3 Reasons Commonly Cited For Why Your Female Symptoms Of ADHD Isn't Working (And How To Fix It)
Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescents with ADHD tend to show inattentive symptoms, as opposed to the impulsivity and hyperactivity which are more common in boys and men. This makes them more prone to being overlooked and misdiagnosed.
Gender stereotypes can contribute to this as caregivers may believe that quiet or dreamy girls are simply "being girls." Additionally, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle and perimenopause can trigger ADHD symptoms to become more severe.
1. Hyperactivity
When it is ADHD the first image many people have is of an overactive boy who bounces off the walls of class. Although this is one form of ADHD females and girls also suffer from the disorder in this type. ADHD symptoms in women and girls are usually more difficult to identify than in boys. This leads to the disorder being misdiagnosed or going untreated.
In some instances women who suffer from ADHD display impulsive behaviors that make it difficult to think about their actions prior to acting. They may not be able to listen when others are talking, and they may have difficulty following instructions or finishing tasks. These issues can lead to frustration and confusion with family, friends and romantic partners, as well as coworkers.
Many women suffering from ADHD suffer from sensitivity to rejection, which is a heightened emotional response to actual or perceived rejection. This can make it difficult for women who suffers from ADHD to cope, particularly in the case of low self-esteem or difficulty in peer relationships.
ADHD symptoms in women can manifest at different times, including during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger irritation, mood swings and difficulty in concentration.
Diet, exercise and sleeping habits can help women and girls suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that improve attention and focus. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety, which are common in women with ADHD. A good night's sleep and frequent breaks can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Using tools like planners, checklists and post-it notes to track tasks can be beneficial to many people suffering from ADHD. In some instances the health professional may prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Attention!
Women and girls with inattentive ADHD often don't get diagnosed, even when symptoms are severe. They are often struggling to stay on top at school, their homes can be messy, and they face difficulties with relationships and performance. They might try to make up for their problems by avoiding them or pretending that they are not affected.
Gender bias can also play a role in misdiagnosis or omissions. When a boy exhibits excessive or impulsive behavior they are more likely to be referred to diagnosis and therapy. In contrast, girls who display inattentive symptoms can be written off as dreamy, space cases or ditzy.
The symptoms of adhd that cause inattention can manifest in many ways: You don't remember appointments, don't keep promises and find it difficult to concentrate during class lectures or meetings. You have a hard time waiting to be in the right place when speaking with others and can't seem to stop interrupting. Your memory is weak and you often lose things or forget where you put them. You have difficulty following simple instructions and tend to avoid tasks that require concentration, such as homework or chores.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can also worsen when hormonal changes take place like during pregnancy, menstruation, or perimenopausal. It is difficult to focus on at home or at work and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or achieve the goals of life.
Getting plenty of exercise can help you manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals like dopamine that can boost your mood and improve your focus. Plus, regular exercise helps to burn off excess energy and ease anxiety or depression symptoms that are common among women with ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Women and adolescent girls with ADHD are often more prone to mood and anxiety-related symptoms than hyperactivity and impulsivity. Girls are often reluctant to admit that they have issues due to gender roles. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms by concealing other behavior. This can cause women and girls to be misdiagnosed and not be able to report their symptoms of ADHD. They may also be more likely to have inattentive ADHD symptoms, which don't show up as obvious as the impulsive/hyperactive ones that boys and men display.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress and danger. It can be debilitating and overwhelming but it is a good thing. It keeps you alert to danger and helps you respond quickly when you notice something not right. However, anxiety can trigger a range of physical symptoms like jitteriness, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat (palpitations). An anxiety disorder can be diagnosed in people suffering from frequent, severe, or chronic anxiety. This is a type of panic disorder in which you have recurring, unexpected anxiety attacks; phobias which are the result of a heightened fear of certain objects or situations; obsessive-compulsive disorder where irrational thoughts and repetitive behaviors control your life as well as separation anxiety disorder, where you fear being away from your home or your family.
Many women who suffer from ADHD struggle with a phenomenon known as "time blindness." They can miss important dates or appointments, show up at the wrong location at the wrong time, or get too distracted by their work that they miss social interactions. This can cause them to appear aloof, inconsiderate or unfocused to other people. Good sleeping habits can help to prevent time blindness and can make them appear unfocused, so try to adhere to a regular time for bed and do something that is relaxing before you go to sleep, such as listening to music, reading or meditating.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle with keeping their schedules in order. They may have a difficult managing their appointments, schedules, and belongings. Their office, home, and car may be cluttered and their bags could be full of receipts, 17 chapsticks or a ticket to the Kings of Leon concert of 2008. Their disorganization and forgetfulness can make it difficult for them to maintain and build relationships at work as well as in their private lives.
Women also have a tendency to find it difficult to express their opinions in social situations. They may be impulsive and impatient which causes them to interrupt others or blurt things out before considering the consequences. The struggle to filter their thoughts can result in miscommunications and hurt feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can differ between days because of hormonal fluctuation. For instance, estrogen levels are lowest at the time of ovulation, and during the menstrual cycle which can increase ADHD symptoms. These symptoms may be the reason for why many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed correctly.
In addition to the differences in brain structure and chemicals that are involved in ADHD for females and males, there is also a bias against diagnosing women with the condition. This bias is linked to the fact that ADHD research and educational programs primarily focus on boys and men/people AMAB, so it's more likely that healthcare providers and educators will see hyperactive/impulsive-type symptoms in those groups and overlook symptoms of inattentive ADHD in women.
If women are given a clear diagnosis of ADHD, they can manage their symptoms by using medication and other strategies for treatment. They can find success at work, school and in their private lives with the right help. The use of medication can improve concentration and assist with everyday challenges. Behavioral therapy and specialized apps for smartphones can also prove beneficial.
5. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD frequently have issues with controlling their impulses. It's because the part of the brain that makes decisions, and weighs the consequences, isn't functioning in the same way. This causes them to make decisions or act without thinking about the outcome, which can result in negative consequences. Impulsive behavior can result in relationships that are damaged. It could cause dangerous sexual behavior.
Someone suffering from ADHD may develop a variety of coping strategies that help them deal with their difficulties with controlling their impulses. Self-medicating using alcohol or other drugs, or soothing yourself with food are all possible. A poor diet or not getting enough sleep can cause problems.
Women and girls with ADHD may have trouble recognizing the signs of a problem with their behavior. They may find it difficult to articulate their issues and so hide their struggles. This makes it difficult for people to identify their problems and delay a diagnosis.
In symptoms of adhd adult , girls and women who suffer from ADHD tend to show their symptoms in a different way than men or boys. They might be less attentive, and suffer from mood disorders or anxiety such as depression. These factors are the reason that women and girls with ADHD are more likely to be misdiagnosed than boys or men with ADHD.
While awareness of ADHD has increased however, it's still a condition that affects millions of people. It's most prevalent in adolescence and early adulthood, when a lot of people are trying to meet the demands of their work or school. Parents and teachers should be aware that their daughter or granddaughter may have ADHD in order to receive the assistance she needs.