Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who have 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.
They also tend to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking excessively and using substances that cover up their ADHD symptoms and hinders an accurate diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as depression and anxiety, are also common in these individuals.
Attention
Women who aren't attentive ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They might miss appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They have trouble keeping track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. They are also more likely to forget names and dates, and have memory problems. These women also have difficulty staying still for long durations and aren't able to concentrate or follow directions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more common in boys and men however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also common in women and girls. Up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are categorized as inattentive. To be eligible for a diagnosis, you must show at least five continuous inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can be difficult to spot because they don't see them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how girls should behave. Because of this, parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD evaluations for girls than they are for boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms may also change over time due to hormonal fluctuations. For example women's symptoms could become more severe during her menstrual cycle, when she's pregnant or as she enters menopause.
These signs can have a profound impact on a woman's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. These symptoms can lead to feelings of shame and low-self-worth and make it hard to manage relationships, work and household chores. Women who are not treated for ADHD may also experience depression and anxiety. They may also engage in sexual activities which can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, whether it's real or not. They might avoid social situations or even isolate themselves because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD for both genders. They might be more procrastinative and lose things, 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 may be more susceptible to mood fluctuations and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at school, home and in relationships.
Women and girls are often overlooked for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent between males and females. Teachers and healthcare providers don't recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do for male ones. This can result in an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
This, combined with the tendency to hide their problems, could result in adults with ADHD experience a greater impact than is typically reported. They may not be able to admit that they have difficulty concentrating at work or are overwhelmed by household tasks. They might have trouble making decisions at the supermarket or find it difficult to relax or sleep.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they might develop unhealthy ways to cope. This could include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This could make the problem worse over time, and prevent the woman from getting the help she needs.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable to males and females in social settings, it is possible that women and girls may suppress or hide from fear of being rejected. For instance, a child who suffers from ADHD may exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior in order to avoid being shamed for not fitting in with the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
These factors can ultimately create an environment of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators must be aware of these struggles, as they may be a sign of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. The disorder is treatable with medication and therapy.
Emotional Problems
Women with ADHD have a harder time controlling their emotions than males. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms like irritability and feeling of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of anxiety and depression. These emotional issues can have serious implications for relationships and career opportunities.
ADHD can be a problem for parents and children alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women may feel embarrassed about ADHD and may not seek help due to this. Some women may try to cover up their symptoms by using coping strategies like excessive drinking or substance abuse which can make the situation worse. Masking can also make it harder for teachers and employers to notice ADHD symptoms for women, and can contribute to delay in diagnosis.
It's much easier for a woman with ADHD to hide her symptoms in her adolescence and youth than it is as an adult. Get Source from daily life and societal pressures to perform well in relationships and work can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These challenges can result in women with ADHD feeling like they're failing as well as low self-esteem and chronic distress. For some, getting an diagnosis of ADHD can be like a lightbulb moment, helping them to understand the root cause of their difficulties and helping them accept themselves more fully.
Many women with ADHD are unable to find support at school or at work. They may be embarrassed to tell a supervisor or professor and worry that their choice is seen as an indication of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make minor adjustments to help those who suffer from ADHD succeed in their work.
In addition to locating supportive peers, women with ADHD can benefit by joining online support groups for adults with ADHD. These groups provide an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the particular issues of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring conditions
As women and girls mature and develop, they may come up with coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to spot. A girl might dress and behave like her peers to avoid being bullied or criticized by others. Or, she may compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by working harder at work or school or using productivity apps to get her tasks done. These and other strategies for coping can disguise the existence of ADHD in females and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Girls and women with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions can mask the presence and symptoms of ADHD. They may cause complications in treatment.
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 impulsive or overly emotional, which adds to their angst.
Additionally many women experience difficulties in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to overlook birthdays and make mistakes with minor details. This could lead to confusion and conflict. Also, they may be struggling to keep up with household chores as well as personal finances and daily obligations. These difficulties can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can create a dysfunctional internal landscape of their beliefs about their worth.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings can affect the frequency that women and girls are referred to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in the classroom to read vignettes that described children who had ADHD symptoms, and then rate how likely they would be to recommend or find services for the child described. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services for boys than for girls.
As with other types of conditions, ADHD can vary in severity for individual patients and may be worsened at different periods. For instance, symptoms can be more evident during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy, or menopausal phase. These changes can cause issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and also result in feelings of anger and failure.