Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often are not recognized as children, because the disorder manifests 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 tend to develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like depression and anxiety are also common among these people.
Inattention
Women with inattentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They struggle to manage their personal finances, record-keeping and household chores. It's also common for these women to have issues with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult for them to remember dates or names. They also have trouble sitting still for long periods of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more frequently found in males and females however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent for women and girls. As high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must show at least five ongoing inattention symptoms that last more than six months.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be difficult for people to identify because they don't see them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how girls should behave. Because of this, parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can also change as time passes due to hormonal changes. For example the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may get worse during the menstrual cycle, while she's pregnant or as she enters menopausal.
These signs can have a significant impact on women's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. These symptoms can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame and can make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD may also be suffering from depression and anxiety. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual activities that can increase the likelihood of having children, sexually transmitted infections and other health problems. They may also have difficulty accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it is real or perceived. In the end, they may avoid social settings and avoid social situations.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD in women and girls. They might be more procrastinative and lose things, or have trouble focusing. They can also become overwhelmed by the busy environment. They may also have difficulty relaxing or falling asleep and may be more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can cause issues at home, school and in relationships.
Women and girls are often left out of the diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common among boys and men. Health professionals and teachers don't suggest ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male ones. This could result in an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, combined with the tendency to hide their struggles can mean that adults who have ADHD experience a greater impact than is typically reported. For instance, they may not report having difficulty focusing at work or feeling overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions when shopping or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This can have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies that could include substance use or eating habits that are unhealthy. This can make it worse over time, and prevent the woman from receiving the assistance she needs.
It is also possible that because ADHD-linked behaviors are more socially acceptable for males and girls, they may be suppressed or hid by women and girls who are worried about being rejected. For instance, a child who suffers from ADHD might display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being judged for not conforming to the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
These factors can ultimately create a cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. It is crucial for family members, friends and educators to notice these struggles in women and girls as they can be a sign of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and requires treatment with medication management and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women with ADHD tend to have a harder time than men to manage their emotions. The mood of women with ADHD is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can lead to more severe 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 problems could be detrimental to career and relationships.
ADHD can be a major challenge for parents and children alike but it can be especially difficult for women. Women often feel embarrassed or ashamed about their ADHD and this may hinder them from seeking help. Women may attempt to cover up their symptoms by using strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or drug abuse, but this can cause more harm. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers and women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It can delay the diagnosis.
It's much easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal her symptoms during her youth and adolescence than as an adult. The pressures of life, combined with expectations from society to excel at work and in relationships, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These challenges can result in women suffering from ADHD feeling like they're failing as well as low self-esteem and chronic distress. The diagnosis of ADHD could be a transformative moment for some women. It can help them understand the root of their difficulties and help them to accept themselves better.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty finding support at school or at work. They may feel embarrassed to tell their supervisor or professor about their condition and worry that their accommodation is seen as an indication of incompetence or weakness. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make minor adjustments to help those with ADHD succeed in their work.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups provide a opportunities to share experiences and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women grow up, they can develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to see. For instance the girl may attempt to dress and behave like her peers to avoid the attention of bullies or social rejection. She could also take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by putting more effort into work or school or relying on productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other coping strategies could disguise the presence of ADHD in females and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
Most often, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, before they are given a diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD, as well as make it difficult to treat and recover.
Girls and women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They are often misunderstood or dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which increases their feelings of discontent.
add symptoms adults can also cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to forget birthdays and to make mistakes with small details. This could lead to confusion and conflict. They may also struggle to keep up with household chores, personal finances and other daily responsibilities. These challenges can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can create an internal chaos of untruthful beliefs about their worth and capability.
In clinical settings, gender bias influences the frequency of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a classroom to read vignettes about children who had ADHD symptoms and to rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or seek services for the child portrayed. 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 could be more apparent during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy or the menopause. These changes can cause problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, as well as contribute to feelings of frustration and disappointment.