Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD are often not diagnosed as children due to the fact that the disorder manifests differently in girls than 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 alcohol and substance abuse, that mask their ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like anxiety and depression, 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 forget appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They are unable to keep their finances in order as well as household chores and record-keeping. It's also normal for these women to have problems with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult for them to remember dates or names. They also have difficulty staying still for long durations and are unable to concentrate or follow instructions.
While impulse control and hyperactivity are more common in boys and men, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also seen for women and girls. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must have at least five inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be harder for people to identify because they don't view them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how girls should act. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than boys.
In addition, the manner that ADHD affects women can vary during different times of her life due to hormone fluctuations. For example women's symptoms could become more severe during her menstrual cycle, when she is pregnant or when she enters menopausal.
These symptoms can have a significant effect on women's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. They can cause feelings of guilt and self-worth devaluation because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women with untreated ADHD may also experience depression and anxiety. They may also engage in sexual activities which increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also struggle with the sensitivity to rejection since they have difficulty accepting negative responses from other people. They might avoid social situations or isolate themselves as a result.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD in girls and women. They may procrastinate more than usual, lose items or have difficulty concentrating. They may also be overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They may also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing, and could be more prone to mood swings or anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at home, school and in relationships.
Girls and women are frequently left out of the diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent among boys and men. Teachers and healthcare providers don't recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do male students. This could result in an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to hide their issues, can result in adults with ADHD experience a greater impact than is normally reported. They might not mention that they have difficulty concentrating at work or are overwhelmed by household tasks. They might have trouble making decisions at the supermarket or have trouble finding the time to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies that could include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This could make the problem worse over time, and may prevent the woman getting the help she needs.
It is also possible that because ADHD-linked behaviors are more acceptable in the social context of males and females and women, they are repressed or concealed by women and girls who are concerned about being judged. For instance, a child with ADHD might display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being criticized for not conforming to the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
These causes can create a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers should be aware of these issues, as they may be indicators of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. This condition is treatable through therapy and medication.
Emotional Difficulties
Women suffering from ADHD typically find it more difficult than men to control their emotions. Their moods are more likely fluctuate as a result of hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which can exacerbate symptoms such as anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional problems could have serious implications for career and relationships.
ADHD can be a challenge for children and parents alike, but it is especially difficult for women. Women are often shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD and this may make it difficult for them to seek help. Women may attempt to hide their symptoms using coping strategies like excessive alcohol or drug abuse however this could make the situation worse. Masking can make it harder for employers and teachers to recognize ADHD symptoms in women, and it can lead to a delay in diagnosing.
A woman with ADHD may be able to successfully hide her symptoms during her youth and adolescence, but it's more challenging when she's an adult. Stress from everyday life and pressures from society to excel in work and relationships can cause more ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause ongoing stress. For some, the diagnosis of ADHD can be like an epiphany, helping them 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 be embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the support they require will be seen as an indication 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 jobs.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking friends who can support them can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups offer an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the unique difficulties of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring conditions
As girls and women grow up, they can develop coping strategies that cover their ADHD symptoms and make it harder for others to detect. adult female adhd symptoms may dress and act like her peers to avoid being bullied or criticized by peers. She could also try to redress her impulsive and chaotic behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other coping strategies can disguise the presence of ADHD in women and delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions could mask the presence and symptoms of ADHD. They can also make treatment more difficult.
Girls and women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They may be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which can increase their anger.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. They tend to forget birthdays or miss important details which can cause conflicts and miscommunication. Also, they may struggle to manage household chores financial obligations, personal finances, and other daily responsibilities. These challenges can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can create an unhealthy internal landscape of self-esteem and beliefs.
In clinical settings, gender bias affects the rate of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in the classroom to read vignettes about children who had ADHD symptoms, and rate how likely they would be to recommend or seek out services for the child they described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD like other disorders that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and worsen at various times. For example, symptoms may be more prominent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, or menopausal cycle. These changes can cause issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and also contribute to feelings of frustration and disappointment.