Female ADHD Symptoms: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls since it manifests differently than 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 consumption and drug abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as depression and anxiety, are also common in these individuals.
Inattention
Women who aren't attentive ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They might miss appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They are unable to keep their finances in order, household chores and record-keeping. It's also common for these women to have problems with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult for them to remember dates or names. They also have difficulty staying still for long periods and aren't able to concentrate or follow instructions.
While the impulse control and hyperactivity are more prevalent in males and females but the inattention ADHD subtype is also seen for women and girls. In fact, it's believed that as high as 80% of all ADHD symptoms adults male sufferers aren't attentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that persist for more than six month to be able to receive a diagnosis.
Inattention adhd symptoms and treatment symptoms can be difficult for people to identify because they don't view the symptoms as a problem, or have different expectations of how a girl should act. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
In addition, the manner that ADHD affects women can change over different periods of her life because of hormone fluctuations. Women's symptoms can become more severe during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes.
These signs can have a profound effect on women's self-esteem and life satisfaction. They can trigger 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 can also suffer from anxiety and depression. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors that increase the chance of having a baby and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health problems. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or not. They might avoid social situations or avoid social situations due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They might be more procrastinative and lose things, or have trouble focusing. They may also become overwhelmed by busy environments. They may also have a hard time getting comfortable or falling asleep and may be more prone to mood swings and anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause problems in the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more common in males and females, women and girls may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Health professionals and teachers don't suggest ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male students. This can result in an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to hide their problems, could result in adults with ADHD experience a greater impact than is typically reported. They might not mention that they struggle to concentrate at work or feel overwhelmed by household tasks. They may have difficulty making decisions when they go to the grocery store or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they might develop unhealthy ways to cope. This may include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This can make the problem worse over time and keep the woman from seeking help that could improve her life significantly.
It is also possible that because ADHD-related behaviors are more socially acceptable for males and girls, they may be suppressed or hid by women and girls who are concerned about being judged. For example, a girl who suffers from ADHD might display hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized for not conforming to the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
In the end, these triggers can create a vicious cycle of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. It is crucial for family members, friends, and teachers to notice these struggles in girls and women, because they could be an indication of a disorder that is not recognized and must be treated through therapy and medication management.
Emotional Troubles
Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time managing their emotions than men. The mood of women with ADHD is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of inadequate. Women who suffer from dsm 5 adhd symptoms also are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional problems can have serious consequences for relationships and career prospects.
ADHD can be a challenge for both children and parents however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women may feel embarrassed about ADHD and may not seek help because of this. They may also try to mask their symptoms by implementing strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or drug use, which can cause the problem to get worse. Masking can also make it difficult for teachers and employers to notice ADHD symptoms for women, and could lead to a delay in diagnosing.
It's much easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal her symptoms in her youth and adolescence than it is as an adult. Stress from everyday life and societal pressures to perform well in both relationships and work can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling a sense of failure, low self-esteem and a constant sense of anxiety. The diagnosis of ADHD could be a life-changing moment for certain women. It can help them understand the cause of their issues and allow them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women with ADHD find it difficult to get support at school or work. They may feel embarrassed about telling a professor or supervisor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the accommodation they need is perceived as a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, the majority of supervisors and instructors are willing to make minor adjustments to help those with ADHD to perform their job.
In addition to having female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD symptoms adults male can benefit from joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups offer an opportunity to share stories and discuss the unique difficulties of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring Conditions
As women and girls mature they can develop strategies to cope that mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to recognize. A girl may dress and act like her peers to avoid being criticized or bullied by others. In addition, she might compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by working harder at work or school or using productivity apps to get tasks accomplished. These and other strategies for coping can disguise the existence of ADHD in females and delay her adult diagnosis.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD and complicate treatment and recovery.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They are often misunderstood or dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which further increases their feelings of frustration.
ADHD symptoms can 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 confusion. They may also be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances and other obligations of the day. These challenges can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their worth and capability.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings can also affect the rate that women and girls are referred for an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in a class to read vignettes about children with adhd symptoms in adults females symptoms, and rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or seek services for the child they described. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
ADHD, like other conditions is a condition that can be severe and worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms could be more evident during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy or the menopausal cycle. These changes can cause problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, as well as contribute to feelings of frustration and disappointment.