Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD are often not diagnosed as children because the disorder appears differently 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 coping strategies, such as excessive alcohol and substance abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to co-existing disorders like depression and anxiety.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They have a difficult time organizing their personal finances, record-keeping and household chores. It is also common for women to experience problems with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult to remember names or dates. These women also have difficulty staying still for long periods and are unable to focus or follow instructions.
While the impulse control and hyperactivity are more common for males and boys but the inattention ADHD subtype is also prevalent in women and girls. In fact, it's estimated that up to 80% of all ADHD sufferers are not attentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must show at least five continuous inattention-related symptoms that last longer than six months.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD are often harder to recognize than the other forms of ADHD because a lot of people don't see them as being an issue or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. Parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects a woman can vary during different times of her life due to hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms can worsen during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal changes.
These issues can affect a woman’s self-esteem and her life satisfaction. These symptoms can cause feelings of self-doubt and shame, as they make it hard to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD may also be suffering from anxiety and depression. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behavior that increase the likelihood of having children and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health issues. They may also be afflicted by sensitization to rejection because they have difficulty accepting real or perceived negative responses from others. In the end, they may avoid social settings and avoid social situations.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first indications of ADHD for both genders. symptoms of adhd in adults may be more likely to be procrastinators or misplace things, have trouble concentrating on their tasks, and are easily overwhelmed in a busy environment. They may also have difficulties sleeping or relaxing, and are more prone to mood swings or anxiety. These symptoms can cause problems at school, home and in relationships.
Women and girls are often not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent among boys and men. Teachers and health professionals typically don't suggest ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as often as they do for male ones. This could result in an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, along with the tendency to conceal their problems, could mean that adults who have ADHD suffer more than is usually reported. For instance, they might not have trouble focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making decisions when they go to the grocery store or find it difficult to relax or sleep.
This can have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they might develop unhealthy ways to cope. This may include substance abuse and poor eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time and prevent the woman from getting help that could improve her life significantly.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more popular with males and females in social settings, it is possible that girls and women may hide or suppress them out of fear of being judged. For example, girls with ADHD might exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behaviors to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the norms of their school or in the community.
In the end, these issues can create a vicious cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families, friends, and educators should be aware of these struggles, as they may be a sign of an undiagnosed disorder. This disorder is treatable through therapy and medication.
Emotional Problems
Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their emotions than males. 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 with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional difficulties may have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
ADHD can be a major challenge for parents and children alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can feel shy about ADHD and might not seek help due to this. They may attempt to hide their symptoms by implementing coping strategies such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse, which could cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers as well as women themselves, to recognize ADHD symptoms. It may also delay the diagnosis.
It is easier for women with ADHD to conceal her symptoms in her adolescence and youth than it is as an adult. The stress of everyday life, coupled with expectations from society to excel in work and relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they're failing 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 difficulties and help them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women with ADHD find it difficult to receive help at school or work. They may feel embarrassed about telling a professor or supervisor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the accommodation they need will be perceived as an act of weakness or incompetence. However, the majority of instructors and supervisors are willing to make minor accommodations to allow those with ADHD to succeed in their jobs.
Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups can provide the opportunity to share personal stories and discuss the unique issues of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women mature, they may develop coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to spot. A girl might dress and act like her peers in order to avoid being bullied or rejected by other people. In addition, she might compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by putting in more effort at school or work or using productivity apps to get her tasks done. These and other strategies for coping can disguise the existence of ADHD in females and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
Most often, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, prior to the time they receive a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions may obscure the symptoms and presence of ADHD. They can cause complications in treatment.
Females and girls who have ADHD also have a greater chance of having low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by co-existing mood disorders than men or boys. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which increases their frustration.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to forget birthdays and miss minor details. This can cause miscommunication and conflict. They may also struggle to manage household chores, personal finances and daily obligations. These issues can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted which can create a dysfunctional internal landscape of their 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 teachers and parents to read vignettes that described children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They then evaluated their likelihood to recommend or seek out services for the child depicted. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
ADHD, like other conditions is a condition that can be severe and worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms might be more prominent during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, as well as cause feelings of frustration and disappointment.