Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who have ADHD often go undiagnosed 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 tend to develop unhealthy strategies for coping, like excessive drinking and substance abuse, that mask their ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like depression and anxiety, are also common in these people.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They may miss appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They struggle to keep track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. These women are also prone to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory issues. They also have trouble being still for long durations of time and have trouble staying focused or following instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more often associated with males and boys, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is equally prevalent for women and girls. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80% of all ADHD sufferers are not attentive. You must show five inattentive symptoms that persist for a period of more than six months to be able to receive a diagnosis.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be harder to spot because they don't see them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how girls 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. Women's symptoms can become more severe during pregnancy, menstruation or menopause.
These signs can have a major impact on women's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. These symptoms can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame and make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD might also suffer from anxiety and depression. They can also engage in sexual activities which can increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They might also struggle with rejection sensitivity because they have difficulty accepting negative or real responses from others. This is why they may avoid social settings and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They are more likely to procrastinate or misplace things and have difficulty focusing on tasks and easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have difficulties getting sleep or relaxing and could be more prone to mood swings or anxiety. These symptoms can lead to difficulties at school, at home and in their relationships.
Since symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men, women and girls may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. 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 inaccurate diagnosis and an inability to treat.
Combined with a tendency to hide their issues It could mean that adults with ADHD have a more severe impact of the condition than typically reported. They might not mention that they are having trouble concentrating at work or are overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions when they go to the grocery store or find it difficult to relax or sleep.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they might adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This may include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This can cause more problems over time, and may prevent the woman from getting the help she requires.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more accepted by males and females in social settings it is possible that women and girls may hide or suppress their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being rejected. For instance, a girl who suffers from ADHD might show an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being shamed for not conforming to the norms of her community or school.
These issues can lead to an environment of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators should be aware of these struggles, as they may be signs of an undiagnosed disorder. This disorder can be treated with medication and therapy.
Emotional Troubles
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their emotions than males. Moods are more likely to fluctuate due to hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which can increase symptoms such as irritability and feelings of inadequacy. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional difficulties can have serious implications for relationships and career prospects.
ADHD can be a challenge for both children and parents however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can be shy about ADHD and may not seek help due to this. They may attempt to hide their symptoms through coping strategies such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse, which can actually cause the problem to get worse. Masking can also make it more difficult for teachers and employers to recognize ADHD symptoms for women, and it can contribute to a delay in diagnosing.
It's much easier for a woman who suffers from ADHD to hide the signs of ADHD in her adolescence and youth than when she becomes an adult. Stress from daily life and societal pressures to perform well in work and relationships can intensify ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women with ADHD feeling like they are a victim of failure, low self-esteem and a constant sense of anxiety. The diagnosis of ADHD could be a life-changing moment for some women. It can aid them in understanding the root of their struggles and allow them to accept themselves better.
female adhd symptoms with ADHD have a difficult time trying to get support at school or work. They may feel embarrassed about telling a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the accommodation they need will be seen as an act of weakness or incompetence. Most teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor modifications to help individuals who suffer from ADHD succeed in their jobs.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups give members the chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.
Co-occurring Conditions
As women and girls get older, they may develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to notice. For example girls may attempt to dress and behave like her peers to avoid attention from bullying or social rejection. She could also take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by putting in more effort at school or at work, or using productivity apps to get her tasks accomplished. These and other strategies for coping can disguise the existence of ADHD in a female and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Most often, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, before they receive a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD and make it difficult to treat and recover.
Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They are often misunderstood or dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which further contributes to their feelings of frustration.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to forget birthdays or err on minor details which can cause conflict and miscommunication. They may also struggle to keep up with housework, personal finances and other daily responsibilities. These issues can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can lead to an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their worth and capabilities.
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 class to read vignettes about children who had ADHD symptoms, and rate how likely they were to recommend or find services for the child they described. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services for boys than for girls.
As with other types of conditions, ADHD can vary in severity for each patient and may be worsened at different times. For instance, symptoms could be more apparent during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy or menopausal phase. These changes can cause problems with social functioning, relationships, and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of failure and frustration.