Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often are not recognized 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.
They also tend to develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression.
Attention!
Women who aren't attentive ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They might miss appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They struggle to manage their personal finances, record-keeping, and household chores. These women are also more likely to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory issues. They also have difficulty staying still for long periods and are unable to focus or follow instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more prevalent in males and females however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent in girls and women. In fact, it is estimated that up to 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.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be difficult for people to recognize because they don't see them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how girls should act. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects a woman can vary during different times of her life due to hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms may worsen during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms.
These signs can affect women's self-esteem as well as their satisfaction with her life. These symptoms can lead to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem and can make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home chores. Women who are not treated for ADHD may also be suffering from depression and anxiety. They can also engage in sexual behaviors which can increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, whether it is real or perceived. This is why they may avoid social settings and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases the two are the first symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. They may procrastinate more, misplace things or have difficulty concentrating. They may also be overwhelmed by the busy environment. They may also have trouble sleeping or relaxing, and may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxieties. Symptoms like these can cause problems at school, at home and in their relationships.
Women and girls are often not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent for both genders. Health professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do for male students. This can lead to an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
Combined with a tendency to conceal their problems, this can result in adults suffering from ADHD experience a greater impact from the condition than is usually reported. For instance, they might not have trouble focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making choices at the grocery store or have trouble finding the time to relax or sleep.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies that may include alcohol abuse or eating habits that are unhealthy. This could make the problem worse in time, and stop the woman from receiving the assistance she needs.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more popular with boys and men socially, it is possible that girls and women might hide or suppress them out of fear of being disregarded. For instance, a child who suffers from ADHD might display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being criticized for not fitting in with the norms of her community or school.
In the end, these triggers can lead to a cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. It's important for family members, friends and teachers to recognize these struggles for women and girls, as they can be an indication of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and needs to be addressed with medication management and therapy.
Emotional Troubles
Women with ADHD often find it more difficult than men to control their emotions. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms like irritability or a feeling of inadequacy. Women with ADHD are also more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These emotional difficulties may have serious implications for career and relationships.
ADHD can be a problem for parents and children alike, but it is especially difficult for women. Women may feel shy about ADHD and may not seek help because of this. Women may attempt to cover up their symptoms by using methods of coping such as excessive drinking or drug use however this could make the situation more difficult. Masking can also make it difficult for teachers and employers to notice ADHD symptoms for women, and it can lead to a delay in diagnosing.
A woman with ADHD might be able to successfully hide her symptoms during her youth and adolescence however, it can be more difficult as an adult. The pressures of life, coupled with social pressures to be successful at work and in relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of failure, low self-esteem and a constant sense of anxiety. The diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for certain women. It can help them understand the cause of their issues and allow them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to get support at work or at school. They might be embarrassed to tell an instructor or supervisor and worry that their choice is seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, most instructors and supervisors are willing to make small accommodations to allow those with ADHD to perform their roles.
Women with ADHD who are looking for friends who can support them can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups offer a chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.
Co-occurring Conditions
As women and girls become teenagers, they develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms and make it harder for others to notice. For example girls may try to dress and behave like her peers to avoid being a target for bullying or social rejection. She may compensate for her impulsive, disorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other coping strategies can mask the presence ADHD in females and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
A lot of the time, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, before they are given a diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD and make it difficult to treat and recover.
Girls and women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, as well as coexisting mood disorders. They may be misunderstood and dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which increases their feelings of anger.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely than men to miss birthdays and make mistakes with small details. This can cause miscommunication and conflict. They may also struggle to keep up with household chores, personal finances and other responsibilities of daily life. These challenges can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their capabilities and worth.
Gender bias in clinical settings can also affect the rate of women and girls who are referred to an ADHD evaluation. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in the classroom to read vignettes about children suffering from ADHD symptoms, and rate how likely they would be to recommend or seek services for the child they described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
As with other types of disorders, ADHD can vary in severity for individual patients and can worsen at different periods. For what is it worth , symptoms might be more severe during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can cause problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.