Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who suffer from ADHD often go undiagnosed 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 tend to develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol and substance abuse, that mask their ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as anxiety and depression are also common among these individuals.
Inattention
Women who are not attentive ADHD often find it hard to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They have trouble keeping their finances in order as well as household chores and record-keeping. click this link is also common for these women to have problems with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult to remember dates or names. They also have trouble being still for long durations of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following instructions.
While the impulse control and hyperactivity are more common for males and boys, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent in women and girls. In fact, it's believed that as high as 80% of all ADHD sufferers are not attentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that last for longer than six months to be eligible for a diagnosis.
The inattentive symptoms of ADHD can be harder to identify than other kinds of ADHD because a lot of people don't see them as part of a disorder or have different expectations for how a girl should behave. Parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms may also change over time due to hormonal fluctuations. For example the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may become more severe during her menstrual cycle, if she is pregnant or when she enters menopausal.
These signs can have a profound impact on women's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. They can lead to feelings of shame and low self-worth due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and domestic tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also suffer from anxiety and depression. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual activities that increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health problems. They may also experience sensitization to rejection because they have a hard time accepting negative responses from others. They might avoid social situations or isolate themselves as a result.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first indications of ADHD for both genders. They might be more procrastinative than usual, lose items or have difficulty concentrating. They can also become overwhelmed by busy environments. They may also have trouble getting sleep or relaxing and could be more prone to mood swings and 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 for both genders. Teachers and healthcare providers do not recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do for male students. This can lead to an incorrect diagnosis as well as delays in treatment.
This, combined with the tendency to conceal their struggles can result in adults with ADHD have a more significant impact than is normally reported. For instance, they might not report having difficulty focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might struggle to make decisions when shopping or have trouble finding the time to relax or sleep.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying problem, they may adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This may include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time and prevent the woman from getting assistance that could improve her life in a significant way.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more popular with males and females in social settings it is possible that women and girls might hide or suppress from fear of being disregarded. For instance, a girl with ADHD might show hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being shamed for not conforming to the standards of her community or school.
In the end, these issues can lead to a cycle of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends, and teachers to be aware of these issues in girls and women, as they can be an indication of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and requires treatment by a combination of therapy and medication.
Emotional Troubles
Women with ADHD are more difficult in controlling their emotions than males. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal changes throughout the day, which can increase symptoms such as anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional problems could have serious implications for career and relationships.
Having ADHD can be a struggle for parents and children alike, but it's especially difficult for women. Women often feel shy or embarrassed about their ADHD which can prevent them from seeking assistance. They may even attempt to hide their symptoms by developing coping strategies such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse, which can actually make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers and women themselves, to recognize ADHD symptoms. It can also delay diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able to successfully hide her symptoms during the adolescent years and in her youth however it becomes more difficult as an adult. The pressures of life, combined with social pressures to be successful in work and relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of self-doubt, a sense of inadequacy 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 difficulties and help them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women with ADHD find it difficult to receive support at work or school. They may feel embarrassed confiding in a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the accommodations they require will be considered an indication of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make small adjustments to help those who suffer from ADHD achieve their goals.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups offer an opportunity to share stories and discuss the particular issues of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women grow older they can develop strategies to cope that mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to spot. For example the girl may try to dress and act like her peers to avoid being a target for bullying or social rejection. She might try to make up for her impulsive, disorganized behavior by putting more effort into school or at work, or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other coping strategies can mask the presence ADHD in a female and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
Often, women and girls who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, prior to the time they are given a diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions may conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They may also make treatment more difficult.
Girls and women with ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem, as well as coexisting mood disorders. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which adds to their angst.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely to miss birthdays or err on minor details, which can lead to conflicts and miscommunication. Also, they may have difficulty keeping up with household chores, personal finances and daily obligations. These issues can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can lead to an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their worth and capability.
In clinical settings, gender bias influences the frequency of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes about children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They also rated how likely they were to recommend or seek out services for the child depicted. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
As with other types of illnesses, ADHD can vary in severity for each patient and may worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more pronounced during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy or menopause. These changes can cause problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of disappointment and despair.