Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often go undiagnosed as children due to the fact that the disorder manifests differently in girls than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking excessively and using substances that mask ADHD symptoms and hinders the diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as anxiety and depression are also common among these people.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They may miss appointments or leave their home unattended. They struggle to keep their finances in order, household chores and record-keeping. They are also more likely to forget names and dates, and also suffer from memory issues. They also have trouble staying still for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused or following directions.
While impulse control and hyperactivity are more prevalent in males and females but the inattention ADHD subtype is also common in women and girls. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must have at least five ongoing inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to recognize than the other kinds of ADHD because a lot of people don't consider them as a part of a disorder or have different expectations about what a girl should be doing. This is why parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than they are for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can change in time due to hormonal changes. Women's symptoms can become more severe during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms.
These signs can have a significant impact on women's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. They can trigger feelings of shame and low self-worth because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and domestic tasks. Women with untreated ADHD may also be suffering from anxiety and depression. They could also engage in sexual behavior which increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also struggle with sensitization to rejection because they have difficulty accepting negative responses from others. They may avoid social interactions or isolate themselves as a result.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. They might be more procrastinative than usual, lose items or have difficulty concentrating. They may also become overwhelmed by busy environments. They may also have trouble falling asleep or relaxing, and may be more susceptible to mood swings or anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause problems at school, at home and in their relationships.
Since symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent for both genders however, girls and women may be overlooked for a diagnosis. Teachers and healthcare providers don't suggest ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do for male ones. This can result in an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
Along with the tendency to hide their struggles It could result in adults suffering from ADHD experience a greater impact of the condition than typically reported. For instance, they might not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making decisions at the supermarket or have trouble finding the time to relax or sleep.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they might develop unhealthy ways to cope. This may include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This can make it worse in time, and stop the woman from getting the help she requires.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more popular with boys and men socially, it is possible that girls and women might hide or suppress from fear of being disregarded. For example, a girl with ADHD might show hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the standards of her community or school.
These issues can lead to a cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. It is crucial for family members, friends and educators to recognize these struggles in women and girls because they could be a sign of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and requires treatment through therapy and medication management.
Emotional Difficulties
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their emotions than males. Moods are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal changes throughout the day, which can cause symptoms like anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women with ADHD are also more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These emotional issues can have serious implications for relationships and job prospects.
Being diagnosed with symptoms of adult adhd can be a slog for parents as well as children, but it's especially difficult for women. Women are often embarrassed or ashamed about their ADHD, and this can hinder them from seeking assistance. Some women may try to cover up their symptoms by using coping strategies like excessive alcohol or drug abuse however this could cause more harm. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers, as well as women themselves, to recognize ADHD symptoms. It may delay the diagnosis.
It is easier for women who suffers from ADHD to conceal the signs of ADHD in her teens and early adolescence than as an adult. Stress from everyday life and the pressures of society to excel in both relationships and work can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These struggles can lead to women suffering from ADHD feeling like failures and low self-esteem. They can also cause constant stress. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a transformative 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 find it difficult to get support at work or at school. They may feel shy to speak to their supervisor or professor about their condition and fear that their accommodations will be seen as a sign of incompetence or weakness. Most teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor modifications to help individuals who suffer from ADHD succeed in their jobs.
In addition to having supportive peers, women with ADHD can benefit by joining online support groups for adults with ADHD. These groups provide an opportunity to share stories and discuss the particular difficulties of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring conditions
As girls and women grow older and develop, they may come up with strategies to cope that mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to spot. For example girls may attempt to dress and act like her peers to avoid being a target for bullying or social rejection. Or, she may take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by putting more effort into work or school or using productivity apps to get her tasks accomplished. These and other strategies for coping can disguise the existence of ADHD in females and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD, as well as complicate treatment and recovery.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by coexisting mood disorders than men or boys. They may be misunderstood and dismissed as emotionally unstable or temperamental, which contributes to their feelings of frustration.
In addition, many women have difficulty in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to miss birthdays or err on minor details, which can lead to conflicts and miscommunication. Additionally, they might have difficulty keeping up with household chores as well as personal finances and daily responsibilities. These difficulties can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel a dysfunctional internal landscape of beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias also affects the rate of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a classroom to read vignettes about children who had ADHD symptoms, and then rate how likely they would be to recommend or seek services for the child portrayed. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services for boys than for girls.
Like other illnesses, ADHD can vary in severity for each patient and can worsen at different periods. For instance, symptoms might be more pronounced during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can lead to issues with social functioning, relationships, and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.