Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescent girls with ADHD typically exhibit inattentional symptoms, in contrast to the hyperactivity and impulsivity more commonly seen in boys and men. This makes them more susceptible to being overlooked and misdiagnosed.
Gender stereotypes play a role as well, since caregivers may think that girls who are quiet or who seem withdrawn and dreamy are just "being girls." Additionally, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle and perimenopause can trigger ADHD symptoms to become more severe.
1. Hyperactivity
Many people think of ADHD when they see a child who flies off the walls of the school. This is a form of ADHD that affects women and girls. ADHD symptoms in women and girls are more difficult to detect than boys, and as a result, the condition is often misdiagnosed or left untreated.
Women who suffer from ADHD are prone to unpredictable behavior that makes it difficult for them to take a step back and think before deciding to act. They might not be able to listen to others when they are speaking, and could have trouble following instructions or performing tasks. These difficulties can lead them to frustration and confusion with family or friends, as well as romantic partners, as well as coworkers.
Many women suffering from ADHD have rejection sensitivity. This is a strong emotional reaction to actual or perceived rejection. When combined with low self-esteem and difficulties in friendships with peers, this can make it hard for a woman to deal with her ADHD symptoms.
ADHD symptoms for women can be present at different times, including during pregnancy, menstrual cycles and menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations may cause irritability and mood swings, as well as difficulty with concentration.
Exercise, diet and sleeping habits can help some women and girls with ADHD control their symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and attention. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety that are common among women with ADHD. Sleeping enough and taking breaks from work can help alleviate ADHD symptoms. Many people with ADHD can benefit from using tools like checklists or planners, as well as a post-it note to keep track of their tasks. In some instances medical professionals may prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Attention
Even when symptoms are severe women and girls suffering from inattentive ADHD aren't diagnosed. They have a difficult time keeping up at school, their homes may be messy, and they experience trouble with relationships and work performance. They might try to make up for it by hiding their problems or by convincing themselves that they're not affected by them.
Gender bias is also a factor that plays a part in missed or incorrect diagnosis. For instance, when males exhibit hyperactive or impulsive symptoms are more likely to be assessed for diagnosis and treatment. Girls who show inattentive behavior can be dismissed as dreamy, ditzy, or space-related.
The symptoms of inattention that are associated with adhd can show up in many ways: You forget appointments, don't keep promises and find it difficult to concentrate during class lectures or meetings. You can't wait your turn and you constantly interrupt other people when you're talking. 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 concentration, like homework or chores.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can also become more severe when hormonal changes occur like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or perimenopause. This makes it harder to focus at work or at home, and it makes it harder to maintain friendships or achieve goals in your life.
Regular exercise can help control your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals, like dopamine, which can help boost your focus and mood. Regular exercise can also help you burn off extra energy, and ease depression or anxiety symptoms -- which are common among women suffering from ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Teens and women with ADHD tend to experience more anxiety and mood issues than hyperactivity or impulsivity. Female gender roles make it difficult for girls to acknowledge that they're struggling, and they are more likely to disguise ADHD symptoms with other behaviors. This can lead to misdiagnosis and under-reporting of 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 response to stress and danger. It can be overwhelming and debilitating but it is a good thing. It keeps you alert to danger and helps you respond quickly if there is something amiss. However anxiety can trigger a range of physical symptoms, such as sweating and jitteriness. It can also cause an increase in heart rate, or palpitations. People who experience frequent or severe anxiety may be diagnosed with anxiety disorders. An anxiety disorder may include panic disorder (where you have frequent, unplanned panic attacks) and fears (where you are intensely terrified of certain objects or events) and obsessive compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thought and repetitive behaviors), and separation anxiety disorder.
adult adhd symtoms with ADHD frequently struggle with "time blindness". They might miss important dates and appointments, arrive at an incorrect time or location or get so absorbed by their work that they miss social interactions. This can make them appear aloof, unfocused, or inconsiderate to others. Good sleep habits will help you avoid time blindness. Therefore try to maintain your bedtime routine and take time to do something relaxing, such as listening to music, reading or meditating prior to when you go to bed.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are often struggling to stay organized. They may have difficulty to keep on top of their appointments, schedules, and belongings. Their home, office, and car could be overflowing with clutter, and their handbags may be filled with receipts, 17 chapsticks, or a ticket for the Kings of Leon concert of 2008. Their disorganization and forgetfulness can make it difficult for them to maintain and build relationships at work and in their private lives.
Women also have a tendency to find it difficult to express their opinions in social situations. They may be impatient and impulsive which causes them to interrupt others or shout things out without considering the consequences. The struggle to filter their thoughts can result in miscommunications and hurt feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD are able to change from day to day due to hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lowest during ovulation and during menstrual cycles which can worsen ADHD. These symptom changes may be the reason why a lot of women suffering from ADHD go undiagnosed and mistreated.
In addition to the differences in brain structure and chemical composition that are involved with ADHD for females and males as well as the tendency to not diagnose women suffering from the condition. 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 are given a clear diagnosis of ADHD and are able to learn to manage their symptoms with the help of medication and other strategies for treatment. They can be successful at work, school as well as in their personal lives with the right help. Medical treatment can aid in improving concentration and assist with everyday problems. Behavioral therapy and specialized apps for smartphones can also be helpful.
5. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have problems with impulse control. It's because the part of the brain that makes decisions and thinks about consequences, isn't functioning as well. This leads to a tendency to say or do things without thinking about the result, which could have negative consequences. Impulsive behavior can lead to financial difficulties or relationships that are damaged. It can also lead to dangerous behaviors like sexual.
A person with ADHD may develop a variety of coping mechanisms to assist them in overcoming their inability to manage their impulses. Self-medicating through alcohol or drugs, or calming yourself with food are all possible. Poor diet or sleeping less than you ought to can also cause trouble.
Women and girls with ADHD might also have difficulty to acknowledge that they have a problem with their behavior. They may be unable to explain their issues to their parents or teachers and so they attempt to cover up their problems. This can make it harder for people to spot their issues and can delay the diagnosis.
Females and females with ADHD typically have different symptoms than men or boys. They might be more inattentive and are more likely to be the victim of co-existing anxiety or mood disorders, like depression. These factors could cause women and girls with ADHD being misdiagnosed more often than men or boys.
ADHD is a chronic disorder that affects a lot of people, despite the increasing awareness. It's particularly prevalent in adolescence and the early years of adulthood, when lots of people are trying to cope with the demands of their work or school. Parents and teachers must be aware that their child or granddaughter may be suffering from ADHD in order to get her the help she needs.