Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who have ADHD often go undiagnosed as children, because the disorder is different 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 develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like anxiety and depression, are also common in these people.
Attention
Women with inattention ADHD often find it hard to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They may miss appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They struggle to keep their finances in order as well as household chores and record-keeping. It is also common for women with this condition to have problems with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult to remember names or dates. They also have a difficult time being still for long durations of time and have difficulty staying focused or following instructions.
While symptoms of add in adults and hyperactivity are more common in males and females but the inattention ADHD subtype is also seen in girls and women. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that persist for more than six month to be eligible for a diagnosis.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be harder for people to recognize because they don't view 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 for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms may also change over time due to hormonal changes. Women's symptoms can become more severe when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopausal symptoms.
These issues can have a negative impact on a woman’s self-esteem and her satisfaction with life. These issues can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame, as they make it hard to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might also suffer from anxiety and depression. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behavior which increase the chance of having a baby, sexually transmitted infections and other health issues. They may also be afflicted by rejection sensitivity because they have difficulty accepting negative or real reactions from others. This is why they may avoid social situations and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD for girls and women. They may be more likely to procrastinate or misplace items and have difficulty focusing on tasks and easily become overwhelmed in busy environments. They may also have difficulty falling asleep or relaxing, and are more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to issues at home, school and in relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more common in males and females, women and girls may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Healthcare providers and teachers often do not suggest ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as often as they do for males. This can lead both to an incorrect diagnosis as well as delays in treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to hide their struggles can mean that adults who have ADHD have a more significant impact than is normally reported. For instance, they may not report having difficulty focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions when shopping or find it hard to relax or sleep.
This could affect their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies, which may include substance addiction or poor eating habits. This could make the problem worse in time, and stop the woman from getting the help she requires.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable to males and females in social settings it is possible that women and girls may hide or suppress from fear of being disregarded. For example, girls with ADHD might exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being shamed because they don't fit in with the norms of school or community.
In the end, these triggers can result in a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers should be aware of these issues, as they may be signs of an undiagnosed disorder. This condition is treatable with medication and therapy.
Emotional Troubles
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their emotions than males. Moods are more likely to fluctuate due to hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which can exacerbate symptoms such as anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional problems could be detrimental to career and relationships.
ADHD can be a problem for parents and children alike but it can be especially difficult for women. Women may feel shy about ADHD and might not seek help because of this. They may even try to mask their symptoms through strategies to cope, like excessive drinking or substance abuse, which can actually cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers to notice ADHD symptoms for women, and it can lead to delay in diagnosis.
It's easier for a woman who suffers from ADHD to conceal her symptoms during her teens and early adolescence than it is as an adult. Stress from daily life and the pressures of society to be successful in work and relationships can cause more ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of self-doubt, a sense of inadequacy and constant stress. The diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for certain women. It can help them understand the cause of their struggles and allow them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women with ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive support at work or at school. They may be embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the accommodation they need will be perceived as an act of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make small modifications to help individuals with ADHD succeed in their jobs.
Women with ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups provide an opportunity to share stories and discuss the unique difficulties of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring Conditions
As women and girls grow up, they can develop coping strategies that cover their ADHD symptoms and make it harder for others to notice. For example girls may make an effort to dress and behave like her peers to avoid being a target for bullying or social rejection. She may compensate for her impulsive, unorganized 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 mask the presence ADHD in a female and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before they receive an official diagnosis. These other disorders can disguise the presence of ADHD and hinder treatment and recovery.
Girls and females with ADHD also have a higher risk of feeling low about themselves and are more likely to be afflicted by mood disorders that coexist. This is more so than boys or men. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which increases their anger.
Additionally, many women have difficulty in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They tend to forget birthdays or err on minor details, which can lead to conflict and miscommunication. Also, they may have difficulty keeping up with household chores financial obligations, personal finances, and other daily responsibilities. These difficulties can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can lead to an internal chaos of beliefs about their worth.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings can affect the frequency that women and girls are referred to an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes describing children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They also assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek help for the child in the. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services to boys than girls.
As with other illnesses, ADHD can vary in intensity for individuals and can worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms may be more severe during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or menopause. symptoms of adhd in adults can lead to difficulties with social functioning, relationships, and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.