25 Surprising Facts About Female ADHD Symptoms

Female ADHD Symptoms

ADHD is often misdiagnosed among girls because it is different than 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 a proper diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like anxiety and depression, are also common in these people.

Inattention

Women who are not attentive ADHD often find it hard to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They may skip appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They struggle to organize personal finances, record-keeping, and household chores. These women are also prone to forget names and dates, and also suffer from memory issues. They also have trouble sitting still for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused or following instructions.

While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more commonly associated with males and boys, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is equally prevalent in women and girls. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80% of all ADHD sufferers are inattentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must have at least five inattention symptoms that last more than six months.

Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be difficult for people to identify because they don't see them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. This is why parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than they are for boys.

A woman's ADHD symptoms can change over time due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance women's symptoms could be more severe during the menstrual cycle, while she's pregnant or as she enters menopause.

These signs can have a profound effect on women's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. 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 can also suffer from depression and anxiety. They may also engage in sexual behavior which can increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They may also have difficulty accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or not. As a result, they may avoid social settings and avoid social situations.

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first symptoms of ADHD for both genders. They may be more likely to delay or misplace items or have difficulty concentrating on tasks and easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have difficulties 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 frequently overlooked for diagnosis of adhd symptoms in adulthood because the symptoms are more common between males and females. Teachers and healthcare providers don't recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do for male ones. This can lead to an incorrect diagnosis as well as an inability to treat.

Along with the tendency to hide their struggles This could result in adults suffering from adhd brain symptoms suffer more from the condition than is typically reported. For instance, they may not report having difficulty focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making choices at the store or have trouble to relax or sleep.

This could have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that could include substance use or poor eating habits. This can cause more problems over time, and prevent the woman from receiving the assistance she needs.

Since ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable to males and females in social settings it is possible that girls and women might hide or suppress from fear of being disregarded. For example, a girl with ADHD might show hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being shamed for not fitting in with the social norms of her neighborhood or school.

These causes can create an environment of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends and teachers to notice these struggles in women and girls as they can be a sign of a disorder that is not recognized and must be treated by a combination of therapy and medication.

Emotional Problems

Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their emotions than males. Their moods are more likely fluctuate due to hormonal changes throughout the day, which can increase symptoms such as anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. Women with ADHD also have a higher risk of anxiety and depression. These emotional problems can have serious implications for relationships and job prospects.

Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a challenge for parents as well as children however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can be ashamed of ADHD and may not seek help because of this. They may even try to mask their symptoms through strategies to cope, like excessive drinking or drug abuse, which can actually cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers, as well as women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It can delay the diagnosis.

It's easier for a woman who suffers from adhd early symptoms to hide her symptoms during her youth and adolescence than it is as an adult. The pressures of daily life, combined with societal expectations to excel in work and relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women with ADHD feeling a sense of self-doubt, a sense of inadequacy and constant stress. For some, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD could be a lightbulb moment, helping them understand the root of their challenges and giving them the chance to accept their own uniqueness.

Many women with ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive support at work or at school. They may be 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 small adjustments to help those who suffer from ADHD succeed in their work.

In addition to locating supportive peers, women with ADHD can also benefit from joining online support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups provide an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the particular issues of having ADHD as a woman.

Co-occurring conditions

As women and girls grow up, they can develop coping strategies that cover their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to detect. A girl may dress and act as her peers to avoid being bullied or rejected by others. She could try to compensate for her chaotic, impulsive behavior by putting more effort into school or at work, or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other coping mechanisms can disguise the presence of ADHD in women and can delay her diagnosis as an adult.

Girls and women with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD and make it difficult to treat and recover.

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by coexisting mood disorders than boys or men. They may be misunderstood and dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which further increases their feelings of anger.

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 lead to miscommunication and conflict. They may also be struggling to keep up with household chores, personal finances and daily obligations. These issues can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can lead to an internal chaos of untruthful beliefs about their capabilities and worth.

In clinical settings, gender bias can also affect the rate that women and girls are referred to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in the classroom to read vignettes that described children suffering from ADHD symptoms of high functioning adhd (visit Lovewiki now >>>), and then rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or seek out services for the child they described. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.

ADHD as with other conditions that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more evident during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy, or menopause. These changes can lead to difficulties with relationships, social functioning, and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of disappointment and despair.