10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden That Will Help You Get Female ADHD Symptoms
Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed among 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 also tend to develop unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and substance abuse that mask ADHD symptoms and delays the diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to co-existing disorders like depression and anxiety.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They may miss appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They struggle to organize personal finances, record-keeping, and household chores. It is also common for women with this condition to have issues with memory and forgetfulness, making it difficult for them to remember names or dates. They also have difficulty staying still for long durations and are unable to focus or follow instructions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more commonly associated with males and boys, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is just as common in women and girls. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80% of all ADHD sufferers are inattentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that last for longer than six months to be able to receive a diagnosis.
Inattention ADHD symptoms are often difficult to spot because they don't see 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 signs of adult add , the manner that ADHD affects women can vary during different times of her life because of hormone fluctuations. Women's symptoms can become more severe during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause.
These signs can have an impact on women's self-esteem as well as their satisfaction with life. They can lead to feelings of guilt and self-worth devaluation due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and domestic tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD can also suffer from anxiety and depression. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual activities that can increase the likelihood of having children, sexually transmitted infections and other health problems. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or perceived. In the end, they may avoid social settings and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first symptoms of ADHD for both genders. They might procrastinate more, misplace things or have trouble focusing. They can also become overwhelmed by busy environments. They might also have trouble relaxing or falling asleep, and they may be more susceptible to mood fluctuations and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to issues at home, school and in relationships.
Since symptoms of ADHD are more common for both genders, women and girls may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Healthcare professionals and teachers don't suggest ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male ones. This can lead to an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
Along with the tendency to conceal their problems This could result in adults suffering from ADHD suffer more from the condition than usually reported. They may not even mention that they have difficulty concentrating at work or feel overwhelmed by household tasks. They may have difficulty making decisions when shopping or find it difficult to relax or sleep.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they may develop unhealthy ways to cope. This could include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This could make the problem worse over time, and prevent the woman from receiving the assistance she needs.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more popular with males and females in social settings it is possible that women and girls may hide or suppress them out of fear of being rejected. For example, girls with ADHD might display excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized because they don't fit in with the norms of their school or in the community.
These issues can lead to an environment of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It's important for family members, friends and teachers to notice 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 Problems
Women with ADHD are more difficult in 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 irritability and feelings of inadequacy. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional issues can have serious consequences for relationships and career opportunities.
ADHD can be a major challenge for both children and parents, but it is especially difficult for women. Women may feel embarrassed about ADHD and may not seek help because of this. They may even attempt to hide their symptoms through strategies for coping, such as excessive alcohol or drug use, which can cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers, as well as women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It may also delay the diagnosis.
It is easier for women who suffers from ADHD to conceal her symptoms during her teens and early adolescence than it is as an adult. Stress from everyday life and pressures from society to be successful in relationships and work can intensify ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of being insecure, self-esteem issues and chronic distress. For some, receiving an diagnosis of ADHD can be a lightbulb moment, helping them to understand the root of their issues and giving them the chance to accept their own uniqueness.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to receive help at work or at school. They might be uncomfortable in telling a supervisor or professor and worry that their choice will be seen as a sign of incompetence or weakness. Most teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor modifications to help individuals with ADHD succeed in their work.
In addition to finding supportive peers, women with ADHD can benefit from joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups provide the opportunity to share personal stories and discuss the particular issues of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring conditions
As women and girls become teenagers, they develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to detect. For instance the girl may attempt to dress and act like her peers to avoid the attention of bullies or social rejection. She may compensate for her chaotic, impulsive behavior by putting more effort into school or at work, or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other strategies for coping can mask the presence of ADHD in a woman and delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions could obscure the symptoms and presence of ADHD. They may also complicate treatment.
Girls and females with ADHD also have a greater chance of having low self-esteem and are more likely to be affected by co-existing mood disorders than men or boys. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being impulsive or overly emotional, which can increase their anger.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to forget birthdays and to make mistakes with small details. This could lead to confusion and conflict. Additionally, they might have difficulty keeping up with household chores, personal finances and daily obligations. These challenges can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an internal chaos of untruthful beliefs about their worth and capabilities.
Gender bias in clinical settings also influences the rate that women and girls are referred for an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes describing children with ADHD symptoms. They then assessed their likelihood to recommend or seek out services for the child depicted. They found that participants were more likely to recommend services to boys than girls.
Like other illnesses, ADHD can vary in intensity for individuals and can worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms may be more prominent during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can lead to issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, and cause feelings of frustration and disappointment.