Female ADHD Symptoms: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD are often not diagnosed as children because the disorder appears differently in girls than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also tend to develop unhealthy strategies for coping, like excessive drinking and substance abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression.
Attention!
Women who are not attentive ADHD often have difficulty to keep up with their schoolwork, job and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave their home unattended. They have a difficult time organizing their personal finances, record-keeping, and household chores. They are also more likely to forget names and dates, and have memory issues. They also have trouble sitting still for long periods of time and have difficulty staying focused or following the directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more frequently associated with males and boys however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent for women and girls. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are not attentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that persist for a period of more than six months to be eligible for a diagnosis.
The inattention- related symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to identify than other types of ADHD because many people don't see them as a part of an illness or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. Because of this, parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than they are for boys.
In addition, the way that ADHD affects women's lives is different at different times of her life because of hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms can worsen when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopause.
These symptoms can have a profound impact on a woman's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. These symptoms can cause feelings of shame and low-self-worth, as they make it difficult to manage relationships, work or household chores. Women who are not treated for ADHD can also suffer from depression and anxiety. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behavior that can increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and other health issues. They may also be afflicted by the sensitivity to rejection since they have a hard time accepting real or perceived negative reactions from others. In the end, they may avoid social settings and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They are more likely to delay or misplace items and have difficulty focusing 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 swings and anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause problems at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more common in boys and men women and girls can be omitted from a diagnosis. Healthcare providers and teachers often do not recommend ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male students. This can lead to an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, along with the tendency to hide their issues, can result in adults with ADHD experience a greater impact than is typically reported. They may not even mention that they have difficulty concentrating at work or feel overwhelmed by household tasks. They may have difficulty making choices at the grocery store or find it hard to sleep or relax.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they might adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This may include substance abuse and unhealthy eating habits. This can cause more problems in time, and stop the woman from getting the help she needs.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more accepted by males and females in social settings, it is possible that women and girls may hide or suppress from fear of being judged. For instance, a girl with ADHD might display excessive and impulsive behavior in order to avoid being shamed for not fitting in with the norms of her community or school.
In the end, these issues can result in a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. Families, friends, and educators should be aware of these struggles because they could be indicators of an undiagnosed disorder. The disorder can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Difficulties
Women with ADHD typically struggle more than men to manage their emotions. Moods are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which may cause symptoms like anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. Women with ADHD also have a higher risk of anxiety and depression. These emotional problems could have serious implications for career and relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a struggle for parents and children alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can be embarrassed about ADHD and may not seek help due to this. Some women try to cover up their symptoms by using coping strategies like excessive drinking or substance abuse, but this can make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers as well as women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It may delay diagnosis.
It is easier for women with ADHD to conceal her symptoms in her youth and adolescence than when she becomes an adult. The pressures of daily life, combined with societal expectations to excel at work and in relationships, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling like they are failing, low self-esteem, and constant stress. The diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for some women. It can help them understand the root of their difficulties and help them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women with ADHD struggle to find help at school or at work. They may be uncomfortable in telling a supervisor or professor and fear that their accommodations will be seen as an indication of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to help people with ADHD succeed in their jobs.
Women with ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups give members the opportunities to share experiences and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women grow older and develop, they may come up with strategies to deal with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to recognize. For instance girls may make an effort to dress and act like her peers to ward off 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 strategies for coping could disguise the presence of ADHD in females and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Girls and women with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD, as well as hinder treatment and recovery.
Girls and females with ADHD also have a higher risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by co-existing mood disorders than males or boys. They may be misunderstood and dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which adds to their sense of discontent.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely than men to forget birthdays and miss minor details. This can cause miscommunication and conflict. They also might be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances, and other responsibilities of daily life. These issues can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their worth and capabilities.
In clinical settings, gender bias also affects the rate of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes about children with ADHD symptoms. They then rated how likely they were to recommend or seek services for the child depicted. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD as with other conditions, can vary in severity and worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more prominent during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can lead to issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, as well as contribute to feelings of frustration and disappointment.