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.
These people are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive drinking and substance abuse that cover up their ADHD symptoms and delays the accurate diagnosis. They are also susceptible to co-existing disorders like depression and anxiety.
Inattention
Women who aren't attentive ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may miss appointments or leave their home unattended. They have trouble keeping their finances in order chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. They are also prone to forget names and dates, and have memory issues. These women also have difficulty staying still for long periods and aren't able to concentrate or follow directions.
While impulse control and hyperactivity are more common in boys and men but the inattention ADHD subtype is also prevalent in women and girls. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80% of all ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must show at least five ongoing inattention-related symptoms that last longer than six months.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms are often difficult for people to identify because they don't view the symptoms as a problem, or have different expectations of how girls should behave. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects a woman can change over different periods of her life due to hormonal changes. Women's symptoms may worsen during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal symptoms.
These symptoms can have an impact on the self-esteem of women and their life satisfaction. These symptoms can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame and make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might also suffer from anxiety and depression. They could also engage in sexual behaviors that increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They may also be afflicted by rejection sensitivity because they have a hard time accepting negative responses from other people. adult female adhd symptoms might avoid social situations or isolate themselves because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They are more likely to procrastinate or lose things and have difficulty focusing on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have difficulty falling asleep or relaxing, and could be more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can cause problems at home, school and in relationships.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are more common in boys and men, women and girls may be omitted from a diagnosis. Teachers and healthcare professionals often do not suggest ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for males. This can lead both to an inaccurate diagnosis and delays in treatment.
In addition, with a tendency to hide their issues This could suggest that people with ADHD experience a greater impact of the condition than generally reported. They might not mention that they have difficulty concentrating at work or feel overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making decisions when they go to the grocery store or have trouble to relax or sleep.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they might develop unhealthy ways to cope. This could include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This can make the problem worse over time and keep the woman from seeking help that could change her life dramatically.
It is also possible that because ADHD-linked behaviors are more popular with males and girls however, they could be repressed or hid by women and girls who are worried about being ostracized. For instance, a girl who suffers from ADHD may exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being shamed for not fitting in with the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
These factors can ultimately create a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. It's important for family members, friends and teachers to recognize these struggles in girls and women, because they could be an indication of a disorder that is not recognized and requires treatment through therapy and medication management.
Emotional Problems
Women suffering from ADHD have a harder time managing their emotions than men. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate due to hormonal changes throughout the day, which may cause symptoms like anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional problems could have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
Having ADHD can be a slog for both parents and children however, it is particularly challenging for women. Women often feel shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD which can prevent them from seeking help. They may even attempt to hide their symptoms by developing strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse, which can actually cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers, as well as women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It may also delay diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD might be able to successfully hide her symptoms during her adolescence and youth however, it can be more difficult when she's an adult. The pressures of life, coupled with expectations from society to excel at work and in relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of self-doubt, a sense of inadequacy and chronic distress. For some, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD can be a lightbulb moment that helps them to understand the root of their challenges and giving them the chance to accept their own uniqueness.
Many women with ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive support at work or at school. They may feel embarrassed about confiding in a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the accommodation they need could be considered a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, the majority of instructors and supervisors are willing to make small adjustments to enable people with ADHD to succeed in their job.
Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups offer a opportunities to share experiences and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
Co-occurring conditions
As women and girls become teenagers, they develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to detect. A girl may dress and behave like her peers in order to avoid being bullied or rejected by peers. Or, she may try to redress her impulsive and chaotic behavior by working harder at work or school or relying on productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other coping mechanisms can disguise the presence of ADHD in a woman and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Most often, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety, before they receive a diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions may obscure the symptoms and presence of ADHD. They may cause complications in treatment.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They may be misunderstood or dismissed as being impulsive or overly emotional, which can increase their frustration.
Additionally there are women who have issues in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to overlook birthdays and miss small details. This can cause miscommunication and conflict. Additionally, they might struggle to manage household chores, personal finances and daily obligations. These challenges can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can create an unhealthy internal landscape of their beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias also influences the rate of women and girls who are recommended for an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes describing children with ADHD symptoms. They also assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek out services for the child depicted. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
ADHD like other disorders, can vary in severity and worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms may be more severe during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can lead to difficulties with relationships, social functioning, and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.