Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls since it manifests differently than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These individuals are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking excessively and using substances, which mask their ADHD symptoms and delay the accurate diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like depression and anxiety, are also common in these individuals.
Inattention
Women who are not attentive extreme adhd symptoms adults often have difficulty to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They might forget appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They have a difficult time organizing their personal finances, record-keeping, and household chores. It's also normal for these women to have problems 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 have difficulty staying focused or following the directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more commonly found in males and females however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in girls and women. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80% of all ADHD sufferers are not attentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that last for longer than six months to be eligible for a diagnosis.
Inattention ADHD symptoms are often difficult for people to recognize because they don't see them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. Because of this, teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD evaluations for girls than for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can change as time passes due to hormonal fluctuations. For example, a woman's symptoms may be more severe during the menstrual cycle, while she's pregnant or as she enters menopausal.
These symptoms can have a significant impact on women's self-esteem autism and adhd comorbidity symptoms satisfaction with life. They can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and domestic tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also be suffering from depression and anxiety. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behavior that can increase the likelihood of having children sexually transmitted infections, as well as other health problems. They may also experience sensitization to rejection because they have a hard time accepting real or perceived negative reactions from others. They may avoid social situations or avoid social situations because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They may be more likely to be procrastinators or misplace things, have trouble concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in a busy environment. They might also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing and may be more prone to mood fluctuation and anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause problems at school, at home and in their relationships.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are more common for both genders however, girls and women may be omitted from a diagnosis. Healthcare professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male students. This can result in an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to conceal their issues, can mean that adults who have ADHD suffer more than is normally reported. They may not even mention that they are having trouble concentrating at work or are overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make decisions when they go to the grocery shop or struggle to relax or sleep.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying problem, they could develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that may include substance addiction or eating habits that are unhealthy. This could make the issue worse over time and keep the woman from getting help that could change her life significantly.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more acceptable to males and boys it is possible that women and girls may suppress or hide them out of fear of being disregarded. For instance, girls with ADHD may exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the norms of their school or in the community.
These causes can 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 girls and women, because they could be a sign of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and needs to be addressed by a combination of therapy and medication.
Emotional Problems
Women suffering from extreme adhd symptoms adults typically find it more difficult than men to control their emotions. Moods are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormone fluctuations throughout the day, which may exacerbate symptoms such as irritability and feelings of inadequacy. Women with adhd and autism symptoms also have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. These emotional problems could be detrimental to career and relationships.
ADHD can be a challenge for parents and children alike, but it is especially difficult for women. Women often feel shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD which can hinder them from seeking assistance. Women may attempt to mask symptoms with strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or drug abuse however this could make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers as well as women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It may delay the diagnosis.
It is easier for women who suffers from ADHD to hide her symptoms during her teens and early adolescence than as an adult. The pressures of life, along with the societal expectations to excel in work and relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling like they are failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause constant stress. For some, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD can be like a lightbulb moment that helps them understand the root cause of their difficulties and giving them the chance to accept themselves more fully.
Many women with ADHD struggle to receive help at work or at school. They may feel shy to speak to a supervisor or professor and fear that their accommodations will be seen as a sign of incompetence or weakness. However, most supervisors and instructors are willing to make minor adjustments to help those with ADHD to excel in their jobs.
Women with ADHD who are looking for friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups offer an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the unique difficulties of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women mature they can develop strategies to deal with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to recognize. For instance the girl may try to dress and act like her peers to ward off the attention of bullies or social rejection. She could try to compensate for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by putting more effort into school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other strategies for coping can mask the presence of ADHD in women and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
A lot of the time, girls and women who have ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety, before they receive an official diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They may cause complications in treatment.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem, as well as coexisting mood disorders. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which adds to their anger.
In addition there are women who have issues in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men with adhd symptoms to overlook birthdays and make mistakes with small details. This could lead to confusion and conflict. Additionally, they might have difficulty keeping up with household chores as well as personal finances and daily obligations. These difficulties can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can create an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their worth and capabilities.
Gender bias in clinical settings can also affect the rate that women and girls are recommended to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes that described children with ADHD symptoms and evaluated their likelihood to recommend or seek out services for the child depicted. They found that participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than for girls.
ADHD as with other conditions that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms may be more severe during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can cause problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, as well as contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.