Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often are not recognized as children because the disorder is different in girls than it does in 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 strategies, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse that mask ADHD symptoms and hinders the accurate diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression.
Attention
Women who aren't attentive ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They may miss appointments or leave their home unattended. They have trouble keeping track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping. They also tend to forget names and dates, and also suffer from memory problems. They also have difficulty being still for long durations of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more often associated with males and boys, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is equally prevalent in girls and women. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80% of all ADHD sufferers are inattentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must show at least five ongoing inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD are often harder to identify than other types of ADHD because a lot of people don't see them as being an issue or have different expectations about what a girl should be doing. 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 hormone fluctuations. For example, a woman's symptoms may become more severe during her menstrual cycle, if she's pregnant or as she enters menopause.
These signs can have a profound impact on women's self-esteem and life satisfaction. These symptoms can cause feelings of guilt and low self-esteem, as they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household chores. Women who are not treated for ADHD are also susceptible to anxiety and depression. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors which increase the chance of having a baby sexually transmitted infections, as well as other health problems. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, whether it is real or perceived. They may avoid social interactions or even isolate themselves 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 difficulty concentrating. They can also become overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They may also have difficulties sleeping or relaxing, and may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to issues at home, school and in relationships.
Women and girls are often not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent among boys and men. Healthcare professionals and teachers don't recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do male students. This could result in an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
Combined with a tendency to conceal their problems, this can result in adults suffering from ADHD suffer more from the condition than is typically reported. For adhd symptoms adults , they may not report having difficulty focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make decisions when they go to the grocery store or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that may include alcohol abuse or poor eating habits. This can cause more problems over time, and prevent the woman from receiving the assistance she needs.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more acceptable to 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 judged. For instance, girls who have ADHD may exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behaviors to avoid being shamed for not fitting in with the norms of school or in the community.
These factors can ultimately create a cycle of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators must be aware of these issues, as they may be a sign of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. The disorder is treatable by medication and therapy.
Emotional Troubles
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle more than men to manage their emotions. Moods are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal changes throughout the day, which can cause symptoms like irritability and feelings of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more prone to depression and anxiety. These emotional difficulties can have serious implications for relationships and job prospects.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a challenge for both parents and children however, it is particularly challenging for women. Women may feel embarrassed about ADHD and may not seek help because of this. They may also attempt to hide their symptoms through strategies for coping, such as drinking excessively or substance abuse, which can actually make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers as well as women themselves, to recognize ADHD symptoms. It can also delay diagnosis.
It's much easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal her symptoms during her youth and adolescence than when she becomes an adult. The pressures of daily life, along with the societal expectations to excel at work and in relationships, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These challenges can result in women with ADHD feeling like failures, low self-esteem, and chronic distress. For some, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD can be like a lightbulb moment, helping them to understand the root of their challenges and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.
Many women with ADHD struggle to find help at work or school. They may feel embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor, and they may worry that the support they require is perceived as an indication of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make small adjustments to help those who suffer from ADHD achieve their goals.
Women with ADHD who are looking for supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups can provide an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the unique issues of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As women and girls mature and develop, they may come up with strategies to deal with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to detect. A girl may dress and act as her peers to avoid being bullied or criticized by peers. She could try to compensate for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by putting more effort into school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other coping mechanisms can mask the presence of ADHD in women and 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 obscure the presence of ADHD, as well as complicate treatment and recovery.
Females and girls who have ADHD also have a greater risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by co-existing mood disorders than boys or men. They are often misunderstood or dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which further adds to their sense of anger.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to miss birthdays and make mistakes with minor details. This can lead to miscommunication and conflict. They also might be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances, and other responsibilities of daily life. These difficulties can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted which can create an internal chaos of their beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias can also affect the rate of women and girls who are being referred to an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes describing children with ADHD symptoms and assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek help for the child depicted. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
Like other illnesses, ADHD can vary in intensity for individuals and may worsen at various periods. For instance, symptoms may be more prominent during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can cause difficulties with relationships, social functioning and academic performance. They can also lead to feelings of failure and frustration.