What The Heck Is Female ADHD Symptoms?
Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed as children, because the disorder manifests 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 more likely to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as drinking excessively and using substances that cover up their ADHD symptoms and hinders the accurate diagnosis. They are also susceptible to coexisting conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Attention
Women with inattentive ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They might forget appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They struggle to keep their finances in order chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. These women are also prone to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory issues. They also have difficulty being still for long periods and are unable to focus or follow instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more common for males and boys however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also seen for women and girls. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that persist for a period of more than six months to qualify for a diagnoses.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD can be harder to identify than other forms of ADHD because many people don't see them as being an issue or have different expectations for what a girl's behavior should be. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
In addition, the manner that ADHD affects women is different at different times of her life because of hormone changes. Women's symptoms may worsen when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopausal symptoms.
These symptoms can have a significant effect on women's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. They can cause feelings of guilt and self-worth devaluation because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women with untreated ADHD are also susceptible to depression and anxiety. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual activities that increase the likelihood of having children sexually transmitted infections, as well as other health issues. They may also have difficulty accepting rejection from others, whether it's real or not. They may avoid social situations or even isolate themselves due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first indications of ADHD for women and girls. They may be more likely to be procrastinators or lose things, have trouble concentrating on tasks and easily become overwhelmed in busy environments. They may also have a hard time getting comfortable or falling asleep and may be more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Since symptoms of ADHD are more common in males and females however, girls and women may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Healthcare professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do for male students. This could result in an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
Combined with a tendency to hide their struggles This could suggest that people with ADHD suffer more of the condition than typically reported. They may not be able to admit that they struggle to concentrate at work or are overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making decisions when they go to the grocery shop or struggle to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they could develop unhealthy ways to cope. This may include substance abuse and unhealthy eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time and keep the woman from seeking help that could change her life in a significant way.
It is also possible that because ADHD-linked behaviors are more socially acceptable for boys and men, they may be suppressed or hidden by women and girls who are worried about being judged. For example, a girl who suffers from ADHD may exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized for not fitting in with the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
These issues can lead to a cycle of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends and educators to recognize these struggles in women and girls as they can be an indication of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and needs to be addressed with medication management and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women with ADHD typically find it more difficult than men to manage their emotions. Moods are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which can increase symptoms such as anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional issues could have serious implications for career and relationships.
ADHD can be a problem for children and parents alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can feel ashamed of ADHD and might not seek help due to this. Some women may try to mask symptoms with methods of coping such as excessive drinking or substance abuse, but this can cause more harm. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers, as well as women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It can also delay the diagnosis.
It's easier for a woman who suffers from ADHD to conceal her symptoms in her adolescence and youth than it is as an adult. adults adhd symptoms from daily life and the pressures of society to be successful in both relationships and work can intensify ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of failure, low self-esteem and constant stress. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a life-changing moment for some women. It can help them understand the root of their issues and allow them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to get support at work or at school. They may be embarrassed to tell a supervisor or professor and fear that their accommodations could be interpreted as a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, most instructors and supervisors will make small adjustments to help people with ADHD to excel in their jobs.
In addition to locating people who can be supportive, women suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining online support groups for adults with ADHD. These groups provide a opportunities to share experiences and discuss women's ADHD issues.
Co-occurring conditions
As girls and women grow older they can develop strategies to cope that mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to spot. For instance the girl may make an effort to dress and act like her peers in order to avoid the attention of bullies or social rejection. She may compensate for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by working more at school or at work, or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other coping mechanisms can disguise the presence of ADHD in a woman and can delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
A lot of the time, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, prior to the time they are given a diagnosis of the disorder. These other disorders can disguise 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 other mood disorders. They are often misunderstood or dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which further increases their feelings of discontent.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to overlook birthdays and miss small details. This can cause miscommunication and conflict. They also may be struggling to manage housework, personal finances and other daily responsibilities. These difficulties can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can lead to a dysfunctional internal landscape of self-esteem and beliefs.
In clinical settings, gender bias can also affect the rate at which girls and women are referred to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes about children with ADHD symptoms. They also rated how likely they were to recommend or seek help for the child depicted. They found that participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
ADHD like other disorders, can vary in severity and deteriorate at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more prominent during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy or menopausal phase. These changes can lead to problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.