Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often go undiagnosed as children because the disorder is different in girls than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These individuals also tend to develop unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and drug abuse that mask ADHD symptoms and hinders an accurate diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as anxiety and depression, are also common in these individuals.
Attention
Women with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may forget appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They are unable to keep the track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping. These women are also prone to forget names and dates, and have memory problems. They also have difficulty staying still for long periods and are unable to focus or follow directions.
While impulse control and hyperactivity are more prevalent for males and boys, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent in girls and women. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. You must show five inattentive symptoms that persist for longer than six months to be able to receive a diagnosis.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can be difficult for people to identify because they don't perceive the symptoms as a problem, or have different expectations of how girls should behave. This is why parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD evaluations for girls than they are for boys.
Additionally, symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder that ADHD affects women's lives is different at different times of her life because of hormone changes. For example, a woman's symptoms may get worse during the menstrual cycle, if she is pregnant or when she enters menopause.
symptoms of add in adults can have an impact on women's self-esteem as well as their life satisfaction. They can cause feelings of shame and low self-worth due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and domestic tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also suffer from anxiety and depression. They may also engage in sexual behaviors which can increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or perceived. They may avoid social interactions or even isolate themselves because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases the two are the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They may be more likely to be procrastinators or misplace things or have difficulty concentrating on their tasks, and are easily overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have trouble falling asleep or relaxing, and are more prone to mood swings or anxiety. These signs can cause issues at home, school and in relationships.
Girls and women are frequently overlooked for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent for both genders. Teachers and health professionals typically don't suggest ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male ones. This can result in an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to conceal their issues, can mean that adults who have ADHD suffer more than is usually reported. They may not be able to admit that they have difficulty concentrating at work or are overwhelmed by household tasks. They might struggle to make decisions when shopping or have trouble finding the time to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies that could include substance addiction or eating habits that are unhealthy. This can make the problem worse over time and prevent the woman from seeking assistance that could improve her life dramatically.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more popular with boys and men socially It is possible that girls and women might hide or suppress from fear of being rejected. For instance, girls with ADHD might exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized because they aren't in line with the norms at school or in the community.
These factors can ultimately create an environment of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers should be aware of these issues because they could be signs of an undiagnosed disorder. This condition can be treated with medication and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women with ADHD often find it more difficult than men to control their emotions. The mood of women with ADHD is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can cause symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of inadequate. Women with ADHD also are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional problems can have serious consequences for relationships and job prospects.
Having ADHD can be a slog for both parents and children however, it is particularly challenging for women. Women are often shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD which can hinder them from seeking help. Some women may try to cover up their symptoms by using strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or drug abuse however this could make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers and women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It may also delay the diagnosis.
It's easier for a woman who suffers from ADHD to conceal the signs of ADHD in her youth and adolescence than it is as an adult. The pressures of life, coupled with expectations from society to excel at work and in relationships, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling like they are a victim of self-doubt, a sense of inadequacy and constant stress. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a transformative moment for certain women. It can aid them in understanding the root of their issues and allow them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty finding support at work or school. They may feel embarrassed about telling a supervisor or professor, and they may worry that the accommodation they need is seen as an indication of weakness or incompetence. However, most instructors and supervisors are willing to make small adjustments to help people with ADHD to perform their job.
Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups give members the chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
Co-occurring conditions
As women and girls become teenagers, they develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to detect. Girls may dress and behave like her peers to avoid being criticized or bullied by peers. She could also take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by working harder at school or work or using productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other coping mechanisms could conceal the presence of ADHD in a woman and can delay her diagnosis as an adult.
A lot of the time, girls and women who have ADHD are often diagnosed with other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, prior to the time they receive a diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions may conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They can cause complications in treatment.
Girls and females with ADHD are also at a higher chance of having low self-esteem and are more likely to be affected by co-existing mood disorders than men or boys. They may be misunderstood and dismissed as emotionally unstable or temperamental, which further contributes to their feelings of discontent.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to forget birthdays or misunderstand minor details which can cause conflict and confusion. They also may be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances and other obligations of the day. These challenges can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can lead to an unhealthy internal landscape of self-esteem and beliefs.
In clinical settings, gender bias influences the frequency of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a classroom to read vignettes about children suffering from ADHD symptoms and to rate how likely they were to recommend or seek out services for the child portrayed. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than for girls.
As with other conditions, ADHD can vary in severity for individual patients and may be worsened at different times. For instance, symptoms might be more pronounced during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can lead to issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and cause feelings of frustration and failure.