Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls since it presents differently than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also have a tendency to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as anxiety and depression are also common among these individuals.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They might forget appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They struggle to keep their finances in order, household chores and record-keeping. They also tend to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory issues. They also have difficulty being still for long periods and are unable to concentrate or follow directions.
While the impulse control and hyperactivity are more prevalent in males and females, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent in girls and women. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are inattentive. To be eligible for a diagnosis, you must have at least five continuous inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.
The inattention symptoms of ADHD can be harder to identify than other types of ADHD because many people don't consider them as part of an illness or have different expectations about how a girl should behave. This is why parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than for boys.
In addition, the manner that ADHD affects women is different at different times of her life due to hormonal changes. For example women's symptoms could be more severe during the menstrual cycle, if she's pregnant or as she enters menopause.
These symptoms can have a negative impact on a woman’s self-esteem and her life satisfaction. They can trigger feelings of guilt and self-worth devaluation due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD can also suffer from depression and anxiety. They can also engage in sexual behavior which increase the risk for pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it is real or perceived. As a result, they might avoid social situations and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be the first signs of ADHD for women and girls. They are more likely to procrastinate or lose things and have difficulty focusing on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in a busy environment. They might also have difficulty relaxing or falling asleep, and they may be more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These signs can cause problems at school, home and in relationships.
Because signs of attention deficit disorder in adults of ADHD are more common in males and females, women and girls may be omitted from a diagnosis. Teachers and health professionals typically don't suggest ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as often as they do for male students. This can lead to an inaccurate diagnosis and delays in treatment.
Combined with a tendency to hide their issues, this can suggest that people with ADHD experience a greater impact from the condition than generally reported. For instance, they may not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making choices at the store or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they could adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This could include substance abuse and unhealthy eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time, and hinder the woman from seeking assistance that could improve her life dramatically.
It is also possible that because ADHD-linked behaviors are more acceptable in the social context of boys and men and women, they are repressed or hidden by women and girls who fear being rejected. For instance, a girl who suffers from ADHD might display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being criticized for not fitting in with the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
These causes can create a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It is crucial for family members, friends, and teachers to recognize these struggles in women and girls because they could be an indication of an undiagnosed disorder that needs to be addressed by a combination of therapy and medication.
Emotional Difficulties
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult in managing their emotions than men. Their moods are more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional issues can have serious consequences for relationships and job prospects.
Having ADHD can be a struggle for parents as well as children however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can be shy about ADHD and may not seek help because of this. Some women try to mask symptoms with strategies to cope, such as excessive drinking or drug use which can cause more harm. Masking can also make it difficult for employers and teachers to notice ADHD symptoms in women, and it can lead to delays in diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD may be able effectively hide her symptoms in the adolescent years and in her youth however, it can be more difficult as an adult. The pressures of life, combined with social pressures to be successful in work and relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These struggles can lead to women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are failing as well as low self-esteem and chronic distress. The diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for certain women. It can help them understand the root of their issues and allow them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women with ADHD struggle to find help at work or school. They may be embarrassed to tell a supervisor or professor and worry that their choice will be seen as an indication of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor modifications to help individuals who suffer from ADHD achieve their goals.
In addition to finding female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can also benefit by joining online support groups for adults with ADHD. These groups offer a an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
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 spot. For example girls may attempt to dress and act more like her peers to ward off being a target for bullying or social rejection. In addition, she might compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by putting more effort into school or work or using productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other coping strategies 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 disorders can disguise the presence of ADHD and complicate treatment and recovery.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They may be misunderstood and dismissed as emotionally unstable or temperamental, which further contributes to their feelings of anger.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to miss birthdays or err on minor details which can cause conflict and miscommunication. They may also be struggling to manage household chores, personal finances, and other obligations of the day. These difficulties can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted which can lead to an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their worth and capabilities.
In clinical settings, gender bias affects the rate of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a classroom to read vignettes about children suffering from ADHD symptoms and to rate how likely they were to recommend or find services for the child they described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD as with other conditions that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and worsen at different times. For example, symptoms may be more apparent during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy, or menopause. These changes can cause issues with relationships, social functioning, and academic performance. They can also lead to feelings of failure and frustration.