Female ADHD Symptoms: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls since 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 ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, that mask their ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as depression and anxiety are also common among these people.
Attention!
Women with inattention ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They might miss appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They have a difficult time organizing their personal financial records, household chores. It's also normal for women with this condition to have problems with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult to remember dates or names. These women also have difficulty being still for long periods and are unable to concentrate or follow instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more prevalent for males and boys however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent in women and girls. Around 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that persist for more than six month to be able to receive a diagnosis.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be difficult to spot because they don't perceive them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how a girl should act. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can also change in time due to hormonal changes. For example the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may get worse during the menstrual cycle, if she is pregnant or when she enters menopausal.
These issues can have an impact on the self-esteem of women and their satisfaction with life. These symptoms can lead to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem and make it difficult to manage relationships, work or home chores. Women who are not treated for ADHD can also suffer from anxiety and depression. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors that can increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health issues. They may also have difficulty accepting rejection from others, whether it is real or perceived. They might avoid social situations or even isolate themselves because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD in girls and women. They are more likely to delay or misplace things or have difficulty concentrating on tasks and easily become 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 signs can cause problems at school, home and in relationships.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men women and girls can be omitted from a diagnosis. Health professionals and teachers don't suggest ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male students. This can result in an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, along with the tendency to conceal their struggles can mean that adults who have ADHD have a more significant impact than is usually reported. For instance, they might not have trouble focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions at the grocery store or have trouble to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies that may include substance addiction or poor eating habits. This can cause more problems over time, and may prevent the woman from getting the help she requires.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more popular with males and females in social settings, it is possible that women and girls may hide or suppress their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being judged. 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 causes can create an environment of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families, friends, and educators must be aware of the struggles and be aware that they could be signs of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. The disorder can be treated by medication and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women with ADHD tend to find it more difficult than men to control their emotions. Moods are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormone fluctuations throughout the day, which can increase symptoms such as anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional issues could have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
Having ADHD can be a challenge for both parents and children however, it is particularly challenging for women. Women can be ashamed of ADHD and might not seek help due to this. Women may attempt to cover up their symptoms by using strategies to cope, such as excessive drinking or drug use however this could make the situation worse. Masking can make it harder for teachers and employers to detect ADHD symptoms for women, and it can contribute to a delay in diagnosing.
It's easier for a woman who suffers from ADHD to hide her symptoms in her teens and early adolescence than as an adult. The pressures of daily life, along with the social pressures to be successful at work and in relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These struggles can lead to women with ADHD feeling like they are failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause chronic distress. For some, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD can be like a lightbulb moment that helps people to recognize the root of their challenges and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty finding support at school or at work. They may feel shy to speak to a supervisor or professor and fear that their accommodations could be interpreted as a sign of incompetence or weakness. However, most instructors and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to help those with ADHD to excel in their jobs.
Women with ADHD who are looking for supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups can provide the opportunity to share personal stories and discuss the particular challenges of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring conditions
As girls and women become teenagers, they develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to see. For example girls may make an effort to dress and act like her peers in order to avoid attention from bullying or social rejection. She might try to make up 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 could conceal the presence of ADHD in a woman and can delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Women and girls with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions could conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They may also make treatment more difficult.
Girls and females with ADHD also have a higher chance of having low self-esteem and are more likely to be affected by co-existing mood disorders than males or boys. add symptoms in adults can be misunderstood and dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which can increase their angst.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely to miss birthdays or err on minor details which can cause conflicts and confusion. Also, they may have difficulty keeping up with household chores financial obligations, personal finances, and other daily obligations. These difficulties can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an internal chaos of self-esteem and beliefs.
Gender bias in clinical settings can also affect the rate of women and girls who are recommended to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a classroom to read vignettes describing children who had ADHD symptoms, and rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or find services for the child they described. They found that participants were more likely to recommend services to boys than girls.
ADHD, like other conditions is a condition that can be severe and worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms could be more prominent during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can cause issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and also cause feelings of frustration and disappointment.