Female Symptoms of ADHD
Teens and women with ADHD tend to show inattentive signs, not the impulsivity and hyperactivity that are more prevalent in both men and boys. This makes them more susceptible to being overlooked and misdiagnosed.
Stereotypes about gender can contribute to this as caregivers may believe that girls who are quiet or dreamy are just "being girls." Additionally, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle as well as perimenopausal symptoms can cause ADHD symptoms to become more severe.
1. Hyperactivity
When it is ADHD the first impression many people have is the hyperactive boy bouncing off the walls during class. While this is one type of ADHD however, girls and women also suffer from the disorder in this form. ADHD symptoms in women and girls can be harder to spot than those of boys, which is why the condition is often misdiagnosed and not treated.
Women with ADHD can exhibit an impulsive behavior that makes it difficult for them to stop and think before acting. They may not be able listen well when others are speaking, and could have difficulty following instructions or completing tasks. These issues can cause frustration and confusion in relationships with family, romantic partners, friends, and colleagues.
Many women with ADHD suffer from sensitivity to rejection. This is an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection. In combination with low self-esteem, and difficulty in social relationships which can make it difficult for a woman to cope with her ADHD symptoms.
Symptoms of ADHD in women can show up at different times during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger mood swings and irritability, as well as difficulty with concentration.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD find it easier to manage their symptoms through eating, exercise and sleep habits. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters, which improve attention and concentration. It can also calm anxiety and stress, which are common among women suffering from ADHD. A good night's sleep and frequent breaks can help ADHD symptoms. Using tools like planners, checklists and post-it notes to keep track of tasks can be beneficial to many people with ADHD. In some cases medical professionals may prescribe medication to manage symptoms.
2. Inattention
Girls and women who have inattention ADHD are often not diagnosed, even when symptoms are extreme. They struggle to stay on top of the classroom and their homes are messy and they have trouble with relationships and performance at work. They may try to compensate by denying their symptoms or by convincing themselves that they're not affected them.
Gender bias can be a factor in misdiagnosis or omissions. For instance, if males exhibit an impulsive or hyperactive behavior and signs, they are more likely to get referred for diagnosis and treatment. Girls who exhibit inattention are often dismissed as ditzy, dreamy or space-related.
The inattention symptom of adhd can manifest in a variety of ways: You miss appointments, fail to keep promises and find it difficult to concentrate in class or meetings. You have a hard time waiting for your turn to speak with others and can't seem to stop interrupting. You're not able to remember things and are often lost items or forget where they are. You struggle to follow simple instructions and tend to avoid tasks that require focus, such as homework or chores.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can also become more severe when hormonal changes occur like during menstrual cycle, pregnancy or perimenopause. This can make it more difficult for you to pay attention at work or at home, and it makes it harder to keep friendships intact or reach goals in your life.
Getting plenty of exercise can help control your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals such as dopamine, which can improve your mood and concentration. Plus, regular exercise helps you burn off extra energy and reduce anxiety or depression symptoms that are common in women suffering from ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Women and adolescent girls with ADHD typically experience more anxiety and mood symptoms than impulsivity and hyperactivity. Gender role expectations make it more difficult for girls to acknowledge that they're struggling, and they are more likely to disguise ADHD symptoms with other behaviors. This can lead women and girls to be misdiagnosed and not report their symptoms of ADHD. They may also be more likely to have inattentive ADHD symptoms, which don't show up as obvious as the impulsive/hyperactive ones that boys and men display.
Anxiety is a natural response to stress and danger. It can be overwhelming and debilitating but it's a great thing. It keeps you alert to danger and allows you to react quickly when you notice something not right. However, anxiety can trigger a range of physical symptoms like sweating, jitteriness, and rapid heartbeat (palpitations). An anxiety disorder can be diagnosed in people suffering from frequent, severe, or even disabling anxiety. An anxiety disorder may include panic disorder (where you have recurring unplanned panic attacks), fear of certain objects or situations (where you are incredibly terrified of certain objects or events) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thought and repetitive behaviors) and separation anxiety disorder.
Women with ADHD often have issues with "time blindness". They may miss important dates and appointments, show up at an wrong time or location, or become so distracted by their work that they forget social interactions. This can make them appear unfocused, aloof or inconsiderate of other people. Good sleep habits will ensure that you don't suffer from time blindness. So make sure you have an established bedtime and do something relaxing like listening to music, reading, or meditating before you go to sleep.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time being organized. They may have a hard managing their appointments, schedules, and possessions. Their home, office, and car could be overflowing with clutter, and their handbags may be full of receipts, 17 chapsticks, or tickets to the Kings of Leon concert of 2008. adhd symptom adult and forgetfulness can make it difficult for them to maintain and build relationships at work and in their personal lives.
Women can also have difficulty communicating what they mean in social situations. Their impulsiveness and impatience can make them interrupt others or blurt out things without considering the implications. These struggles to filter their thoughts can lead them to hurt feelings and miscommunications.
The symptoms of ADHD are able to change throughout the day due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance estrogen levels are lower at the time of ovulation, and during menstrual cycle which can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms. These symptoms can be the reason why many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed correctly.
There is a stigma against diagnosing females with ADHD, in addition to the differences in the biology between men and women in terms of the brain's structure and chemical. This bias is linked to the fact that ADHD research and educational programs primarily focus on boys and men/people AMAB, so it's more likely that healthcare providers and educators will see hyperactive/impulsive-type symptoms in those groups and overlook symptoms of inattentive ADHD in women.
If women are given a clear diagnosis of ADHD they can manage their symptoms using medication and other treatment strategies. They can find success in school, work and in their private lives with the right support. Medication can help improve concentration and aid in everyday challenges. The use of behavioral therapy and applications for smartphones can prove beneficial.
5. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD tend to struggle with controlling their impulses. This is because the part of their brain that makes decisions and weighs the consequences isn't as efficient. This leads to a tendency to do or say things without thinking about the possible outcome, which can result in negative consequences. Impulsive behavior can lead to relationships that are damaged. It can also lead to sexually risky behaviors.
Someone suffering from ADHD might develop a variety of coping strategies that assist them in overcoming their issues with controlling impulses. This could include self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, or eating food as a method to comfort themselves. A poor diet or sleeping less than you need to can cause problems.
Girls and women with ADHD may also be unable to acknowledge that they have a problem with their behavior. They might struggle to explain their symptoms to their teachers or parents and so they attempt to conceal their issues. This makes it more difficult for people to recognize their problems and may delay the diagnosis.
Females and females who suffer from ADHD typically have different symptoms than men or boys. They may be more numb and have a greater incidence of co-existing anxiety or mood disorders, for example depression. These factors could contribute to the fact girls and women with ADHD being misdiagnosed more often than men or boys.
Although awareness of ADHD has improved, it's still a disorder that affects millions of people. It is more common in the adolescent years and early adulthood, when students are trying to balance school or work. Parents and teachers should be aware that their daughter or granddaughter might be suffering from ADHD to ensure that they receive the assistance she requires.