Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed among girls because it is different than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These people also tend to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse that mask ADHD symptoms and delays the diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like depression and anxiety, are also common in these individuals.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD often find it hard to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They have a difficult time organizing their personal financial records, household chores. They are also prone to forget names and dates, and have memory issues. They also have a difficult time sitting still for long periods of time and have difficulty staying focused or following instructions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more commonly found in males and females however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common for women and girls. Around 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are categorized as inattentive. To be eligible for a diagnosis, you must have at least five ongoing inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms are often difficult for people to identify because they don't perceive them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how girls should act. Because of this, 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 instance women's symptoms could become more severe during her menstrual cycle, when she is pregnant or when she enters menopause.
These signs can have a significant impact on a woman's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. These symptoms can cause feelings of self-doubt and shame, as they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home chores. Women who are not treated for ADHD can also suffer from anxiety and depression. They could also engage in sexual activities which can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also struggle with sensitization to rejection because they have difficulty accepting negative or real responses from other people. They may avoid social situations or isolate themselves because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. They might be more procrastinative and lose things, or have trouble focusing. They may also become overwhelmed by the busy environment. They might also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing and are more susceptible to mood fluctuations and anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause problems in school, at home and in their relationships.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are more common in males and females women and girls can be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Teachers and healthcare professionals often don't suggest ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for males. This can lead to an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to hide their issues, can mean that adults who have ADHD suffer more than is usually reported. They may not be able to admit that they struggle to concentrate at work or are overwhelmed by household tasks. They might struggle to make decisions at the supermarket or find it hard to relax or sleep.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that may include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This can cause more problems in time, and stop the woman from getting the help she needs.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more accepted by males and females in social settings it is possible that women and girls may suppress or hide their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being rejected. For instance, girls with ADHD might display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being criticized because they don't fit in with the norms at school or community.
In the end, these issues can create a vicious cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families, friends, and educators should be aware of these struggles because they could be a sign of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. This disorder is treatable with medication and therapy.
Emotional Troubles
Women who suffer from ADHD typically struggle more than men to manage their emotions. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate due to hormone fluctuations throughout the day, which may increase symptoms such as anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more prone to anxiety and depression. These emotional problems can have serious implications for relationships and career prospects.
Having ADHD can be a struggle for both parents and children, but it's especially difficult for women. Women can feel ashamed of ADHD and may not seek help because of this. They may even attempt to hide their symptoms by implementing strategies for coping, such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse, which can actually cause the problem to get worse. Masking can also make it harder for employers and teachers to recognize ADHD symptoms for women, and it can lead to a delay in diagnosing.
A woman suffering from ADHD might be able to effectively hide her symptoms in her youth and adolescence however it becomes more difficult as an adult. Stress from everyday life and pressures from society to perform well in relationships and work can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women with ADHD feeling like they are a victim of failure, low self-esteem and chronic distress. A diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for certain women. It can help them understand the cause of their difficulties and help them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women with ADHD find it difficult to receive support at school or work. They may feel embarrassed telling 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 small modifications to help individuals who suffer from ADHD succeed in their work.
In addition to finding female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can also benefit by joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups offer the opportunity to share personal stories and discuss the unique difficulties of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring conditions
As girls and women grow older and develop, they may come up with coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to recognize. For instance girls may attempt to dress and act more like her peers in order 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 accomplish her tasks. These and other coping mechanisms can mask the presence of ADHD in a woman and can delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Girls and women with ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD, as well as hinder treatment and recovery.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, as well as coexisting mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which can increase their frustration.
Additionally Full Document in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They tend to forget birthdays or misunderstand minor details, which can lead to conflicts and miscommunication. They also might struggle to keep up with household chores, personal finances and other responsibilities of daily life. These challenges can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can create an unhealthy internal landscape of self-esteem and beliefs.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings can also affect the rate that women and girls are referred for an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a class to read vignettes describing children with ADHD symptoms, and rate how likely they would be to recommend or find services for the child portrayed. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD as with other conditions that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and worsen at various times. For example, symptoms may be more apparent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, or menopause. These changes can cause issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, as well as contribute to feelings of frustration and disappointment.