Female Symptoms of ADHD
Teens and women with ADHD tend to show inattentive signs, rather than the hyperactivity and impulsivity which are more common in boys and men. This makes them more susceptible to being misdiagnosed and omitted.
Gender stereotypes are a factor as well, since caregivers may think that girls who are quiet or who seem withdrawn and dreamy are just "being girls." ADHD symptoms can also be worsened by hormonal fluctuations in the menstrual cycle as well as perimenopausal.
1. Hyperactivity
Many people think of ADHD when they see a hyperactive boy who flies off the walls of his school. This is a form of ADHD that affects women as well as girls. ADHD symptoms in girls and women are typically more difficult to spot than those of boys. This leads to the disorder being misdiagnosed or going untreated.
Women with ADHD may exhibit impulsive behavior that makes it difficult to stop and think before deciding to act. They may not listen well when other people are talking and they may have difficulty following instructions or finishing tasks. These issues can lead to irritability and miscommunications with family or friends, as well as romantic partners and coworkers.
Many women with ADHD suffer from rejection sensitivity. This is a strong emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection. In combination with low self-esteem, and difficulties in friendships with peers, this can make it difficult for a woman to cope with her ADHD symptoms.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can show up at different periods during the menstrual cycle as well as during pregnancy and menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger mood swings and irritability and may cause problems with concentration.
Some girls and women who have ADHD are able to manage their symptoms by diet, exercise and sleeping habits. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters which boost attention and concentration. It also helps ease stress and anxiety which are common in women suffering from ADHD. Sleeping enough and taking breaks can help ADHD symptoms. Many people suffering from ADHD can benefit from tools like checklists or planners, as well as a post-it note to keep track of their tasks. In some instances, a health care provider may prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Inattention
Even when the symptoms are severe, women and girls with inattentive ADHD are not diagnosed. They have a difficult time keeping up at school, their homes can be messy, and they experience issues with relationships and performance. They might attempt to cope by hiding their problems or by trying to convince themselves they're not affected by these issues.
adhd in women symptoms can play a role in misdiagnosis or omissions. For example, when males exhibit hyperactive or impulsive symptoms, they're more likely to be diagnosed and treated. In contrast girls who display inattention symptoms could be dismissed as space cases, dreamy or ditzy.
The symptoms of inattention that are associated with adhd can manifest in a variety of ways: You miss appointments, don't follow through on promises and are unable to stay focused in class or meetings. You are having a difficult time waiting your turn when talking with others and are unable to stop interrupting. Your memory is weak and you are prone to losing things or forget where you put them. You are unable to follow simple instructions and tend to avoid tasks that require concentration such as homework or chores.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can also get worse when hormonal changes occur like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or perimenopausal. It can be difficult to focus on at home or at work and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or meet the goals of life.
A good workout routine can help you manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals like dopamine that can improve your mood and focus. Regular exercise can aid in burning extra energy and ease anxiety or depression symptomsthat 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 admit they're struggling, which is why they tend to camouflage ADHD symptoms by displaying other behaviors. This could lead to misdiagnosis and under-reporting in girls and women. 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 debilitating and overwhelming but it is a good thing. It keeps you alert to danger and helps you react quickly if something is amiss. However, anxiety can trigger a range of physical symptoms, like jitteriness and sweating. It may also trigger rapid heartbeats or palpitations. People who experience frequent, severe, or disabling anxiety may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. This includes panic disorder, where you have recurring, unexpected panic attacks; phobias, which involve an intense fear of certain objects or situations; obsessive-compulsive disorder, where irrational thinking and repetitive behaviors control your life as well as separation anxiety disorder, in which you fear being away from home or your family.
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently struggle with "time blindness". They might forget important dates and appointments, arrive at an incorrect time or place or get so absorbed by their tasks that they forget social interactions. This can make them appear distant, unfocused, or inconsiderate to others. A good night's sleep can to prevent time blindness and can make them appear unfocused, so try to adhere to a regular bedtime and do something that is relaxing before you go to bed, such as reading, listening to music or meditating.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD frequently have difficulty staying organized. They may have difficulty to keep track of their appointments, schedules, and belongings. Their car, home, and office may be cluttered and their handbags filled with receipts, 17 chapsticks, and tickets to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their inability to remember and lack of organization can make it difficult for them to build and maintain personal and professional relationships.
Women can also have difficulty saying what they mean in social situations. They can be impulsive and impatient and can cause them to interrupt others or blurt things out without considering the consequences. These struggles with filtering their thoughts can lead to confusion and hurt feelings.
Symptoms of ADHD in women may vary between days due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance estrogen levels are lower around ovulation and during menstrual cycles which can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms. These symptoms may be the reason for why many women with ADHD are not diagnosed correctly.
There is a stigma against diagnosing females with ADHD, in addition to the differences in biology between males and women in regards to 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.
When women have a clear diagnosis of ADHD and are able to manage their symptoms with the help of medication and other strategies for treatment. They can be successful at work, school, and their personal lives if they have the right support. Medication can provide a significant boost in concentration and assist them to overcome everyday challenges, while specialized smartphone apps can be additional tools to keep them in the forefront of their game.
5. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD have a tendency to be unable to control their impulses. This is because the brain part that makes decisions and weighs the consequences isn't as efficient. This could lead to an inability to make decisions or speak words without considering the potential consequences, which could result in negative effects. For example, impulsive behavior could lead to financial issues or cause damage to relationships. It might also lead to sexually risky behaviors.
Someone suffering from ADHD may develop a variety of coping mechanisms that aid them in their struggle to control their impulses. They could resort to self-medicating using alcohol or other drugs or using food as a way to relax. Having a poor diet or sleeping less than you need to could also lead to trouble.
Girls and women with ADHD might also have difficulty to recognize they have a problem with their behavior. They may find it hard to articulate their issues and so cover up their problems. This can make it harder for people to recognize their symptoms and delay the diagnosis.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD often present with different symptoms than boys or men. They might be more distracted and have a greater incidence of co-existing anxiety and mood disorders, such as depression. These factors are the reason that women and girls with ADHD are more likely to be misdiagnosed than boys or men with ADHD.
While awareness of ADHD has improved however, it's still a condition that affects millions of people. It's more prevalent in early adulthood and adolescence, when people are juggling school or work. It's important for parents and educators to be aware of the possibility that a child or woman they know has ADHD so that they can get her the help she needs.