Female ADHD Symptoms

Females who have ADHD often are not recognized as children due to the fact that the disorder is different 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 and substance abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. They are also susceptible to coexisting conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Attention

Women with inattentive ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They might miss appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They are unable to keep track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping. They also tend to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory issues. They also have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time and have difficulty staying focused or following instructions.

While the impulse control and hyperactivity are more common for males and boys but the inattention ADHD subtype is also seen 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 have at least five continuous inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.

The inattentive symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to identify than other kinds of ADHD because many people don't consider them as being a disorder or have different expectations of what a girl's behavior should be. This is why parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than for boys.

A woman's ADHD symptoms can change as time passes due to hormonal changes. For example women's symptoms could get worse during the menstrual cycle, if she is pregnant or when she enters menopausal.

These signs can have an impact on the self-esteem of women and their life satisfaction. They can trigger feelings of shame and low self-worth because they make it hard to manage relationships, work and domestic tasks. Women with untreated ADHD might also suffer from anxiety and depression. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behavior that increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health problems. They may also experience rejection sensitivity because they have difficulty accepting real or perceived negative responses from others. They may avoid social situations or even isolate themselves as a result.

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

In many instances, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD in women and girls. They are more likely to delay or misplace things, have trouble concentrating on their tasks, and are easily overwhelmed in busy environments. They may also have difficulties falling asleep or relaxing, and could be more prone to mood swings or anxiety. These symptoms can cause issues at home, school and in relationships.

Women and girls are often overlooked for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent between males and females. Healthcare professionals and teachers don't suggest ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do male students. This can result in an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment.

This, in conjunction with the tendency to hide their problems, could make it clear that people with ADHD suffer more than is normally reported. For instance, they may not report having difficulty focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might struggle to make choices at the grocery store or have trouble finding the time to relax or sleep.

This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they might adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This may include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This can make the problem worse over time, and hinder the woman from getting help that could improve her life dramatically.

Because ADHD-related behaviors are more acceptable to males and boys, it is possible that women and girls may suppress or hide from fear of being judged. For instance, a girl who suffers from ADHD may exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being judged for not conforming to the norms of her community or school.

These causes can create a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families, friends, and educators must be aware of these issues, as they may be indicators of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. This disorder can be treated with medication and therapy.

Emotional Problems

Women suffering from ADHD typically find it more difficult than men to manage their emotions. Their moods are more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can cause symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of being inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more prone to anxiety and depression. These emotional problems can have serious implications for relationships and career prospects.

ADHD can be a challenge for both children and parents but it can be especially difficult for women. Women are often shy or embarrassed about their ADHD and this may prevent them from seeking assistance. Some women try to cover up their symptoms by using coping strategies like excessive alcohol or drug abuse which can cause more harm. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers and women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It may also delay the diagnosis.

It is easier for women who suffers from ADHD to conceal her symptoms in her adolescence and youth than as an adult. The pressures of life, along with the expectations from society to excel at work and in relationships, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of being insecure, self-esteem issues and constant stress. For some, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD could be an epiphany, helping them to understand the root of their issues autism and adhd comorbidity symptoms allowing them to accept their own uniqueness.

Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to receive support at work or at school. They may be embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the accommodations they require could be considered a sign of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to help people with adhd meltdown symptoms achieve their goals.

Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups give members the opportunities to share experiences and discuss women's adhd depression symptoms difficulties.

Co-occurring conditions

As girls and women mature, they may develop strategies to deal with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to detect. A girl may dress and behave like her peers to avoid being bullied or rejected by other people. Or, she may take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by putting in more effort at work or school or relying on productivity apps to get her tasks done. These and other coping strategies could disguise the presence of ADHD in a female and delay her diagnosis as an adult.

Girls and women with ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions could conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They may cause complications in treatment.

Women and girls 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 contributes to their feelings of frustration.

Additionally, many women have difficulty in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to overlook birthdays and miss small details. This could lead to confusion and conflict. They also may struggle to keep up with household chores, personal finances, and other responsibilities of daily life. These difficulties can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can lead to an internal chaos of beliefs about their worth.

Gender bias in clinical settings can also affect the rate at which girls and women are recommended to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a classroom to read vignettes describing children who had ADHD symptoms, and rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or seek out 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 different times. For example, symptoms may be more evident during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy or the menopause. These changes can lead to problems with relationships, social functioning, and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of disappointment and despair.