20 Trailblazers Are Leading The Way In Female ADHD Symptoms
adhd signs in adults who have ADHD often go undiagnosed as children because 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.
These individuals also tend to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse that mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like anxiety and depression, are also common in these individuals.
Inattention
Women who aren't attentive ADHD might 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 struggle to keep the track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping. These women are also more likely to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory problems. They also have difficulty being still for long durations of time and have trouble staying focused or following directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more commonly associated with boys and men but the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common in girls and women. In fact, it's estimated that up to 80% of all ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that last for a period of more than six months to be able to receive a diagnosis.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms are often difficult for people to recognize because they don't see the symptoms as a problem, or have different expectations of how a girl should act. This is why teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than they are for boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms can change over time due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance women's symptoms could be more severe during the menstrual cycle, when she's pregnant, or when she enters menopause.
These signs can have a profound effect on women's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. They can lead to feelings of guilt and self-worth devaluation because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women with untreated ADHD are also susceptible to anxiety and depression. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors that increase the chance of having a baby sexually transmitted infections, as well as other health problems. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or perceived. They may avoid social situations or isolate themselves due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first indications of ADHD for women and girls. They may procrastinate more and lose things, or have trouble focusing. They may also be overwhelmed by busy environments. They may also have trouble getting comfortable or falling asleep and may be more prone to mood fluctuation and anxiety. These symptoms can cause problems at home, school and in relationships.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent for both genders women and girls can be overlooked for a diagnosis. Teachers and healthcare professionals often do not recommend ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as often as they do for males. This can lead to an inaccurate diagnosis and an inability to treat.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to hide their problems, could mean that adults who have ADHD have a more significant impact than is typically reported. They may not even mention that they struggle to concentrate at work or are overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions at the grocery shop or struggle to relax or sleep.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying problem, they may adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This could include substance abuse and unhealthy eating habits. This can cause more problems in time, and stop the woman getting the help she requires.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more acceptable to males and females in social settings It is possible that girls and women may suppress or hide from fear of being disregarded. For example, a girl who suffers from ADHD might show an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the norms of her community or school.
In the end, these issues can result in a cycle of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators must be aware of the struggles and be aware that they could be indicators of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. This condition can be treated by medication and therapy.
Emotional Troubles
Women suffering from ADHD have a harder time controlling their emotions than males. Moods are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal changes throughout the day, which may cause symptoms like anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. Women with ADHD also are more prone to depression and anxiety. add symptoms may be detrimental to career and relationships.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a slog for parents and children alike, but it's especially difficult for women. Women can feel shy about ADHD and may not seek help because of this. They may even try to mask their symptoms through strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or drug abuse, which can actually make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers, as well as women themselves, to recognize ADHD symptoms. It can delay diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be able to effectively hide her symptoms in the adolescent years and in her youth however it becomes more difficult when she's an adult. The stress of everyday life, coupled with expectations from society to excel at work and in relationships, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women with ADHD feeling a sense of self-doubt, a sense of inadequacy and chronic distress. For some, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD can be like a lightbulb moment that helps them understand the root cause of their challenges and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.
Many women suffering from ADHD find it difficult to receive support at work or school. They may be shy to speak to their supervisor or professor about their condition and worry that their accommodation is seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, most supervisors and instructors are willing to make small adjustments to enable those with ADHD to perform their jobs.
In addition to locating supportive peers, women with ADHD can also benefit by joining online support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups provide a chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD issues.
Co-Occurring conditions
As women and girls mature, they may develop coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to detect. For instance the girl may try to dress and behave like her peers to ward off being a target for bullying or social rejection. She may compensate for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other coping strategies can disguise the presence of ADHD in women and delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Often, women and girls who have ADHD are often diagnosed with other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, prior to the time they receive an official diagnosis of the disorder. These other disorders can disguise the presence of ADHD and complicate treatment and recovery.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, as well as coexisting mood disorders. They may be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which can increase their angst.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely to forget birthdays or err on minor details, which can lead to conflicts and miscommunication. Additionally, they might have difficulty keeping up with household chores as well as personal finances and daily responsibilities. These issues can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can create an unhealthy internal landscape of beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias can also affect the rate that women and girls are referred to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in the classroom to read vignettes that described children suffering from ADHD symptoms and to rate how likely they were to recommend or find services for the child described. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
Like other illnesses, ADHD can vary in severity for individual patients and can worsen at different times. For example, symptoms may be more apparent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, or menopause. These changes can cause problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of disappointment and despair.