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Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls because it manifests differently than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also have a tendency to develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol and substance abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to co-existing disorders like depression and anxiety.
Attention
Women who are not attentive ADHD often have difficulty to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave things unattended around the house. They struggle to manage their personal finances, record-keeping and household chores. These women are also prone to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory issues. They also have trouble staying still for long periods of time and have difficulty staying focused or following directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more often found in males and females however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in girls and women. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are not attentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must have at least five continuous inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can be difficult to spot because they don't perceive the symptoms as a problem, or have different expectations of how a girl should act. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects women can vary during different times of her life due to hormone changes. Women's symptoms may worsen during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause.
These signs can affect women's self-esteem as well as their life satisfaction. They can cause feelings of self-doubt and shame due to the fact that 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 may also engage in sexual activities which increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They may also experience sensitization to rejection because they have difficulty accepting negative responses from others. They might avoid social situations or avoid social situations because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first indications of ADHD for girls and women. They might be more procrastinative, misplace things or have trouble focusing. They may also be overwhelmed by the busy environment. They might also have difficulty relaxing or falling asleep and may be more susceptible to mood fluctuation and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at school, at home and in their relationships.
Girls and women are frequently overlooked for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common for both genders. Healthcare professionals and teachers don't recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do male ones. This can lead both to an incorrect diagnosis as well as delays in treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to hide their issues, can mean that adults who have ADHD suffer more than is typically reported. For instance, they might not have trouble focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making decisions at the grocery store or have trouble to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies that may include alcohol use or poor eating habits. This could make the problem worse in time, and stop the woman getting the help she needs.
It is also possible that because ADHD-related behaviors are more popular with boys and men however, they could be repressed or hidden by girls and women who are concerned about being rejected. For instance, girls who have ADHD might display excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the norms at school or in the community.
In the end, these issues can create a vicious cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families, friends, and educators should be aware of these struggles and be aware that they could be signs of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. This disorder can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Troubles
Women with ADHD are more difficult in controlling their emotions than men. Their moods are more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms like irritability or a feeling of being inadequate. Women with ADHD also are more prone to depression and anxiety. These emotional difficulties may be detrimental to career and relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a slog for parents as well as children, but it's especially difficult for women. Women can be ashamed of ADHD and might not seek help because of this. They may try to mask their symptoms by implementing strategies for coping, such as drinking excessively or drug abuse, which can actually make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers to recognize ADHD symptoms for women, and can contribute to delays in diagnosis.
It's easier for a woman with ADHD to hide her symptoms in her youth and adolescence than when she becomes an adult. Stress from everyday life and pressures from society to excel in both relationships and work can intensify ADHD symptoms. These challenges can result in women with ADHD feeling like they're failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause constant stress. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a life-changing moment for some women. It can help them understand the root of their struggles and allow them to feel more comfortable with themselves.
Many women with ADHD find it difficult to receive support at work or at school. They may be uncomfortable in telling a supervisor or professor and fear that their accommodations is seen as an indication of incompetence or weakness. However, most instructors and supervisors will make small adjustments to enable those with ADHD to perform their jobs.
Women with ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups give members the chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women grow up, they can develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to detect. For instance girls may try to dress and act more like her peers in order to avoid being a target for bullying or social rejection. She might try to make up 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 mask 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 conditions could conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They can also make treatment more difficult.
Females and girls who have ADHD also have a higher risk of feeling low about themselves and are more likely to be affected by co-existing mood disorders than males or boys. They are often misunderstood or dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which further increases their feelings of frustration.
In addition many women experience difficulties in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to overlook birthdays and miss minor details. This can lead to miscommunication and conflict. They also might be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances and other daily responsibilities. adult adhd symptom can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can fuel an unhealthy internal landscape of beliefs about their worth.
Gender bias in clinical settings can affect the frequency that women and girls are being referred to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes describing children suffering from ADHD symptoms. They also assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek services for the child depicted. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD like other disorders is a condition that can be severe and deteriorate at various times. For instance, symptoms could be more prominent during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, and result in feelings of anger and disappointment.