Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often go undiagnosed as children due to the fact that the disorder manifests differently in girls than it does in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also tend to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like depression and anxiety are also common among these people.
Attention!
Women with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They might forget appointments or leave things unattended around the house. They are unable to keep track of their finances as well as household chores and record-keeping. These women are also prone to forget names and dates, and have memory problems. They also have difficulty staying still for long durations and are unable to concentrate or follow instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more common in males and females however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also common in girls and women. As high as 80% of ADHD sufferers are categorized as inattentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that last for more than six month to qualify for a diagnoses.
The inattentive symptoms of ADHD can be harder to recognize than the other kinds of ADHD because many people don't consider them as part of a disorder or have different expectations about what a girl's behavior should be. Because of Main Page , teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD evaluations for girls than for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can change over time due to hormonal fluctuations. For example the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may become more severe during her menstrual cycle, if she's pregnant or as she enters menopause.
These signs can have an impact on a woman’s self-esteem and her life satisfaction. These symptoms can cause feelings of self-doubt and shame and can make it hard to manage relationships, work and home chores. Women who are not treated for ADHD may also be suffering from depression and anxiety. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors that can increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and other health issues. They may also have difficulty accepting rejection from others, whether it's real or perceived. As a result, they may avoid social situations and avoid social situations.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD in women and girls. They might be more procrastinative than usual, lose items or have difficulty concentrating. They can also become overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They may also have a hard time getting comfortable or falling asleep and are more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These signs can cause problems at school, home and in relationships.
Since symptoms of ADHD are more common in males and females women and girls can be omitted from a diagnosis. Healthcare providers and teachers often don't suggest ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as often as they do for males. This can lead to an inaccurate diagnosis and delays in treatment.
This, along with the tendency to hide their issues, can make it clear that people with ADHD have a more significant impact than is usually reported. For instance, they may not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might struggle to make decisions when shopping or have trouble finding the time to relax or sleep.
This can have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies that may include substance abuse or eating habits that are unhealthy. This can make the problem worse over time, and hinder the woman from seeking help that could change her life significantly.
It is also possible that ADHD-related behavior is more socially acceptable for males and females however, they could be repressed or hidden by women and girls who are worried about being rejected. For instance, girls with ADHD might display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being criticized for not fitting in with the norms of school or community.
Ultimately, these factors can result in a cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers must be aware of these struggles, as they may be signs of an undiagnosed disorder. This condition can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Problems
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their emotions than males. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal changes throughout the day, which can cause symptoms like anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of anxiety and depression. These emotional problems can have serious consequences for relationships and job prospects.
ADHD can be a challenge for both children and parents, but it is especially difficult for women. Women often feel shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD, and this can prevent them from seeking assistance. They may also attempt to hide their symptoms by implementing coping strategies such as drinking excessively or substance use, which can cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers, as well as women themselves, to recognize ADHD symptoms. It can also delay diagnosis.
It's much easier for a woman with ADHD to hide her symptoms during her youth and adolescence than it is as an adult. Stress from everyday life and pressures from society to excel in both relationships and work can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like failures, low self-esteem, and ongoing stress. For some, getting the diagnosis of ADHD can be like a lightbulb moment, helping them to understand the root of their challenges and giving them the chance to accept themselves more fully.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to get support at work or at school. They might be uncomfortable in telling a supervisor or professor and worry that their choice will be seen as an indication of incompetence or weakness. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make small adjustments to help those with ADHD succeed in their jobs.
Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for friends who can support them can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups provide a opportunities to share experiences and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
Co-occurring conditions
As girls and women become teenagers, they develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms and make it harder for others to notice. Girls may dress and act like her peers to avoid being criticized or bullied by others. In addition, she might compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by putting in more effort at school or work or relying on productivity apps to get her tasks accomplished. These and other coping strategies can disguise the presence of ADHD in women and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Most often, girls and women who have ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, prior to the time they are given a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions could conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They may cause complications in treatment.
Girls and females with ADHD also have a higher risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be affected by co-existing mood disorders than males or boys. They may be misunderstood and dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which increases their feelings of anger.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to forget birthdays and miss small details. This can lead to miscommunication and conflict. Also, they may struggle to manage household chores as well as personal finances and daily responsibilities. These difficulties can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can lead to an internal chaos of untruthful beliefs about their worth and capability.
Gender bias in clinical settings can also affect the rate at which girls and women are being referred to an ADHD evaluation. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in a classroom to read vignettes about children who had ADHD symptoms, and rate how likely they were to recommend or seek services for the child they described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD like other disorders, can vary in severity and worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms could be more prominent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can cause problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and result in feelings of anger and failure.