More actions
Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls since it is different than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also have a tendency to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as depression and anxiety, are also common in these people.
Inattention
Women with inattentive ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may skip appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They struggle to organize personal financial records, household chores. It's also common for women with this condition to have problems with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult to remember names or dates. They also have difficulty staying still for long periods and are unable to concentrate or follow instructions.
While the impulse control and hyperactivity are more common for males and boys however, the inattentive Severe Adhd Symptoms In Adults subtype is also seen for women and girls. In fact, it's estimated that up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are inattentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that last for longer than six months to qualify for a diagnoses.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to identify than other types of ADHD because many people don't think about them as being a disorder or have different expectations for what a girl should be doing. Parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than boys.
In addition, the manner that ADHD affects women's lives is different at different times of her life due to hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms can worsen when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopausal symptoms.
These symptoms of add and adhd in women can have a significant impact on women's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. These symptoms can lead to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem, as they make it difficult to manage relationships, work or home chores. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also suffer from depression and anxiety. They could also engage in sexual behavior which can increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and other health issues. They may also be afflicted by rejection sensitivity because they have a hard time accepting negative or real responses from others. They may avoid social interactions or isolate themselves due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. They may be more likely to be procrastinators or misplace things or have difficulty concentrating on their tasks, and are easily overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing and may be more susceptible to mood fluctuations and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to difficulties at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Because symptoms of adhd in adults women of ADHD are more common in boys and men women and girls can be overlooked for a diagnosis. Teachers and healthcare professionals often do not suggest ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as often as they do for male ones. This can lead both to an incorrect diagnosis as well as a delay in treatment.
This, combined with the tendency to hide their struggles can make it clear that people with ADHD have a more significant impact than is usually reported. For instance, they might not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions when they go to the grocery store or have trouble to sleep or relax.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they may develop unhealthy ways to cope. This could include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time and prevent the woman from seeking help that could change her life dramatically.
It is also possible that because ADHD-related behaviors are more popular with boys and men and women, they are repressed or concealed by girls and women who are worried about being judged. For instance, girls with ADHD might exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being shamed for not fitting in with the norms of school or community.
In the end, these issues can create a vicious cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It is crucial for family members, friends, and teachers to recognize these struggles in girls and women, because they could be an indication of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and needs to be addressed by a combination of therapy and medication.
Emotional Problems
Women who suffer from ADHD have a harder time 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 with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional problems can have a serious impact on relationships and career prospects.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a slog for parents and children alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women often feel shy or embarrassed about their ADHD which can prevent them from seeking assistance. They may also try to mask their symptoms by implementing strategies for coping, like excessive drinking or drug abuse, which can actually make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers, as well as women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It can also delay diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD might be able to successfully hide her symptoms during her adolescence and youth however, it can be more difficult when she's an adult. Stress from daily life and the pressures of society to excel in both relationships and work can cause more ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling a sense of being insecure, self-esteem issues and constant stress. The diagnosis of ADHD could be a transformative moment for some women. It can help them understand the root of their issues and allow them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women with ADHD struggle to find help at school or at work. They may feel embarrassed about confiding in a professor or supervisor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the accommodation they need could be considered an act of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make small modifications to help individuals with ADHD succeed in their jobs.
In addition to having people who can be supportive, women suffering from ADHD can benefit by joining online support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can provide the opportunity to share personal stories and discuss the particular challenges of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As girls and women mature and develop, they may come up with coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to recognize. For instance girls may make an effort to dress and act more like her peers in order to avoid being a target for bullying or social rejection. She might try to make up for her impulsive, disorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other coping mechanisms can mask the presence of ADHD in women and delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Women and girls with ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions can obscure the symptoms and presence of ADHD. They can also complicate treatment.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which can increase their anger.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely to miss birthdays or misunderstand minor details, which can lead to conflicts and miscommunication. They also might be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances and other daily responsibilities. These issues can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can lead to an unhealthy internal landscape of their beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias can also affect the rate at which girls and women are being referred for an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes that described children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They also evaluated their likelihood to recommend or seek help for the child depicted. They found that participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
ADHD like other disorders that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and deteriorate at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more prominent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or the menopausal phase. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, and also cause feelings of frustration and disappointment.