Female ADHD Symptoms: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known In The Past

Female ADHD Symptoms ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls because 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 that include excessive drinking and drug abuse, which mask their ADHD symptoms and hinders the diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety. Attention Women who aren't attentive ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may 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 common for these women to have issues with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult for them to remember names or dates. They also have trouble sitting still for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused or following the directions. While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more often associated with boys and men, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is equally prevalent in girls and women. In fact, it's estimated that up to 80% of all ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must show at least five continuous 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 girls should behave. Parents and teachers are less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys. A woman's ADHD symptoms may also change as time passes due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, a woman's symptoms may get worse during the menstrual cycle, when she is pregnant or when she enters menopause. These signs can have a major impact on a woman's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. These issues can lead to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem and make it difficult to manage relationships, work or home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD are also susceptible to anxiety and depression. They could also engage in sexual activities which can increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and other health issues. They may also experience rejection sensitivity because they have difficulty accepting negative or real responses from other people. They might avoid social situations or even isolate themselves because of it. Hyperactivity/Impulsivity In many instances the two are the first signs of ADHD in girls and women. They might procrastinate more, misplace things or have difficulty concentrating. They can also become overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They may also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing, and could be more prone to mood swings and anxieties. These signs can cause problems at school, home and in relationships. Girls and women are often not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent between males and females. Teachers and healthcare professionals often do not recommend ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as frequently as they do for male students. This could result in an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment. Along with the tendency to hide their issues This could mean that adults with ADHD have a more severe impact from the condition than is generally reported. For instance, they may not have trouble focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make decisions at the grocery store or find it difficult to sleep or relax. This can affect their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies, which may include alcohol addiction or poor eating habits. This can make it worse in time, and stop the woman getting the help she needs. Since ADHD-related behavior is more accepted by males and boys it is possible that women and girls might hide or suppress their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being rejected. For instance, girls who have ADHD may exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being criticized because they don't fit in with the norms of their school or community. These issues can lead to a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers must be aware of these issues and be aware that they could be a sign of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. This condition can be treated through therapy and medication. Emotional Problems Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their emotions than males. Their moods are more likely fluctuate as a result of hormone fluctuations throughout the day, which may exacerbate symptoms such as irritability and feelings of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression. These emotional issues can have a serious impact on relationships and career opportunities. Having ADHD can be a challenge for both parents and children however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women may feel shy about ADHD and might not seek help because of this. They may even try to mask their symptoms by implementing strategies for coping, such as excessive alcohol or substance use, which can make the situation worse. Masking can make it more difficult for employers and teachers to notice ADHD symptoms for women, and it can lead to delays in diagnosis. It is easier for women who suffers from ADHD to hide the signs of ADHD in her teens and early adolescence than when she becomes an adult. Stress from daily life and pressures from society to excel in work and relationships can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of self-doubt, a sense of inadequacy and a constant sense of anxiety. adult adhd signs of ADHD could be a life-changing moment for certain women. It can help them understand the cause of their struggles and allow them to accept themselves better. Many women with ADHD struggle to get support at school or work. They may feel uncomfortable in telling their supervisor or professor about their condition and worry that their choice will be seen as an indication of incompetence or weakness. Most teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor modifications to help individuals who suffer from ADHD succeed in their jobs. In addition to locating people who can be supportive, women suffering from ADHD can benefit by joining online support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can provide the opportunity to share personal stories and discuss the unique difficulties of being a woman with ADHD as a woman. Co-Occurring conditions As girls and women mature, they may develop strategies to cope that 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. Or, she may try to redress her impulsive and chaotic behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to get her tasks done. These and other strategies for coping can disguise the existence of ADHD in a female and delay her diagnosis as an adult. Women and girls with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions could conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They can also complicate treatment. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which further contributes to their feelings of frustration. In addition many women experience difficulties in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to miss birthdays and miss small details. This could lead to confusion and conflict. Also, they may have difficulty keeping up with household chores, personal finances and daily obligations. These challenges can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can lead to an unhealthy internal landscape of self-esteem and beliefs. In clinical settings, gender bias also affects the rate of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in a class to read vignettes about children who had ADHD symptoms, and then rate how likely they would be to recommend or find services for the child described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services. Like other conditions, ADHD can vary in intensity for individuals and can worsen at different periods. For instance, symptoms can be more evident during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or the menopause. These changes can cause issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, as well as contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.