Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often are not recognized as children because 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 have a tendency to develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay a proper diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like anxiety and depression are also common among these people.
Inattention
Women with inattentive ADHD often find it hard to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave their home unattended. They struggle to organize personal finances, record-keeping and household chores. These women also tend to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory problems. These women also have difficulty being still for long periods and are unable to concentrate or follow directions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more commonly found in males and females but the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common in women and girls. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. To be eligible for a diagnosis, you must have at least five inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be harder to spot because they don't see them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how a girl should act. This is why parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than they are for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms may also change in time due to hormonal changes. Women's symptoms may worsen during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes.
These symptoms can affect the self-esteem of women and their satisfaction with her life. These issues can lead to feelings of shame and low-self-worth and can make it hard to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might also suffer from depression and anxiety. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behavior which increase the chance of having a baby and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health issues. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or not. This is why they might avoid social situations and isolate themselves.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD in girls and women. They may procrastinate more and lose things, or have difficulty concentrating. They can also become overwhelmed by busy environments. They may also have trouble falling asleep or relaxing, and may be more susceptible to mood swings or anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at school, home and in relationships.
Girls and women are frequently left out of the diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent between males and females. Healthcare providers and teachers often don't suggest ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for males. This could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
This, along with the tendency to hide their struggles can mean that adults who have ADHD have a more significant impact than is usually reported. They may not be able to admit that they have difficulty concentrating at work or are overwhelmed by household tasks. They might have trouble making decisions when shopping or find it hard to relax or sleep.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies, which may include alcohol abuse or poor eating habits. This can cause more problems over time, and prevent the woman getting the help she needs.
It is also possible because ADHD-linked behaviors are more socially acceptable for boys and men, they may be suppressed or hidden by girls and women who fear being rejected. For instance, girls who have ADHD may exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behaviors to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the norms of school or community.
Ultimately, these factors can create a vicious cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families, friends, and educators must be aware of these issues, as they may be a sign of an undiagnosed disorder. This disorder is treatable with medication and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women suffering from ADHD tend to struggle more than men to control 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 are also more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These emotional problems could have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
Having ADHD can be a challenge for both parents and children however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women may feel embarrassed about ADHD and might not seek help because of this. Some women may try to hide their symptoms using coping strategies like excessive drinking or substance abuse, but this can cause more harm. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers to detect ADHD symptoms in women, and it could lead to delay in diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be able to effectively hide her symptoms in the adolescent years and in her youth, but it's more challenging as an adult. Stress from everyday life and pressures from society to excel in both relationships and work can intensify ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling a sense of failure, low self-esteem and a constant sense of anxiety. For some, an diagnosis of ADHD could be a lightbulb moment that helps them to understand the root of their challenges and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.
Many women suffering from ADHD find it difficult to get support at work or school. symptoms of adult add may be shy to speak to an instructor or supervisor and worry that their choice is seen as an indication of incompetence or weakness. However, the majority of instructors and supervisors are willing to make minor accommodations to allow those with ADHD to excel in their job.
In addition to finding people who can be supportive, women suffering from ADHD can benefit from joining online support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups provide an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the particular issues of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As girls and women mature they can develop coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to recognize. A girl may dress and act like her peers to avoid being criticized or bullied by others. Or, she may compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by putting more effort into work or school or relying on productivity apps to get tasks accomplished. These and other strategies for coping can disguise the existence of ADHD in a female and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Girls and women with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD, as well as make it difficult to treat and recover.
Females and girls who have ADHD also have a higher chance of having low self-esteem and are more likely to be affected by coexisting mood disorders than males or boys. They may be misunderstood and dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which increases their feelings of discontent.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They tend to forget birthdays or err on minor details, which can lead to conflict and confusion. Also, they may struggle to manage household chores financial obligations, personal finances, and other daily responsibilities. These challenges can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their capabilities and worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias also affects the rate of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a classroom to read vignettes describing children suffering from ADHD symptoms, and rate how likely they would be to recommend or find 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 prominent during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy or the menopause. These changes can cause issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, as well as result in feelings of anger and failure.