Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD often are not recognized as children because the disorder appears differently in girls than it does in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also have a tendency to develop unhealthy strategies for coping, like excessive drinking and substance abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like depression and anxiety, are also common in these individuals.
Attention!
Women with inattentive ADHD often find it hard to keep up with their schoolwork, job and daily routines. They may forget appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They are unable to keep track of their finances as well as household chores and record-keeping. It's also normal for women to experience trouble with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult to remember dates or names. They also have difficulty being still for long durations of time and have trouble staying focused or following the directions.
While hyperactivity and impulse control are more common in males and females but the inattention ADHD subtype is also prevalent in women and girls. Around 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. To be eligible for 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 perceive them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how girls should act. This is why teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than they are for boys.
In addition, the way that ADHD affects women's lives can vary during different times of her life because of hormonal changes. For instance the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may get worse during the menstrual cycle, if she's pregnant or as she enters menopausal.
These signs can have a profound effect on women's self-esteem and life satisfaction. They can cause feelings of self-doubt and shame because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD are also susceptible to anxiety and depression. They may also engage in sexual behavior which can increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases 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 situations and isolate themselves.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They may procrastinate more and lose things, or have trouble focusing. They may also be overwhelmed by the busy environment. They may also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing, and could be more prone to mood swings or anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause problems in the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Girls and women are often overlooked for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common among boys and men. Teachers and healthcare professionals often do not suggest ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male ones. This can lead to an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, combined with the tendency to conceal their issues, can make it clear that people with ADHD experience a greater impact than is normally reported. For instance, they may not have trouble focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make decisions at the grocery store or have trouble to sleep or relax.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies that may include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time and keep the woman from getting assistance that could improve her life significantly.
It is also possible because ADHD- related behaviors are more popular with boys and men however, they could be repressed or hidden by girls and women who fear being ostracized. For instance, girls with ADHD might display excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized because they don't fit in with the norms at school or community.
In the end, these triggers can result in a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. It's important for family members, friends and educators to be aware of these issues in women and girls because they could be an indication of an undiagnosed disorder that requires treatment through therapy and medication management.
Emotional Problems
Women who suffer from ADHD typically find it more difficult than men to manage their emotions. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate due to hormone fluctuations throughout the day, which can increase symptoms such as anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional issues can have serious consequences for relationships and job prospects.
ADHD can be a problem for parents and children alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women are often shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD, and this can make it difficult for them to seek help. They may try to mask their symptoms by developing strategies to cope, such as drinking excessively or substance abuse, which could make the situation worse. Masking can also make it difficult for teachers and employers to recognize ADHD symptoms in women, and it can lead to delays in diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be able to manage to hide her symptoms throughout her adolescence and youth however, it can be more difficult as an adult. Stress from everyday life and pressures from society to perform well in work and relationships can cause more ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of failure, low self-esteem and constant stress. The diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for some women. It can help them understand the cause of their struggles and allow them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive help at work or at school. They may feel embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the accommodation they need will be considered a sign of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make minor adjustments to help those who suffer from ADHD succeed in their jobs.
Women with ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups offer an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the unique difficulties of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring conditions
As women and girls become teenagers, they develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to notice. Girls may dress and act as her peers to avoid being criticized or bullied by other people. She could also take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work, or relying on productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other strategies for coping can disguise the presence of ADHD in women and can delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Often, women and girls 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 hinder treatment and recovery.
Girls and women who suffer from 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 can be misunderstood and dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which contributes to their feelings of discontent.
Additionally there are women who have issues in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to miss birthdays or misunderstand minor details, which can lead to conflicts and miscommunication. They also might be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances, and other obligations of the day. These challenges can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted which can create an unhealthy internal landscape of self-esteem and beliefs.
In clinical settings, gender bias can affect the frequency at which girls and women are recommended for an ADHD evaluation. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a classroom to read vignettes describing children with ADHD symptoms, and then rate how likely they were to recommend or seek services for the child described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD like other disorders that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more prominent during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can lead to difficulties with relationships, social functioning, and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of failure and frustration.