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 also develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to coexisting conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Inattention
Women with inattentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their schoolwork, job and daily routines. They may forget appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They struggle to manage their personal finances, record-keeping and household chores. add symptoms in women are also prone to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory issues. They also have a difficult time staying still for long periods of time and have difficulty staying focused or following the directions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more prevalent in males and females but the inattention ADHD subtype is also seen in girls and women. In fact, it's believed that as high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are inattentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must show at least five inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD can be harder to recognize than the other forms of ADHD because a lot of people don't see them as a part of a disorder or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. This is why 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 can change over different periods of her life because of hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms can worsen during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms.
These signs can have a negative impact on women's self-esteem as well as their life satisfaction. They can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame because they make it hard to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women with untreated ADHD are also susceptible to depression and anxiety. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behavior that can increase the chance of having a baby, sexually transmitted infections and other health issues. They may also experience the sensitivity to rejection since they have difficulty accepting negative responses from others. They may avoid social interactions or isolate themselves because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They might procrastinate more than usual, lose items or have difficulty concentrating. They can also become overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They may also have trouble getting sleep or relaxing and may be more susceptible to mood swings or anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause problems at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Since symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men women and girls can be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Health professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do for male ones. This can lead to an incorrect diagnosis and an inability to treat.
This, along with the tendency to conceal their struggles can result in adults with ADHD have a more significant impact than is typically reported. For instance, they might not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make decisions at the grocery store or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This can have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they might develop unhealthy ways to cope. This could include substance abuse and poor eating habits. This can make the problem worse over time and keep the woman from seeking assistance that could improve her life dramatically.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more accepted by males and females in social settings It is possible that girls and women may hide or suppress from fear of being rejected. For instance, a girl with ADHD might display hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized for not fitting in with the standards of her community or school.
These causes can create a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. Families, friends, and educators should be aware of these struggles, as they may be indicators of an undiagnosed disorder. This condition can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Problems
Women suffering from ADHD typically have a harder time than men to manage their emotions. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal changes throughout the day, which can exacerbate symptoms such as irritability and feelings of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. These emotional problems can have serious consequences for relationships and career opportunities.
ADHD can be a major challenge for both children and parents however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women are often shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD and this may hinder them from seeking assistance. They may even attempt to hide their symptoms through strategies for coping, such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse, which can actually 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.
It's easier for a woman who suffers from ADHD to conceal her symptoms in her adolescence and youth than it is as an adult. Stress from daily life and pressures from society to excel in work and relationships can intensify ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling like they are a victim of being insecure, self-esteem issues and constant stress. A diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for some women. It can help them understand the cause of their struggles and allow them to accept themselves better.
Many women with ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive help at school or work. They may feel embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the accommodation they need could be seen as an act of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make minor modifications to help individuals with ADHD succeed in their jobs.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. female add symptoms provide an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the particular issues of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring conditions
As women and girls get older, they may develop coping strategies that cover their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to detect. A girl may dress and behave like her peers in order to avoid being criticized or bullied by others. She could try to compensate 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 mechanisms could conceal the presence of ADHD in women and can delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions can conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They can also make treatment more difficult.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by coexisting mood disorders than boys or men. They may be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which can increase their anger.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely to forget birthdays or miss important details, which can lead to conflict and confusion. They may also have difficulty keeping up with household chores financial obligations, personal finances, and other everyday responsibilities. These issues can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted which can lead to an internal chaos of untruthful beliefs about their worth and capabilities.
In clinical settings, gender bias affects the number of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in a classroom to read vignettes about children with ADHD symptoms and to rate how likely they would be to recommend or seek services for the child portrayed. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
As with other illnesses, ADHD can vary in severity for individual patients and may worsen at various periods. For instance, symptoms may be more pronounced during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or menopause. These changes can lead to difficulties with social functioning, relationships, and academic performance. They can also lead to feelings of failure and frustration.
