Female ADHD Symptoms: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Female ADHD Symptoms

Females with ADHD often are not recognized as children due to the fact that the disorder manifests differently in girls 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 strategies for coping, like excessive alcohol and substance abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like anxiety and depression are also common among these people.

Inattention

Women with inattentive ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They may skip appointments or leave their home unattended. They are unable to keep the track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping.  adhd in adult women symptoms  are also more likely to forget names and dates, and have memory issues. They also have trouble staying still for long periods and are unable to concentrate or follow directions.

While hyperactivity and impulse control are more prevalent in boys and men, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also common in girls and women. Up to 80% of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must have at least five ongoing inattention-related symptoms that last longer than six months.

The inattention symptoms of ADHD are often harder to recognize than the other forms of ADHD because a lot of people don't think about them as a part of an illness or have different expectations for what a girl should be doing. Because of this, parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than for boys.

Additionally, the way that ADHD affects women's lives is different at different times of her life because of hormone changes. For instance, a woman's symptoms may be more severe during the menstrual cycle, when she's pregnant, or when she enters menopause.

These symptoms can have a profound effect on women's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. They can lead to feelings of guilt and self-worth devaluation because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD are also susceptible to anxiety and depression. They are also at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors that increase the chance of having a baby sexually transmitted infections, as well as other health problems. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, whether it's real or perceived. They may avoid social situations or isolate themselves because of it.

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

In many cases hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first signs of ADHD in women and girls. They may be more likely to procrastinate or misplace items or have difficulty concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They might also have a hard time sleeping or relaxing and are more susceptible to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems in school, at home and in their relationships.

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

In addition, with a tendency to conceal their problems, this can mean that adults with ADHD have a more severe impact of the condition than usually reported. They may not even mention that they struggle to concentrate at work or feel overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions when shopping or have trouble finding the time to relax or sleep.

This could affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying problem, they may develop unhealthy ways to cope. This may include substance abuse and poor eating habits. This can make the problem worse over time and keep the woman from seeking help that could improve her life significantly.

It is also possible that because ADHD-linked behaviors are more socially acceptable for boys and men and women, they are repressed or hid by girls and women who are worried about being judged. For instance, girls who have ADHD might display an impulsive and hyperactive behavior to avoid being judged for not fitting in with the norms of their school or in the community.

These issues can lead to a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends, and teachers to recognize these struggles for women and girls, because they could be a sign of a disorder that is not recognized and must be treated with medication management and therapy.

Emotional Problems

Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their emotions than males. Their moods are more likely fluctuate as a result of hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which may increase symptoms such as anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These emotional issues could have serious implications for career and relationships.

ADHD can be a major challenge for children and parents alike, but it is especially difficult for women. Women can feel embarrassed about ADHD and may not seek help due to this. They may even try to mask their symptoms by developing strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or drug use, which can cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it harder for teachers and employers to notice ADHD symptoms in women, and it can contribute to a delay in diagnosing.

It's easier for a woman who suffers from ADHD to hide her symptoms in her teens and early adolescence than as an adult. Stress from daily life and societal pressures to excel in work and relationships can intensify ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are a victim of self-doubt, a sense of inadequacy and a constant sense of anxiety. For some, receiving a diagnosis of ADHD could be a lightbulb moment that helps people to recognize the root of their difficulties and helping them accept themselves more fully.

Many women with ADHD struggle to find help at school or at work. They may feel embarrassed about telling a supervisor or professor, and they may worry that the support they require will be seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make minor adjustments to help people with ADHD succeed in their work.

Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups provide a chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.

Co-occurring conditions

As women and girls become teenagers, they develop coping strategies that cover their ADHD symptoms and make it harder for others to see. For example girls may make an effort to dress and act more like her peers to ward off being a target for bullying or social rejection. She could also take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by putting in more effort at school or work or relying on productivity apps to get tasks accomplished. These and other strategies for coping could disguise the presence of ADHD in a female and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD, as well as make it difficult to treat and recover.

Girls and women with 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 increases their feelings of discontent.

In addition there are women who have issues in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to miss birthdays or err on minor details which can cause conflicts and miscommunication. They may also struggle to keep up with household chores, personal finances, and other daily responsibilities. These challenges can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their capabilities and worth.

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 a class to read vignettes that described children with ADHD symptoms, and then rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or seek services for the child they described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.

ADHD like other disorders is a condition that can be severe and worsen at different times. For example, symptoms may be more prominent during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy or the menopausal phase. These changes can cause difficulties with social functioning, relationships, and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.