Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often are not recognized as children because 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.
They also tend to develop unhealthy strategies for coping, like excessive drinking and substance abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to coexisting conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD often have difficulty to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They may forget appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They have trouble keeping their finances in order chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. These women are also prone to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory problems. These women also have difficulty staying still for long periods and are unable to concentrate or follow instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more frequently associated with males and boys, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is equally prevalent in girls and women. In fact, it is 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 are often harder to identify than other kinds of ADHD because many people don't consider them as a part of an illness or have different expectations about what a girl should be doing. Because of this, parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than for boys.
In addition, the manner that ADHD affects women's lives can vary during different times of her life because of hormonal fluctuations. For instance women's symptoms could get worse during the menstrual cycle, if she's pregnant or as she enters menopausal.
These symptoms can have an impact on women's self-esteem as well as their life satisfaction. These symptoms can cause feelings of guilt and low self-esteem, as they make it difficult to manage relationships, work or home chores. Women who are not treated for ADHD can also suffer from depression and anxiety. They may also engage in sexual behaviors which can increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, whether it's real or not. They may avoid social situations or avoid social situations as a result.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They might be more procrastinative and lose things, or have trouble focusing. They may also become overwhelmed by the busy environment. They may also have trouble sleeping or relaxing, and they may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause problems at school, at home and in their relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more common in males and females however, girls and women may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Healthcare professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do for male students. This can result in an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
In addition, with a tendency to hide their struggles This could result in adults suffering from ADHD experience a greater impact from the condition than generally reported. For instance, they might not report having difficulty focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making choices at the store or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying problem, they may adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This may include substance abuse and poor eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time and keep the woman from getting assistance that could improve her life dramatically.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more accepted by males and boys it is possible that women and girls may hide or suppress their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being disregarded. For example, a girl who suffers from ADHD may exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior in order to avoid being criticized for not conforming to the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
In the end, these triggers can create a vicious cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends, and teachers to notice these struggles in women and girls as they can be an indication of an undiagnosed disorder that requires treatment by a combination of therapy and medication.
Emotional Problems
Women who suffer from ADHD have a harder time controlling their emotions than men. Moods are more likely to fluctuate due to hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which may exacerbate symptoms such as anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. symptoms of add in adults who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These emotional difficulties may have serious implications for career and relationships.
ADHD can be a problem for parents and children alike, but it is especially difficult for women. Women can be embarrassed about ADHD and might not seek help due to this. They may even attempt to hide their symptoms by implementing coping strategies such as drinking excessively or substance abuse, which can actually cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers, as well as women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It may also delay the diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able effectively hide her symptoms in her adolescence and youth however, it can be more difficult as an adult. The pressures of daily life, coupled with social pressures to be successful in work and relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women with ADHD feeling a sense of self-doubt, a sense of inadequacy and a constant sense of anxiety. For some, receiving a diagnosis of ADHD could be a lightbulb moment, helping them to understand the root cause of their challenges and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty finding support at work or school. They may be embarrassed to tell their supervisor or professor about their condition and worry that their accommodation could be interpreted as an indication of incompetence or weakness. However, the majority of supervisors and instructors are willing to make small adjustments to enable those with ADHD to succeed in their roles.
Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups give members the an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD issues.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women mature they can develop strategies to cope that mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to detect. For example the girl may attempt to dress and act more like her peers to ward off attention from bullying or social rejection. Or, she may take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by putting in more effort at school or at work, or relying on productivity apps to get her tasks done. These and other coping strategies can disguise the existence of ADHD in a female and delay her adult diagnosis.
Women and girls with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD and complicate treatment and recovery.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as emotionally unstable or temperamental, which contributes to their feelings of anger.
In addition there are women who have issues in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They tend to forget birthdays or err on minor details which can cause conflicts and miscommunication. They may also have difficulty keeping up with household chores as well as personal finances and everyday responsibilities. These difficulties can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an unhealthy internal landscape of their beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias also affects the number of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes describing children with ADHD symptoms. They also assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek out services for the child depicted. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD as with other conditions is a condition that can be severe and deteriorate at various times. For instance, symptoms may be more pronounced during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can lead to issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and cause feelings of frustration and disappointment.