Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed among girls because it presents differently than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also develop unhealthy strategies for coping, like excessive alcohol and substance abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. They are also susceptible to co-existing disorders like anxiety and depression.
Attention!
adhd in adult women symptoms who aren't attentive ADHD might 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 struggle to manage their personal finances, record-keeping and household chores. They also tend to forget names and dates, and have memory issues. They also have trouble being still for long durations of time and have difficulty staying focused or following directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more commonly associated with boys and men, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is just as common in girls and women. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are inattentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must have at least five continuous inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be harder for people to recognize because they don't view them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms can also change over time due to hormonal fluctuations. For example, a woman's symptoms may get worse during the menstrual cycle, if she is pregnant or when she enters menopausal.
These symptoms can affect a woman’s self-esteem and her satisfaction with her life. These issues can lead to feelings of shame and low-self-worth and make it hard to manage relationships, work and home chores. Women who are not treated for ADHD are also susceptible to depression and anxiety. They could also engage in sexual behaviors that increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also struggle with rejection sensitivity because they have a hard time accepting negative or real responses from other people. As a result, they may avoid social settings and isolate themselves.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They are more likely to delay or misplace items or have difficulty concentrating on tasks and easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing, and are more prone to mood swings or anxiety. These signs can cause problems at school, home and in relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men however, girls and women may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Healthcare providers and teachers often do not recommend ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for males. This can lead both to an incorrect diagnosis and an inability to treat.
Along with the tendency to hide their issues It could mean that adults with ADHD experience a greater impact from the condition than is usually reported. For instance, they may not report having difficulty focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making choices at the grocery store or find it difficult to relax or sleep.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that may include alcohol addiction or eating habits that are unhealthy. This could make the issue worse over time and keep the woman from getting help that could improve her life in a significant way.
It is also possible because ADHD-linked behaviors are more socially acceptable for boys and men and women, they are repressed or concealed by girls and women who fear being rejected. For instance, girls who have ADHD may exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being shamed because they aren't in line with the norms of their school or in the community.
Ultimately, these factors can create a vicious cycle of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. Families, friends, and educators should be aware of the struggles because they could be indicators of an undiagnosed disorder. The disorder is treatable with medication and therapy.
Emotional Troubles
Women who suffer from ADHD often find it more difficult than men to control their emotions. Their moods are more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms like irritability or a feeling of inadequacy. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional problems can have serious consequences for relationships and job prospects.
ADHD can be a challenge for parents and children alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women often feel shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD which can prevent them from seeking assistance. They may try to mask their symptoms through strategies to cope, such as drinking excessively or drug abuse, which could make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers and women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It may also delay the diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be able effectively hide her symptoms in the adolescent years and in her youth however it becomes more difficult when she's an adult. The stress of everyday life, along with the expectations from society to excel at work and in relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These challenges can result in women suffering from ADHD feeling like failures as well as low self-esteem and chronic distress. For some, getting an diagnosis of ADHD can be like a lightbulb moment that helps them to understand the root cause of their issues and allowing them to accept their own uniqueness.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to receive support at work or school. They may feel embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the accommodation they need is seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. Most teachers and supervisors are willing to make small adjustments to help those who suffer from ADHD succeed in their work.
Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for friends who can support them can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups give members the chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
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 recognize. For instance girls may make an effort to dress and act like her peers in order to avoid being a target for bullying or social rejection. She might try to make up for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by working more at school or at work or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other coping strategies 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, prior to the time they are given a diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions can mask the presence and symptoms of ADHD. They can also complicate treatment.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which increases their frustration.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to forget birthdays or err on minor details which can cause conflict and miscommunication. They may also struggle to keep up with housework, personal finances and other responsibilities of daily life. These difficulties can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can fuel an internal chaos of self-esteem and beliefs.
Gender bias in clinical settings can affect the frequency of women and girls who are referred to receive an ADHD evaluation. In adhd symptoms adult , Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes that described children with ADHD symptoms. They also rated how likely they were to recommend or seek help for the child in the. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
As with other disorders, ADHD can vary in severity for individual patients and may be worsened at different periods. For instance, symptoms might be more severe during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can cause problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, and also result in feelings of anger and disappointment.