations or even isolate themselves due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases the two are the first symptoms of ADHD in women and girls. They may be more likely to be procrastinators or lose things, have trouble concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have difficulties getting sleep or relaxing and could be more prone to mood swings and anxieties. These symptoms can cause problems at home, school and in relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more common for both genders women and girls can be omitted from a diagnosis. Healthcare professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male ones. This could result in an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
In addition, with a tendency to conceal their problems It could result in adults suffering from ADHD experience a greater impact from the condition than is typically reported. For instance, they may not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make choices at the store or find it difficult to relax or sleep.
This can affect their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying problem, they could develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that may include alcohol use or poor eating habits. This can make the problem worse over time and prevent the woman from seeking help that could change her life significantly.
It is also possible that because ADHD-linked behaviors are more popular with males and girls, they may be suppressed or hid by girls and women who are concerned about being judged. For example, a girl with ADHD may exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized for not conforming to the standards of her community or school.
In the end, these issues can lead to a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends and teachers to recognize these struggles for women and girls, because they could be an indication of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and requires treatment with medication management and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women with ADHD typically have a harder time than men to manage their emotions. Their moods are more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms like irritability and feeling of inadequate. Women with ADHD are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression. These emotional problems could have serious implications for career and relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a struggle for both parents and children however, it is particularly challenging for women. Women are often shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD and this may make it difficult for them to seek help. They may also attempt to hide their symptoms by developing strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or drug abuse, which can actually cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers and women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It can delay the diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be able to successfully hide her symptoms during her youth and adolescence however, it can be more difficult when she's an adult. The pressures of life, combined with social pressures to be successful in work and relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling a sense of failure, low self-esteem and constant stress. For some, getting the diagnosis of ADHD can be like a lightbulb moment, helping people to recognize the root cause of their issues and helping them accept their own uniqueness.
Many women with ADHD struggle to get support at work or at school. They may be uncomfortable in telling an instructor or supervisor and worry that their accommodation is seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, the majority of supervisors and instructors will make small adjustments to enable people with ADHD to excel in their job.
In addition to having female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can also benefit by joining online support groups for adults with ADHD. These groups give members the chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD issues.
Co-Occurring conditions
As women and girls get older, they may develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms and make it harder for others to notice. A girl may dress and act as her peers in order to avoid being bullied or rejected by peers. Or, she may compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by working harder at work or school or relying on productivity apps to get her tasks accomplished. These and other coping mechanisms can mask the presence of ADHD in a woman and can delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD, as well as complicate treatment and recovery.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which increases their anger.
In addition many women experience difficulties in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to forget birthdays or err on minor details which can cause conflict and confusion. Additionally, they might struggle to manage household chores, personal finances and daily responsibilities. These issues can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can create an internal chaos of beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias also affects the rate of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in a classroom to read vignettes describing children suffering from ADHD symptoms, and rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or find services for the child portrayed. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD, like other conditions that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and worsen at different times. For signs of adhd adults , symptoms may be more prominent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, and contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.