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.
They also tend to develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, that mask their ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like depression and anxiety are also common among these people.
Attention!
Women with inattentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their schoolwork, job and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave things unattended around the house. They have trouble keeping the track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. It's also normal for women to experience issues with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult to remember dates or names. These women also have difficulty staying still for long periods and are unable to focus or follow instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more often associated with males and boys but the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common in women and girls. Up to 80% of ADHD sufferers are categorized as inattentive. To be eligible for a diagnosis, you must have at least five inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can be harder for people to recognize because they don't view them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how girls should act. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms can change over time due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may get worse during the menstrual cycle, while she is pregnant or when she enters menopause.
These symptoms can affect a woman’s self-esteem and her life satisfaction. They can cause feelings of guilt and self-worth devaluation because they make it hard to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women with untreated ADHD might also suffer from depression and anxiety. They may also engage in sexual behaviors which can increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also struggle with sensitization to rejection because they have a hard time accepting real or perceived negative reactions from others. They might avoid social situations or isolate themselves because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD in girls and women. They may 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 difficulty getting sleep or relaxing and could be more prone to mood swings or anxiety. These signs can cause problems at home, school and in relationships.
Since symptoms of ADHD are more common for both genders women and girls can be omitted from a diagnosis. Teachers and healthcare providers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male students. This can lead both to an incorrect diagnosis and delays in treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to hide their struggles can mean that adults who have ADHD experience a greater impact than is typically reported. For instance, they might not have trouble focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They might struggle to make decisions at the supermarket or find it hard to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies, which may include alcohol addiction or poor eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time, and hinder the woman from getting assistance that could improve her life dramatically.
It is also possible ADHD-related behavior is more socially acceptable for males and girls, they may be suppressed or hid by girls and women who are concerned about being rejected. For instance, a girl with ADHD might display excessive and impulsive behavior in order to avoid being criticized for not conforming to the standards of her community or school.
Ultimately, these factors can create a vicious cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families, friends, and educators should be aware of these issues and be aware that they could be a sign of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. This disorder can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Difficulties
Women with ADHD typically have a harder time than men to control their emotions. Moods are more likely to fluctuate due to hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which can cause symptoms like irritability and feelings of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional problems can have a serious impact on relationships and career opportunities.
ADHD can be a problem for both children and parents however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can feel embarrassed about ADHD and may not seek help due to this. Some women try to mask symptoms with strategies to cope, such as excessive drinking or substance abuse, but this can cause more harm. Masking can also make it harder for teachers and employers to recognize ADHD symptoms for women, and it can lead to delays in diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be able to manage to hide her symptoms throughout her youth and adolescence however, it can be more difficult as an adult. Stress from everyday life and the pressures of society to perform well in work and relationships can cause more ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women with ADHD feeling like they are a victim of self-doubt, a sense of inadequacy and chronic distress. A diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for some women. It can help them understand the root of their issues and allow them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time trying to get support at work or school. They may feel embarrassed confiding in a professor or supervisor, and they may worry that the support they require will be considered a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, most instructors and supervisors will make small accommodations to allow those with ADHD to excel in their job.
Women with ADHD who are seeking friends who can support them can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups offer the opportunity to share personal stories and discuss the unique challenges of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring Conditions
As women and girls mature, they may develop strategies to cope that mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to detect. For instance, a girl might try to dress and act more like her peers to avoid being a target for bullying or social rejection. She might try to make up for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by putting more effort into school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other strategies for coping can mask the presence ADHD in females and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Most often, girls and women who have ADHD are often diagnosed with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, before they are given a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD, as well as make it difficult to treat and recover.
Girls and women with ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which contributes to their feelings of anger.
In addition many women experience difficulties in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to forget birthdays and make mistakes with minor details. This can cause miscommunication and conflict. They may also be struggling to keep up with household chores financial obligations, personal finances, and other everyday responsibilities. adhd symptoms in women can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can fuel an unhealthy internal landscape of their beliefs about their worth.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings also influences the rate at which girls and women are referred for an ADHD evaluation. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in the classroom to read vignettes that described children with ADHD symptoms, and then rate how likely they would be to recommend or seek services for the child described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD like other disorders is a condition that can be severe and worsen at various times. For example, symptoms may be more prominent during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy or the menopausal phase. These changes can cause problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and also result in feelings of anger and disappointment.