Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who have 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 have a tendency to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, that mask their ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. They are also susceptible to coexisting conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD often have difficulty to keep up with their schoolwork, job and daily routines. They may miss appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They are unable to keep track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. It's also common for women to experience problems with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult for them to remember names or dates. These women also have difficulty staying still for long durations and are unable to focus or follow instructions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more frequently associated with boys and men but the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common in girls and women. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. To qualify for add symptoms in adults , you must have at least five inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
Inattention ADHD 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 behave. Parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects women is different at different times of her life due to hormonal fluctuations. For example, a woman's symptoms may get worse during the menstrual cycle, when she is pregnant or when she enters menopause.
These issues can affect a woman’s self-esteem and her life satisfaction. They can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women with untreated ADHD can also suffer from anxiety and depression. They may also engage in sexual behavior that increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They may also experience sensitization to rejection because they have difficulty accepting negative responses from other people. They may avoid social situations or even isolate themselves as a result.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first indications of ADHD for women and girls. They are more likely to delay or misplace items, have trouble concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have difficulties getting sleep or relaxing and could be more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These signs can cause problems at school, home and in relationships.
Girls and women are frequently not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common between males and females. Healthcare providers and teachers often do not recommend ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as often as they do for males. This can lead to an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
This, along with the tendency to hide their issues, can mean that adults who have ADHD experience a greater impact than is normally reported. For instance, they may not have trouble focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions at the grocery store or have trouble to sleep or relax.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they might develop unhealthy ways to cope. This could include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This can cause more problems over time, and prevent the woman getting the help she needs.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more accepted by males and females in social settings It is possible that women and girls may hide or suppress their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being disregarded. For instance, a child who suffers from ADHD might show excessive and impulsive behavior in order to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the standards of her community or school.
These causes can create an environment of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators must be aware of these struggles and be aware that they could be a sign of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. This disorder can be treated with medication and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women suffering from ADHD have a harder time managing their emotions than men. Their moods are more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of being inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These emotional difficulties can have serious consequences for relationships and career opportunities.
ADHD can be a major challenge for both children and parents, but it is especially difficult for women. Women are often shy or embarrassed about their ADHD and this may make it difficult for them to seek help. They may attempt to hide their symptoms through strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or substance use, which can 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 may delay diagnosis.
It's easier for a woman who suffers from ADHD to conceal her symptoms during her youth and adolescence than as an adult. The pressures of life, along with the expectations from society to excel at work and in relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These struggles can lead to women with ADHD feeling like they are failing, low self-esteem, and constant stress. For some, getting an diagnosis of ADHD can be like a lightbulb moment that helps them understand the root of their difficulties and allowing them to accept their own uniqueness.
Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty finding support at work or school. They may be embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor, and they may worry that the support they require could be seen as an act of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make minor modifications to help individuals who suffer from ADHD achieve their goals.
In addition to locating supportive peers, women with ADHD can benefit by 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 mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to notice. For example girls may make an effort to dress and act more like her peers in order to avoid attention from bullying or social rejection. She might try to make up for her chaotic, impulsive behavior by working harder at 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 the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Often, women and girls who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, before they receive an official diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD and complicate treatment and recovery.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They may be misunderstood and dismissed as emotionally unstable or temperamental, which further adds to their sense of frustration.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely than men to overlook birthdays and to make mistakes with minor details. This can cause miscommunication and conflict. Also, they may be struggling to keep up with household chores, personal finances and everyday responsibilities. These difficulties can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can lead to an internal chaos of untruthful 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 teachers and parents to read vignettes about children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They then rated how likely they were to recommend or seek out services for the child depicted. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
As with other illnesses, ADHD can vary in severity for each patient and may be worsened at different periods. For instance, symptoms could be more pronounced during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can cause problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.