Why No One Cares About Female ADHD Symptoms
Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who have ADHD often go undiagnosed 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.
These individuals are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking and substance abuse that mask ADHD symptoms and delays the diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as anxiety and depression are also common among these people.
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 things around the house unattended. They are unable to keep track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping. These women also tend to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory problems. These women also have difficulty being still for long periods and are unable to focus or follow instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more frequently found in males and females, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is just as common in women and girls. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80% of all ADHD sufferers are inattentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must show at least five continuous inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can be difficult for people to identify because they don't view them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how a girl should act. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects women's lives can vary during different times of her life due to hormone changes. For instance, a woman's symptoms may become more severe during her menstrual cycle, when she's pregnant, or when she enters menopausal.
These issues can have a negative impact on a woman’s self-esteem and her life satisfaction. These symptoms can lead to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem and can make it hard to manage relationships, work or home tasks. Women with untreated ADHD can also suffer from anxiety and depression. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors that increase the chance of having a baby, sexually transmitted infections and other health issues. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or not. As a result, they may avoid social situations and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first indications of ADHD for women and girls. They may procrastinate more and lose things, or have difficulty concentrating. They may also be overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. female symptoms of adhd may also have difficulties getting sleep or relaxing and may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxiety. These signs can cause issues at home, school and in relationships.
Girls and women are frequently not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent between males and females. Teachers and healthcare professionals often don't suggest ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as often as they do for males. This could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
This, along with the tendency to hide their problems, could make it clear that people with ADHD suffer more than is typically reported. They might not mention that they struggle to concentrate at work or feel overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make decisions at the grocery store or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they could 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 requires.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more popular with boys and men socially It is possible that girls and women might hide or suppress from fear of being judged. For instance, a child with ADHD might display hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the norms of her community or school.
These issues can lead to a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It's important for family members, friends, and teachers to recognize these struggles in women and girls since they may be a sign of an undiagnosed disorder that requires treatment by a combination of therapy and medication.
Emotional Troubles
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult in managing their emotions than men. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can lead to more severe symptoms like irritability or a feeling of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional problems can have serious implications for relationships and job prospects.
ADHD can be a major challenge for both children and parents however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women are often shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD, and this can hinder them from seeking assistance. They may also attempt to hide their symptoms by implementing strategies for coping, such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse, which could cause the problem to get worse. Masking can also make it more difficult for employers and teachers to recognize ADHD symptoms for women, and could lead to delays in diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be able to manage to hide her symptoms throughout her adolescence and youth however, it can be more difficult as an adult. Stress from everyday life and the pressures of society to excel in relationships and work 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. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a transformative moment for some women. It can help them understand the cause of their issues and allow them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women suffering from ADHD find it difficult to receive help at work or school. They may feel embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the accommodation they need will be considered a sign of weakness or incompetence. Most teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to help people with ADHD succeed in their jobs.
In addition to locating supportive peers, women with ADHD can also benefit by joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups give members the chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD issues.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As girls and women grow older, they may develop coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to detect. Girls may dress and behave like her peers in order to avoid being bullied or rejected by others. She could also take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by working harder at school or work or relying on productivity apps to get tasks accomplished. These and other coping strategies can disguise the existence of ADHD in females and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Often, women and girls who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, prior to the time they receive a diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions may conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They may also complicate treatment.
Girls and females with ADHD also have a greater risk of feeling low about themselves and are more likely to be afflicted by mood disorders that coexist. This is more so than men or boys. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which increases their feelings of anger.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely to forget birthdays or miss important details, which can lead to conflict and miscommunication. They may also struggle to keep up with household chores, personal finances and other obligations of the day. These difficulties can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an internal chaos of beliefs about their worth.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings can affect the frequency of women and girls who are being referred to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a class to read vignettes describing children suffering from ADHD symptoms and to rate how likely they would be to recommend or seek services for the child they described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD like other disorders, can vary in severity and worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms may be more pronounced during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can lead to issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and cause feelings of frustration and disappointment.