Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often go undiagnosed as children, because the disorder appears differently in girls than it does in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These people are also prone to developing unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, which mask their ADHD symptoms and hinders the accurate diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to co-existing disorders like depression and anxiety.
Inattention
Women who are not attentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave their home unattended. They have trouble keeping track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping. These women are also more likely to forget names and dates, and have memory problems. These women also have difficulty staying still for long periods and are unable to concentrate or follow directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more commonly associated with males and boys but the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common in girls and women. Up to 80% of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that persist for a period of more than six months to qualify for a diagnoses.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can be harder to spot because they don't view them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how a girl should act. Because of this, teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD evaluations for girls than for boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects women's lives is different at different times of her life due to hormone changes. For instance, a woman's symptoms may get worse during the menstrual cycle, while she is pregnant or when she enters menopausal.
These symptoms can have an impact on the self-esteem of women and their satisfaction with life. They can trigger feelings of shame and low self-worth because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and domestic tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD are also susceptible to depression and anxiety. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors that increase the chance of having a baby and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health problems. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, whether it is real or perceived. They may avoid social situations or isolate themselves as a result.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD in girls and women. They might be more procrastinative, misplace things or have trouble focusing. They may also be overwhelmed by the busy environment. They may also have trouble relaxing or falling asleep, and they may be more susceptible to mood fluctuations and anxiety. adult female adhd symptoms can cause issues at home, school and in relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men women and girls can be omitted from a diagnosis. Healthcare providers and teachers often do not recommend ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male ones. This could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
In addition, with a tendency to hide their struggles, this can mean that adults with ADHD suffer more from the condition than generally reported. For instance, they may not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions at the supermarket or find it difficult to relax or sleep.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they might adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This may include substance abuse and poor eating habits. This can make it worse in time, and stop the woman getting the help she needs.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more accepted by males and boys, it is possible that girls and women may hide or suppress them out of fear of being judged. For instance, a girl who suffers from ADHD might show hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized for not fitting in with the standards of her community or school.
In the end, these issues can result in a cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. It is crucial for family members, friends and teachers to notice these struggles for women and girls, because they could be an indication of a disorder that is not recognized and requires treatment with medication management and therapy.
Emotional Problems
Women who suffer from ADHD have a harder time managing their emotions than men. Their moods are more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms like irritability or a feeling of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more prone to depression and anxiety. These emotional problems can have a serious impact on relationships and career prospects.
Having ADHD can be a slog for both parents and children, but it's especially difficult for women. Women can be ashamed of ADHD and may not seek help due to this. Women may attempt to mask symptoms with coping strategies like excessive drinking or substance abuse, but this can make the situation worse. Masking can also make it harder for teachers and employers to notice ADHD symptoms for women, and it can lead to delay in diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD might be able to successfully hide her symptoms during her adolescence and youth however, it can be more difficult as an adult. The pressures of daily life, along with the societal expectations to excel at work and in relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These challenges can result in women with ADHD feeling like they are failing, low self-esteem, and constant stress. The diagnosis of ADHD could be a transformative moment for certain women. It can aid them in understanding the root of their difficulties and help them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women with ADHD struggle to get support at work or at school. They may feel embarrassed confiding in a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the accommodation they need could be considered an indication of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make minor adjustments to help those who suffer from ADHD achieve their goals.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups offer a opportunities to share experiences and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
Co-occurring conditions
As girls and women grow up, they can develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to see. A girl may dress and behave like her peers to avoid being bullied or criticized by peers. She could try to compensate for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other coping mechanisms could conceal the presence of ADHD in a woman and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Most often, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, prior to the time they receive a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD and make it difficult to treat and recover.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which adds to their frustration.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely than men to overlook birthdays and make mistakes with minor details. This can lead to miscommunication and conflict. They also might struggle to keep up with household chores, personal finances and other obligations of the day. These challenges can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can lead to an internal chaos of beliefs about their worth.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings also influences the rate of women and girls who are being referred to an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes about children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They also assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek out services for the child depicted. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
ADHD, like other conditions, can vary in severity and deteriorate at various times. For example, symptoms may be more evident during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy or the menopausal phase. These changes can cause issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, as well as cause feelings of frustration and failure.