Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD are often not diagnosed 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 individuals are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse that mask ADHD symptoms and hinders the diagnosis. They are also susceptible to coexisting conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD often have difficulty to keep up with their schoolwork, job and daily routines. They may miss appointments or leave their home unattended. They struggle to keep the track of their finances as well as household chores and record-keeping. These women are also more likely to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory issues. They also have a difficult time being still for long durations of time and have difficulty staying focused or following directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more often found in males and females but the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in women and girls. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. To be eligible for a diagnosis, you must show at least five inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD can be harder to identify than other types of ADHD because a lot of people don't think about them as part of a disorder or have different expectations about how a girl should behave. Because of this, teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD evaluations for girls than for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms may also change as time passes due to hormonal changes. For instance, a woman's symptoms may get worse during the menstrual cycle, when she is pregnant or when she enters menopausal.
These symptoms can have a major impact on a woman's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. These symptoms can lead to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem and can make it difficult to manage relationships, work or home chores. Women with untreated ADHD might also suffer from anxiety and depression. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors which increase the likelihood of having children, sexually transmitted infections and other health problems. They might also struggle with sensitization to rejection because they have difficulty accepting negative responses from others. They may avoid social interactions or even isolate themselves due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first symptoms of ADHD for girls and women. They are more likely to delay or misplace items, have trouble concentrating on tasks and easily become overwhelmed in busy environments. They may also have difficulty falling asleep or relaxing, and could be more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to difficulties at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent for both genders, women and girls may be overlooked for a diagnosis. Teachers and healthcare providers don't recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do for male students. This can lead both to an incorrect diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
This, along with the tendency to conceal their struggles can result in adults with ADHD suffer more than is typically reported. For instance, they may not report having difficulty focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making decisions at the supermarket or find it hard to relax or sleep.
This could affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that could include substance addiction or eating habits that are unhealthy. This can make it worse over time, and prevent the woman from getting the help she needs.
It is also possible because ADHD-linked behaviors are more acceptable in the social context of males and females and women, they are repressed or hidden by girls and women who are concerned about being rejected. For instance, a girl with ADHD might display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being judged for not conforming to the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
These factors can ultimately create a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers should be aware of these issues, as they may 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 are more difficult in managing their emotions than men. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more prone to depression and anxiety. These emotional issues can have serious implications for relationships and career opportunities.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a challenge for parents and children alike, but it's especially difficult for women. Women are often shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD which can prevent them from seeking assistance. They may even try to mask their symptoms by implementing strategies for coping, such as drinking excessively or drug use, which can cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it harder for employers and teachers to recognize ADHD symptoms for women, and it could lead to delays in diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD might be able to manage to hide her symptoms throughout her adolescence and youth however it becomes more difficult as an adult. The stress of everyday life, along with the societal expectations to excel at work and in relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of being insecure, self-esteem issues and a constant sense of anxiety. A diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for some women. It can help them understand the cause of their struggles and allow them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women with ADHD find it difficult to receive help at school or work. They might be uncomfortable in telling an instructor or supervisor and worry that their accommodation is seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, most instructors and supervisors are willing to make small accommodations to allow people with ADHD to perform their job.
In addition to finding people who can be supportive, women suffering from ADHD can also benefit by joining online support groups for adults with ADHD. These groups give members the an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women mature, they may develop strategies to deal with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to spot. A girl might dress and act like her peers to avoid being bullied or rejected by other people. She could also compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by putting more effort into work or school or relying on productivity apps to get her tasks done. These and other coping strategies could disguise the presence of ADHD in females and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
adhd symptom adult , girls and women who have ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, prior to the time they are given a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD and complicate treatment and recovery.
Girls and females with ADHD also have a higher risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be affected by coexisting mood disorders than men or boys. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as emotionally unstable or temperamental, which adds to their sense of frustration.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to miss birthdays or misunderstand minor details which can cause conflict and confusion. They may also have difficulty keeping up with household chores, personal finances and daily obligations. These issues can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can lead to an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their capabilities and worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias also affects the rate of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes that described children with ADHD symptoms. They also evaluated their likelihood to recommend or seek help for the child in the. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD like other disorders, can vary in severity and worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms might be more prominent during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, and also contribute to feelings of frustration and disappointment.