Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescents with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention symptoms, as opposed to the hyperactivity and impulsivity that are more prevalent for both genders. This makes them more likely to be overlooked and misdiagnosed.
Gender stereotypes can be a factor caregivers might assume that girls who are quiet or dreamy are just "being girls." Additionally, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle as well as perimenopausal symptoms can cause ADHD symptoms to become more severe.
1. Hyperactivity
Many people think of ADHD when they see a child who bounces off walls at school. While this is one type of ADHD females and girls also experience the disorder in this type. ADHD symptoms for women and young girls are often harder to identify than in boys, so the condition is often misdiagnosed and not treated.
In some cases, women who suffer from ADHD exhibit impulsive behavior that make it difficult to stop and consider their actions before committing. They might not be attentive when people are talking, and they may have difficulty adhering to instructions or completing tasks. These issues can lead to irritability and miscommunications with family friends, romantic partners and friends, as well as coworkers.
Many women suffering from ADHD experience rejection sensitivity, which is an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection. Combined with low self-esteem and a lack of social relationships, this can make it hard for women to cope with her ADHD symptoms.
The symptoms of ADHD in women may flare up at different periods during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. adhd adults symptoms may cause irritability and mood swings and may cause problems in concentrating.
Exercise, diet and sleeping habits can help women and girls suffering from ADHD control their symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters, which boost attention and focus. It also helps to ease anxiety and stress, which are common among women suffering from ADHD. Sleeping enough and taking breaks from work can also help with ADHD symptoms. Many people suffering from ADHD can benefit from using tools like checklists, planners, and post-it notes to keep track of their tasks. In some instances the health professional may prescribe medication to manage symptoms.
2. Inattention
Girls and women with inattention ADHD often don't get diagnosed until symptoms are extreme. They struggle to stay on top of school and their homes are messy, and they struggle with relationships and performance at work. They might attempt to cope by hiding their problems or trying to convince themselves they're not affected by them.
Gender bias can play a role in missed or misdiagnoses. For example, when a boy displays an impulsive or hyperactive behavior, they're more likely to get referred for diagnosis and treatment. Girls who show inattentive behavior could be viewed as ditzy, dreamy or space-related.
The symptoms of adhd that cause inattention can manifest in many ways: You don't remember appointments, fail to keep promises and are unable to stay focused in meetings or classroom lectures. You are having a difficult time waiting to be in the right place when speaking with others and are unable to stop interrupting. Your memory is weak and you often lose things or forget where you put them. You are unable to follow simple instructions and are prone to avoid tasks that require focus, such as homework or chores.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can also worsen when hormonal changes occur such as during menstrual cycle, pregnancy or perimenopause. It is difficult to pay attention to at home or at work and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or meet life goals.
Exercise can help you control your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals, such as dopamine, that can boost your focus and mood. Plus, regular exercise helps you shed excess energy and can ease anxiety or depression symptoms that are common among women with ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Adolescent and female girls with ADHD typically experience more mood and anxiety-related symptoms than impulsivity and hyperactivity. Female gender roles make it more difficult for girls to acknowledge that they're struggling, which is why they tend to disguise ADHD symptoms with other behaviors. This can lead to misdiagnosis and under-reporting among women and girls. They may also be more likely to have inattentive ADHD symptoms, which don't show up as obvious as the impulsive/hyperactive ones that boys and men display.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to danger and stress. It can be overwhelming and debilitating but it's a good thing. It keeps you aware of danger and allows you to react quickly if there is something not right. However anxiety can trigger a range of physical symptoms, like jitteriness and sweating. It can also cause an increase in heart rate or palpitations. An anxiety disorder may be diagnosed in people who suffer from frequent, severe or disabling anxiety. An anxiety disorder could include panic disorder (where you experience frequent, unplanned panic attacks) and phobias (where you are incredibly terrified of certain things or situations), obsessive compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thought and repetitive behavior), and separation anxiety disorder.
Many women with ADHD struggle with a concept called "time blindness." They might miss important dates or appointments, show up at the wrong place at the wrong time, or get so absorbed in their tasks that they miss social interactions. This can cause them to appear distant, unfocused, or inconsiderate to others. Good sleeping habits can help keep you from becoming time blind and can make them appear unfocused, so try to adhere to a set bedtime and do something that is relaxing before you go to sleep, such as reading, listening to music, or meditation.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD have a difficult time staying organized. They may have difficulty to keep the track of their appointments, schedules, and belongings. Their home, car and office might be cluttered, and their purses are filled with receipts, 17 different chapsticks, and a ticket to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their disorganization and forgetfulness can make it difficult to maintain and develop relationships at work and in their private lives.
Women can also have difficulty speaking their thoughts in social situations. They may be impatient and impulsive, causing them to interrupt others or blurt things out before considering the consequences. Their struggles to filter their thoughts can result in miscommunications and hurt feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary from day to day due to hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lowest at the time of ovulation and during menstruation, which can exacerbate ADHD. These changes in symptom severity could be why many women with ADHD aren't diagnosed and treated.
There is a bias against diagnosing females with ADHD in addition to the differences in the biology between men and women in terms of brain structure and chemicals. This bias is linked to the fact that ADHD research and educational programs primarily focus on boys and men/people AMAB, so it's more likely that healthcare providers and educators will see hyperactive/impulsive-type symptoms in those groups and overlook symptoms of inattentive ADHD in women.
If women have a definitive diagnosis of ADHD and are able to manage their symptoms with the help of medication and other strategies for treatment. They can be successful in school, work as well as in their personal lives with the right help. Medication can provide a significant boost in concentration and assist them to cope with every day challenges, and behavioral therapy and special smartphone apps are additional tools to keep them on top of their game.
5. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently have issues with controlling their impulses. This is because the brain part that makes decisions and weighs consequences doesn't work as well. This causes them to make decisions or act without considering the potential result, which could have negative effects. For instance, impulsive behavior could lead to financial issues or harm relationships. It could also lead to dangerous behaviors like sexual.
Someone suffering from ADHD might develop a variety of coping strategies that help them deal with their difficulty with impulse control. These might include self-medicating with alcohol or other drugs or eating food as a method to relax. A poor diet or sleeping less than you need to could also lead to trouble.
Women and girls with ADHD might also have difficulty to recognize that they have a problem with their behavior. They may be unable to explain their issues to their parents or teachers and, therefore, they try to cover up their problems. This can make it harder for people to recognize their issues and can delay the diagnosis.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD often present with different symptoms than males or females. They might be less attentive and may suffer from mood disorders or anxiety like depression. These factors can cause girls and women with ADHD being misdiagnosed more often than boys or men.
ADHD is a chronic disorder that affects millions of people, despite increased awareness. It's especially common in the adolescent and early adulthood, when many people are trying to cope with the demands of their work or school. Parents and teachers should be aware that their daughter or granddaughter may have ADHD to ensure that they receive the assistance she needs.