20 Myths About Female ADHD Symptoms: Dispelled

Female ADHD Symptoms

ADHD is often misdiagnosed among girls because it manifests differently than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

They are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that include drinking excessively and using substances that cover up their ADHD symptoms and hinders the accurate diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety.

Attention!

Women with inattentive ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may skip appointments or leave their home unattended. They are unable to keep track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping. They are also prone to forget names and dates, and have memory issues. They also have a difficult time sitting still for long periods of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following the directions.

While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more commonly associated with males and boys but the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common for women and girls. Up to 80% of ADHD sufferers are categorized as inattentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that last for more than six month to be able to receive a diagnosis.

The inattentive symptoms of ADHD can be harder to identify than other forms of ADHD because a lot of people don't consider them as part of a disorder or have different expectations of what a girl should be doing. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.

A woman's ADHD symptoms may also change over time due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance women's symptoms could become more severe during her menstrual cycle, if she's pregnant, or when she enters menopausal.

These symptoms can have a major impact on a woman's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. They can trigger feelings of guilt and self-worth devaluation because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and domestic tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also be suffering from anxiety and depression. They can also engage in sexual behaviors that increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also struggle with sensitization to rejection because they have difficulty accepting real or perceived negative responses from other people. They might avoid social situations or avoid social situations as a result.

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD for both genders. They are more likely to be procrastinators or lose things, have trouble concentrating on their tasks, and are easily overwhelmed in a busy environment. They may also have trouble falling asleep or relaxing, and could be more prone to mood swings or anxiety. These symptoms can lead to issues at home, school and in relationships.

Since symptoms of ADHD are more common in males and females, women and girls may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Healthcare providers and teachers often do not suggest ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male ones. This can lead both to an incorrect diagnosis and delays in treatment.

This, combined with the tendency to conceal their struggles can mean that adults who have ADHD have a more significant impact than is normally reported. For instance, they may not report having difficulty focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions when shopping or find it difficult to relax or sleep.

This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies that may include substance use or poor eating habits. This can make the problem worse over time and prevent the woman from seeking assistance that could improve her life dramatically.

It is also possible because ADHD-related behaviors are more acceptable in the social context of males and girls and women, they are repressed or hid by women and girls who are concerned about being rejected. For instance, a girl who suffers from ADHD may exhibit excessive and impulsive Adhd symptoms behavior in order to avoid being shamed for not conforming to the norms of her community or school.

In the end, these issues can create a vicious cycle of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators must be aware of the struggles and be aware that they could be signs and symptoms of adhd of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. This condition can be treated by medication and therapy.

Emotional Problems

Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their emotions than males. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of being inadequate. Women who suffer from adhd and anxiety symptoms also are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional problems could have a significant impact on careers and relationships.

Having ADHD can be a slog for parents and children alike, but it's especially difficult for women. Women often feel shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD, and this can make it difficult for them to seek assistance. They may even attempt to hide their symptoms by developing coping strategies such as excessive alcohol or drug abuse, which can actually cause the problem to get worse. Masking can also make it harder for employers and teachers to recognize ADHD symptoms for women, and could lead to a delay in diagnosing.

A woman with ADHD might be able to successfully hide her symptoms during her adolescence and youth however, it can be more difficult as an adult. Stress from daily life and pressures from society to perform well in work and relationships can intensify ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling like failures, low self-esteem, and constant stress. A diagnosis of adhd symptoms female adults could be a transformative moment for certain women. It can help them understand the cause of their issues and allow them to feel more comfortable with themselves.

Many women with ADHD find it difficult to get support at work or at school. They may feel embarrassed telling a supervisor or professor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the accommodations they require could be considered an act of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to help those with ADHD achieve their goals.

In addition to having female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can also benefit from joining online support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups give members the opportunities to share experiences and discuss women's ADHD challenges.

Co-occurring Conditions

As women and girls become teenagers, they develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to see. A girl might dress and behave like her peers in order to avoid being criticized or bullied by peers. She might try to make up for her impulsive, disorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other strategies for coping can mask the presence ADHD in a female and delay her diagnosis as an adult.

Often, women and girls who have ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, before they receive a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD and make it difficult to treat and recover.

Girls and females with ADHD also have a higher risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be affected by coexisting mood disorders than males or boys. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which adds to their angst.

ADHD symptoms can cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to miss birthdays or misunderstand minor details, which can lead to conflict and miscommunication. They may also be struggling to manage housework, personal finances and other responsibilities of daily life. These challenges can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can create an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their worth and capabilities.

In clinical settings, gender bias also influences the frequency of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a class to read vignettes that described children with ADHD symptoms and to rate how likely they would be to recommend or seek out services for the child described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.

As with other illnesses, ADHD can vary in intensity for individuals and may worsen at various periods. For instance, symptoms could be more severe during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can cause problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, as well as cause feelings of frustration and failure.