It's The Ugly Truth About Female ADHD Symptoms
Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who have 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 also tend to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, which mask their ADHD symptoms and hinders an accurate diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to coexisting conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Attention!
Women with inattentive ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They might forget appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They are unable to keep their finances in order chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. These women are also prone to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory problems. They also have difficulty staying still for long durations and aren't able to concentrate or follow instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more commonly associated with males and boys, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is just as common in girls and women. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80% of all ADHD sufferers are inattentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that persist for longer than six months to be able to receive a diagnosis.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to spot than other types of ADHD because many people don't consider them as being a disorder or have different expectations about how a girl should behave. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects women's lives can change over different periods of her life because of hormonal fluctuations. For example the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may be more severe during the menstrual cycle, when she's pregnant, or when she enters menopausal.
These signs can have a significant impact on women's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. They can trigger feelings of guilt and self-worth devaluation due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also suffer from anxiety and depression. They can also engage in sexual behaviors that increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They might also struggle with the sensitivity to rejection since they have a hard time accepting negative reactions from others. They may avoid social situations or isolate themselves due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD for both genders. They are more likely to be procrastinators or misplace items or have difficulty concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have difficulties getting sleep or relaxing and are more prone to mood swings or anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause problems at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Since symptoms of ADHD are more common in boys and men however, girls and women may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Teachers and healthcare professionals often do not recommend ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as often as they do for male students. This can lead both to an incorrect diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
This, along with the tendency to hide their issues, can make it clear that people with ADHD experience a greater impact than is usually reported. They may not even mention that they are having trouble concentrating at work or are overwhelmed by household tasks. They might have trouble making decisions at the supermarket or find it hard to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying issue, they may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that may include alcohol addiction or poor eating habits. This can cause more problems over time, and prevent the woman from getting the help she needs.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more popular with boys and men socially it is possible that women and girls may suppress or hide them out of fear of being disregarded. For example, girls with ADHD might display hyperactive and impulsive behaviors to avoid being criticized because they aren't in line with the norms of school or in the community.
These issues can lead to a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends and teachers to be aware of these issues in girls and women, as they can be a sign of a disorder that is not recognized and must be treated with medication management and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women with ADHD tend to find it more difficult than men to control their emotions. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms like irritability or a feeling of inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional issues can have serious implications for relationships and job prospects.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a struggle for both parents and children however, it is particularly challenging for women. Women are often embarrassed or ashamed about their ADHD which can prevent them from seeking assistance. They may attempt to hide their symptoms through strategies to cope, like excessive drinking or drug abuse, which can actually make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers and women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It may delay the diagnosis.
It is easier for women who suffers from ADHD to hide her symptoms during her youth and adolescence than when she becomes an adult. Stress from daily life and the pressures of society to excel in work and relationships can cause more ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling a sense of self-doubt, a sense of inadequacy and a constant sense of anxiety. For symptoms of adhd , receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a lightbulb moment, helping them understand the root of their challenges and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.
Many women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive help at work or school. They may feel embarrassed telling a supervisor or professor and may be concerned that the accommodations they require could be perceived as an act of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to help people who suffer from ADHD succeed in their work.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking friends who can support them can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups provide an opportunity to share stories and discuss the unique challenges of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As women and girls get older, they may develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to detect. symptoms of adhd might dress and behave like her peers to avoid being bullied or criticized by other people. In addition, she might take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by putting in more effort at school or work or using productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other strategies for coping could disguise the presence of ADHD in a female and delay her adult diagnosis.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before they receive an official diagnosis. These other disorders can disguise the presence of ADHD, as well as hinder treatment and recovery.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They may be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which adds to their anger.
In addition, many women have difficulty in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They tend to forget birthdays or misunderstand minor details, which can lead to conflict and miscommunication. They also may struggle to keep up with housework, personal finances and other obligations of the day. These issues can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel a dysfunctional internal landscape of their beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias can also affect the rate of women and girls who are recommended for an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes that described children suffering from ADHD symptoms and assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek help for the child depicted. They found that participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
ADHD as with other conditions that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and deteriorate at various times. For example, symptoms may be more apparent during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy, or menopausal cycle. These changes can lead to problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. They can also lead to feelings of frustration and failure.