Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls because it manifests differently than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also tend to develop unhealthy strategies for coping, like excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like anxiety and depression, are also common in these individuals.
Inattention
Women with inattentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They may skip appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They have trouble keeping track of their finances as well as household chores and record-keeping. It's also normal for these women to have issues with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult to remember names or dates. They also have trouble being still for long durations of time and have trouble staying focused or following instructions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more often associated with males and boys, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is just as common for women and girls. As high as 80% of ADHD sufferers are categorized as inattentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must show at least five continuous inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
Inattention ADHD symptoms are often difficult for people to recognize because they don't perceive them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how girls should act. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
In addition, the manner that ADHD affects women's lives is different at different times of her life because of hormonal changes. For instance the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may get worse during the menstrual cycle, when she's pregnant or as she enters menopausal.
These symptoms can have a significant impact on a woman's self-esteem and life satisfaction. They can lead to feelings of shame and low self-worth because they make it hard to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are also susceptible to anxiety and depression. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual activities that can increase the chance of having a baby and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health problems. They may also experience rejection sensitivity because they have difficulty accepting negative reactions from others. As a result, they may avoid social settings and avoid social situations.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first signs of ADHD for girls and women. They are more likely to be procrastinators or misplace things, have trouble concentrating on their tasks, and are easily overwhelmed in a busy environment. They may also have difficulty falling asleep or relaxing, and could be more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems in school, at home and in their relationships.
Women and girls are often not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent for both genders. Teachers and healthcare providers don't suggest ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do male students. This can lead to an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, combined with the tendency to hide their problems, could mean that adults who have ADHD suffer more than is normally reported. They may not even mention that they are having trouble concentrating at work or are overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making choices at the grocery store or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that could include substance addiction or poor eating habits. This could make the problem worse over time, and prevent the woman from receiving the assistance she requires.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more popular with males and boys It is possible that girls and women may suppress or hide them out of fear of being judged. For instance, girls who have ADHD might exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized for not fitting in with the norms at school or community.
In the end, these issues can result in a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families, friends, and educators should be aware of the struggles because they could be indicators of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. This disorder can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Troubles
Women with ADHD tend to struggle more than men to control their emotions. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can cause symptoms like irritability and feeling of being inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional issues could have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
Having ADHD can be a struggle for parents and children alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can feel ashamed of ADHD and might not seek help because of this. They may also try to mask their symptoms through coping strategies such as drinking excessively or drug use, which can make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers, as well as women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It can delay the diagnosis.
It's easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal the signs of ADHD in her youth and adolescence than as an adult. Stress from everyday life and pressures from society to excel in both relationships and work can cause more ADHD symptoms. These challenges can result in women with ADHD feeling like failures as well as low self-esteem and chronic distress. For some, a diagnosis of ADHD could be a lightbulb moment, helping them understand the root of their difficulties and helping them accept themselves more fully.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to receive help at work or at school. They may be embarrassed to tell a supervisor or professor and worry that their choice is seen as an indication of incompetence or weakness. However, the majority of instructors and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to enable those with ADHD to excel in their job.
Women with ADHD who are looking for friends who can support them can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups offer an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the unique issues of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring Conditions
As women and girls get older, they may develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to notice. For instance the girl may attempt to dress and act more like her peers to ward off being a target for bullying or social rejection. She could try to compensate for her impulsive, disorganized behavior by putting more effort into school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other strategies for coping can disguise the existence of ADHD in females and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
A lot of the time, girls and women who have ADHD are often diagnosed with other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, before they receive an official diagnosis of the disorder. These other disorders can disguise the presence of ADHD, as well as make it difficult to treat and recover.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They may be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which can increase their frustration.
Additionally there are women who have issues in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They tend to forget birthdays or miss important details, which can lead to conflict and miscommunication. Additionally, they might struggle to manage household chores financial obligations, personal finances, and other daily obligations. adhd signs in adults can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can create an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their worth and capability.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings also influences the rate at which girls and women are referred to 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 to rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or seek out services for the child portrayed. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD, like other conditions is a condition that can be severe and deteriorate at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more apparent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or menopause. These changes can lead to problems with social functioning, relationships, and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.