What The Heck Is Female ADHD Symptoms?

Female ADHD Symptoms

Females with ADHD often go undiagnosed 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.

These individuals also tend to develop unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and drug abuse, which mask their ADHD symptoms and hinders an accurate diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to coexisting conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Attention

Women with inattentive ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They might miss appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They have trouble keeping their finances in order, 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 staying still for long periods of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following instructions.

While impulse control and hyperactivity are more common in males and females, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent for women and girls. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are inattentive. To be eligible for a diagnosis, you must have at least five ongoing inattention-related symptoms that last longer than six months.

Inattentive ADHD symptoms are often difficult for people to recognize because they don't perceive them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how a girl should act. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than for boys.

In addition, the manner that ADHD affects a woman can change over different periods of her life because of hormone changes. Women's symptoms can become more severe when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopausal changes.

These signs can have an impact on a woman’s self-esteem and her satisfaction with her life. These symptoms can lead to feelings of shame and low-self-worth and can make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also suffer from anxiety and depression. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behavior that can increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases as well as other health problems. They may also have difficulty accepting rejection from others, whether it is real or perceived. In the end, they might avoid social situations and become more isolated.

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first symptoms of ADHD for both genders. They are more likely to procrastinate or lose things, have trouble concentrating on tasks and easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They may also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing, and may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.

Since symptoms of ADHD are more common in males and females, women and girls may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Teachers and healthcare professionals often do not recommend ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as often as they do for male ones. This can result in an incorrect assessment and a delayed response to treatment.

In addition, with a tendency to conceal their problems It could suggest that people with ADHD suffer more from the condition than usually reported. They might not mention that they struggle to concentrate at work or are overwhelmed by household tasks. They may struggle to make choices at the shop or struggle to sleep or relax.

This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies, which may include substance use or eating habits that are unhealthy. This can make the problem worse over time and prevent the woman from getting help that could improve her life significantly.

Since ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable to boys and men socially, it is possible that women and girls might hide or suppress their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being rejected. For instance, girls with ADHD might display hyperactive and impulsive behaviors to avoid being judged because they don't fit in with the norms at school or community.

In the end, these issues can result in a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It's important for family members, friends, and teachers to recognize these struggles in girls and women, because they could be a sign of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and requires treatment by a combination of therapy and medication.

Emotional Difficulties

Women who suffer from ADHD tend to find it more difficult than men to manage their emotions. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormone fluctuations throughout the day, which may increase symptoms such as anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women with ADHD are also more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These emotional difficulties can have serious consequences for relationships and career opportunities.

Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a slog for both parents and children, but it's especially difficult for women. Women may feel embarrassed about ADHD and might not seek help due to this. Some women try to mask symptoms with coping strategies like excessive drinking or drug use, but this can cause more harm. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers, as well as women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It may delay diagnosis.

It's much easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal her symptoms in her youth and adolescence than as an adult. Stress from daily life and the pressures of society to be successful in relationships and work can cause more ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women suffering from ADHD feeling a sense of being insecure, self-esteem issues and a constant sense of anxiety. For some, getting a diagnosis of ADHD could be a lightbulb moment that helps them to understand the root of their issues and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.

Many women with ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive support at school or work. They may feel embarrassed confiding in a professor or supervisor, and they may worry that the accommodation they need could be perceived as a sign of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make small modifications to help individuals with ADHD achieve their goals.

In addition to finding female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can benefit from joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups give members the opportunities to share experiences and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.

Co-Occurring conditions

As women and girls mature and develop, they may come up with coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to detect.  add symptoms in women  might dress and act as her peers to avoid being criticized or bullied by others. In addition, she might compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by working harder at school or work or using productivity apps to get her tasks done. These and other coping strategies could disguise the presence of ADHD in females and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.

Often, women and girls who have ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, before they receive an official diagnosis of the disorder. These other disorders can disguise the presence of ADHD, as well as hinder 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 and dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which further increases their feelings of anger.

ADHD symptoms can cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to overlook birthdays and miss small details. This could lead to confusion and conflict. Also, they may have difficulty keeping up with household chores as well as personal finances and everyday responsibilities. These issues can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can fuel an unhealthy internal landscape of beliefs about their worth.

In clinical settings, gender bias also influences the rate of women and girls who are being referred for an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents to read vignettes describing children suffering from ADHD symptoms and evaluated their likelihood to recommend or seek services for the child depicted. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.

As with other disorders, ADHD can vary in severity for individual patients and may be worsened at different periods. For instance, symptoms could be more severe during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can cause problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and contribute to feelings of frustration and disappointment.