The Most Convincing Evidence That You Need Female ADHD Symptoms
Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who have ADHD often are not recognized as children due to the fact that the disorder appears differently 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 develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, that mask their ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to coexisting conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Attention!
Women with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may skip appointments or leave their home unattended. They struggle to keep their finances in order as well as household chores and record-keeping. It's also common for these women to have trouble with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult for them to remember names or dates. They also have a difficult time being still for long durations of time and have trouble staying focused or following the directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more often associated with males and boys, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is just as common in girls and women. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must show at least five inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD can be harder to identify than other forms of ADHD because a lot of people don't see them as a part of an issue or have different expectations about how a girl should behave. Parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms may also change over time due to hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms can become more severe when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopausal changes.
These signs can have a major impact on a woman's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. They can lead to feelings of guilt and self-worth devaluation because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD can also suffer from depression and anxiety. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behavior that can increase the likelihood of having children sexually transmitted infections, as well as other health problems. They may also have difficulty accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or not. As a result, they may avoid social settings and isolate themselves.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases the two are the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They might be more procrastinative, misplace things or have difficulty concentrating. They may also become overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They may also have trouble getting sleep or relaxing and could be more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at school, home and in relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men women and girls can be omitted from a diagnosis. Healthcare professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male students. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis as well as a delay in treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to hide their struggles can result in adults with ADHD suffer more than is usually reported. They may not even mention that they have difficulty concentrating at work or feel overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making decisions at the grocery shop or struggle to relax or sleep.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that may include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This could make the problem worse over time, and may prevent the woman from getting the help she needs.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more popular with males and females in social settings it is possible that girls and women may hide or suppress from fear of being disregarded. For example, a girl with ADHD might show hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized for not fitting in with the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
Ultimately, these factors can result in a cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. It is crucial for family members, friends and teachers to be aware of these issues for women and girls, since they may be an indication of a disorder that is not recognized and requires treatment with medication management and therapy.
Emotional Problems
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to find it more difficult than men to control their emotions. Their moods are more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of being inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional issues could be detrimental to career and relationships.
Having ADHD can be a struggle for parents and children alike, but it's especially difficult for women. Women often feel shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD and this may make it difficult for them to seek assistance. Women may attempt to cover up their symptoms by using strategies to cope, such as excessive drinking or substance abuse which can cause more harm. Masking can also make it difficult for teachers and employers to notice ADHD symptoms for women, and could lead to a delay in diagnosing.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able to manage to hide her symptoms throughout the adolescent years and in her youth however, it can be more difficult when she's an adult. Stress from everyday life and pressures from society to excel in both relationships and work can cause more ADHD symptoms. These struggles can lead to women suffering from ADHD feeling like they're failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause ongoing stress. For some, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a lightbulb moment that helps them to understand the root of their difficulties and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.
Many women with ADHD struggle to get support at school or work. They may be uncomfortable in telling their supervisor or professor about their condition and fear that their accommodations could be interpreted as an indication of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to help people who suffer from ADHD achieve their goals.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups provide the opportunity to share personal stories and discuss the particular issues of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring Conditions
As women and girls mature, they may develop coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to recognize. Girls may dress and act like her peers in order to avoid being criticized or bullied by peers. She may compensate for her chaotic, impulsive behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. 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 with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before receiving 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 be afflicted by low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which further contributes to their feelings of anger.
Additionally, inattentive adhd symptoms have difficulty in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to forget birthdays and miss minor details. This could lead to confusion and conflict. They also might be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances, and other daily responsibilities. These issues can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an internal chaos of their beliefs about their worth.
Gender bias in clinical settings can also affect the rate of women and girls who are being referred for an ADHD evaluation. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a classroom to read vignettes describing children with ADHD symptoms and to rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or find services for the child described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD, like other conditions is a condition that can be severe and worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more apparent during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy or the menopausal cycle. These changes can lead to problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of disappointment and despair.