15 Female ADHD Symptoms Bloggers You Need To Follow
Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls since it is different than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also tend to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse that cover up their ADHD symptoms and delay the accurate diagnosis. They are also susceptible to co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression.
Inattention
Women with inattentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They struggle to keep track of their finances as well as household chores and record-keeping. It's also common for women to experience problems with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult for them to remember names or dates. They also have trouble being still for long durations of time and have difficulty staying focused or following directions.
While impulse control and hyperactivity are more common in boys and men, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also seen in women and girls. Around 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are categorized as inattentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must have at least five ongoing inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be harder to spot because they don't perceive them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. Parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
A woman's ADHD symptoms can also change over time due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, a woman's symptoms may become more severe during her menstrual cycle, while she's pregnant or as she enters menopause.
These signs can have a negative impact on women's self-esteem as well as their satisfaction with her life. These issues can lead to feelings of shame and low-self-worth and can make it difficult to manage relationships, work or household chores. Women with untreated ADHD may also be suffering from anxiety and depression. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual activities which increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and other health issues. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, regardless of whether it is real or perceived. In the end, they may avoid social settings and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. They are more likely to delay or lose things or have difficulty concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in busy environments. They may also have trouble falling asleep or relaxing, and could be more prone to mood swings or anxiety. These symptoms can lead to difficulties at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Women and girls are often left out of the diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common between males and females. Healthcare providers and teachers often do not suggest ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as often as they do for male ones. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis as well as an inability to treat.
Combined with a tendency to conceal their problems, this can result in adults suffering from ADHD suffer more from the condition than typically reported. They may not even mention that they struggle to concentrate at work or feel overwhelmed by household tasks. They might have trouble making decisions at the supermarket or have trouble finding the time to sleep or relax.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies that could include substance addiction or eating habits that are unhealthy. This could make the issue worse over time and prevent the woman from seeking help that could improve her life in a significant way.
It is also possible that ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable in the social context of boys and men however, they could be repressed or hidden by women and girls who are worried about being judged. For instance, a girl who suffers from ADHD may exhibit an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being criticized for not conforming to the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
In the end, these triggers can result in a cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators must be aware of the struggles and be aware that they could be signs of an undiagnosed disorder. This disorder is treatable with medication and therapy.
Emotional Problems
Women with ADHD have a difficult time managing their emotions than men. The mood of women with adhd symptoms in adults checklist (sneak a peek here) is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of inadequacy. Women with ADHD are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression. These emotional difficulties can have serious implications for relationships and career prospects.
ADHD can be a major challenge for both children and parents however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can be ashamed of ADHD and might not seek help due to this. They may also try to mask their symptoms by implementing strategies to cope, like excessive drinking or substance abuse, which could cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers and women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It can delay diagnosis.
It is easier for women who suffers from ADHD to conceal her symptoms during her youth and adolescence than when she becomes an adult. The pressures of life, combined with social pressures to be successful at work and in relationships, can increase adhd disease symptoms symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling like failures, low self-esteem, and ongoing stress. For some, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD can be a lightbulb moment, helping them understand the root of their challenges and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.
Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty finding support at work or school. They may be uncomfortable in telling their supervisor or professor about their condition and worry that their accommodation will be seen as an indication of incompetence or weakness. However, the majority of supervisors and instructors are willing to make small adjustments to help those with ADHD to perform their job.
Women with ADHD who are seeking supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups provide a opportunities to share experiences and discuss women's ADHD issues.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As girls and women mature they can develop coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to detect. A girl may dress and behave like her peers in order to avoid being bullied or criticized by others. She could also take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by working harder at work or school or using productivity apps to get her tasks accomplished. These and other coping strategies could conceal the presence of adhd symptoms symptoms in women and delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Often, women and girls who have ADHD are often diagnosed with mental health issues like anxiety or depression, prior to the time they receive a diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD ocd and adhd symptoms make it difficult to treat and recover.
Girls and females with ADHD are also at a higher risk of feeling low about themselves and are more likely to be affected by mood disorders that coexist. This is more so than males or boys. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which further increases their feelings of discontent.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to forget birthdays or misunderstand minor details which can cause conflict and confusion. They may also have difficulty keeping up with household chores financial obligations, personal finances, and other everyday responsibilities. These difficulties can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can lead to an internal chaos of self-esteem and beliefs.
In clinical settings, gender bias influences the frequency of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in the classroom to read vignettes describing children suffering from ADHD symptoms, and then rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or find services for the child they described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
Like other illnesses, ADHD can vary in severity for each patient and may be worsened at different periods. For instance, symptoms could be more apparent during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy, or menopausal phase. These changes can cause issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, as well as cause feelings of frustration and disappointment.