Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescents who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs and symptoms of adhd, not the impulsivity and hyperactivity that are more common for both genders. This means they are more likely to be missed and misdiagnosed.
Gender stereotypes are a factor in the way that caregivers may assume that girls who are quiet or who seem withdrawn and dreamy are just "being girls." Additionally, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle as well as perimenopausal symptoms can cause ADHD symptoms to flare up.
1. Hyperactivity
When it comes to ADHD the first impression many people have is the hyperactive boy bouncing off the walls in class. While this is one type of ADHD females and girls are also affected by the disorder in this form. ADHD symptoms in girls and women are typically more difficult to spot than boys. This leads to the disorder being misdiagnosed or going untreated.
Women who suffer from ADHD may exhibit an impulsive behavior that makes it difficult to stop and think before they act. They may not be able to listen when people are talking, and they may have trouble following directions or completing tasks. These difficulties can lead them to frustration and misunderstandings with family or friends, as well as romantic partners, as well as coworkers.
Many women who suffer from ADHD have rejection sensitivity. This is a strong emotional reaction to actual or perceived rejection. In combination with low self-esteem, and difficulty in peer relationships, this can make it difficult for a woman to cope with her ADHD symptoms of adhd burnout.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can show up at various periods during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations can cause irritability, mood swings and problems with concentration.
Diet, exercise and sleeping habits can help some women ocd and adhd symptoms girls with ADHD control their lesser known symptoms of adhd. Regular physical activity releases neurotransmitters that boost attention and concentration. It can also calm anxiety and stress, which are common among women suffering from ADHD. Sleeping enough and taking breaks can also help ADHD symptoms. Many people suffering from ADHD can benefit from tools such as checklists or planners, as well as a post-it notes to keep track of their tasks. In some cases healthcare professionals can prescribe medication to treat symptoms.
2. Attention
Girls and women with inattentive ADHD are often not diagnosed, even if the symptoms are severe. They struggle to keep up at school, their homes may be messy, and they have issues with relationships and performance. They may try to compensate for their issues by denying them or claiming that they're not affected.
Gender bias also can be a factor in missed or misdiagnoses. For instance, if a boy displays an impulsive or hyperactive behavior and signs, they are more likely to get diagnosed and treated. Girls who show inattentive behavior are often dismissed as dreamy, ditzy, or space-related.
Inattention can manifest in many ways. You might miss appointments, fail to follow through with promises or struggle to stay focused during meetings or classroom lectures. You aren't able to wait for your turn and you constantly interrupt other people while you talk. You're not able to remember things and are often lost items or forget where they are. You are unable to follow simple instructions and tend to avoid tasks that require concentration such as homework or chores.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can also become more severe when hormonal changes take place such as during pregnancy, menstruation, or perimenopause. It is difficult to concentrate on work or home and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or reach the goals of life.
Exercise can help you manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals, including dopamine, which can improve your focus and mood. Additionally, regular exercise can help you shed excess energy and can ease anxiety or depression -- symptoms that are common among women with ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Women and adolescents with ADHD tend to experience more anxiety and mood issues than hyperactivity or impulsivity. Girls are often reluctant to acknowledge that they struggle due to gender-based expectations. They are more likely to conceal odd adhd symptoms symptoms by avoiding other behaviors. This can cause girls and women to be misdiagnosed and unable to be able to report their ADHD symptoms. They may also be more likely to have inattentive ADHD symptoms, which don't show up as obvious as the impulsive/hyperactive ones that boys and men display.
Anxiety is a natural response to stress and danger. It can be debilitating and overwhelming but it's a good thing. It keeps you aware of danger and helps you react quickly if there is something wrong. In reality anxiety can trigger a myriad of physical symptoms, including sweating and jitteriness. It can also cause an increase in heart rate, or palpitations. People who suffer from frequent, severe, or disabling anxiety may be diagnosed with anxiety disorders. This includes panic disorder, where you have recurring, unexpected panic attacks; phobias which are the result of a heightened fear of particular objects or situations; obsessive compulsive disorder where irrational thinking and repetitive behavior control your life; and separation anxiety disorder, where you are afraid of being away from your home or family.
Women who suffer from ADHD often have issues with "time blindness". They may forget important dates and appointments, arrive at the incorrect time or place or be so distracted by their work that they fail to notice social interactions. This can cause them to appear unfocused, aloof or inconsiderate of other people. A good night's sleep can to prevent time blindness so make sure you stick to a set bedtime and do something that is relaxing before you go to bed, such as listening to music, reading or meditating.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty staying organized. They may have a difficult time keeping track of their schedules, appointments and possessions. Their office, home, and car could be overflowing with clutter, and their handbags may be full of receipts, 17 chapsticks or a ticket for the Kings of Leon concert of 2008. Their inattention and lack of organization can make it difficult to maintain and build relationships at work and in their personal lives.
Women can also find it difficult to express their opinions in social situations. They can be impatient and impulsive and can cause them to interrupt others or shout things out without considering the consequences. These struggles with filtering their thoughts can lead to confusion and hurt feelings.
The symptoms of slight adhd symptoms are able to change from day to day due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance estrogen levels are lower around ovulation and during menstrual cycles which can increase ADHD symptoms. These symptoms could be the reason why a lot of women suffering from ADHD go undiagnosed and mistreated.
In addition to the differences in brain structure and chemical composition that are involved in ADHD in females and males as well as the tendency to not diagnose women with the condition. This bias is linked to the fact that ADHD research and educational programs primarily focus on boys and men/people AMAB, so it's more likely that healthcare providers and educators will see hyperactive/impulsive-type symptoms in those groups and overlook symptoms of inattentive ADHD in women.
When women have a clear diagnosis of ADHD and are able to manage their symptoms with the help of medication and other strategies for treatment. With the right help they can be successful at school, work and in their private lives. The use of medication can improve concentration and assist with everyday difficulties. Behavioral therapy and specialized smartphone applications can also help.
5. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have problems with controlling their impulses. This is because the brain part that makes decisions and considers the consequences isn't as efficient. This could lead to an inability to act or say things without thinking about the consequences, which could result in negative effects. For instance, impulsive behavior could lead to financial issues or damage relationships. It might also lead to sexually risky behaviors.
A person suffering from ADHD may develop a variety of strategies to help them manage their difficulty with impulse control. This could include self-medicating with alcohol or other drugs or eating food as a method to soothe themselves. A poor diet or lack of sleep can cause issues.
Girls and women with ADHD might have difficulty recognizing a problem in their behavior. They might find it difficult to communicate their problems to their teachers or parents and, therefore, they try to conceal their issues. This can make it difficult for people to recognize their symptoms and delay a diagnosis.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often afflicted with different symptoms than men or boys. They might be less attentive and may suffer from anxiety or mood disorders like depression. These factors could be the reason for girls and women with ADHD are misdiagnosed more frequently than boys or men.
ADHD is a chronic disorder that affects a lot of people, despite increased awareness. It's more prevalent during the early years of adulthood and adolescence when students are trying to balance work or school. It is crucial for teachers and parents to be aware of the possibility that a person they know is suffering from ADHD to ensure that they receive the assistance she requires.