Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescents who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattention signs, not the impulsivity and hyperactivity that are more common in both men and boys. This means they are more likely to be overlooked and not properly diagnosed.
Gender stereotypes can contribute to this caregivers might assume that quiet or dreamy girls are just "being girls." Also, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle as well as perimenopausal symptoms can cause ADHD symptoms to become more severe.
1. Hyperactivity
When it is about ADHD, the first thought most people think of is a hyperactive boy bouncing off the walls during class. This is a type of ADHD that affects women as well as girls. ADHD symptoms in women and girls are usually more difficult to identify than boys. This can lead to the disorder being misdiagnosed or going untreated.
Women who suffer from ADHD may exhibit unpredictable behavior which makes it difficult to take a step back and think before deciding to act. They might not be able to hear well when others are speaking, and could be unable to follow instructions or performing tasks. These issues can cause frustration and miscommunications in relationships with family members, friends, romantic partners and coworkers.
Many women suffering from ADHD have sensitivity to rejection which is a heightened emotional response to real or perceived rejection. This can make it difficult for a woman who suffers from ADHD to cope, especially if she has low self-esteem or is struggling with peer relationships.
Symptoms of ADHD in women can flare up at various periods during the menstrual cycle as well as during pregnancy and menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger irritability, mood swings and problems with concentration.
Some women and girls who have ADHD have a better chance to manage their symptoms through eating, exercise and sleep habits. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that improve concentration and attention. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety, which are common in women suffering from ADHD. Being able to sleep enough and taking breaks can help ADHD symptoms. Many people suffering from ADHD can benefit from using tools like checklists or planners, as well as a post-it note to track their tasks. In some instances, a health care provider can prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Attention
Even when symptoms are serious women and girls who suffer from inattentive ADHD aren't identified. They struggle to keep up at school, their homes can be messy, and they have issues with relationships and performance. They may attempt to compensate for their problems by avoiding them or pretending that they are not affected.
Gender bias can play a role in missed or misdiagnoses. For instance, if a boy displays symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity are more likely to be diagnosed and treated. On the other hand girls who exhibit inattention symptoms could be dismissed as space cases, dreamy or uninteresting.
The symptoms of inattention that are associated with adhd can manifest in a variety of ways: You forget appointments, don't keep promises and find it difficult to concentrate in meetings or classroom lectures. You can't wait your turn and keep interrupting others while you talk. You have a poor memory and often lose things or forget where they are. You are unable to follow simple instructions and you tend to avoid tasks requiring concentration, such as homework or chores.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can also become more severe when hormonal changes occur like during pregnancy, menstruation, or perimenopause. It is difficult to concentrate on at home or at work and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or reach life goals.
Exercise can help you manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals, like dopamine, which can help boost your mood and focus. Regular exercise can help you burn off extra energy and reduce anxiety or depression symptoms- which are common among women with ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Women and adolescents who suffer from ADHD tend to have more anxiety-related symptoms and mood disorders than hyperactivity or impulsivity. symptoms of adult adhd that are expected of girls make it more difficult for girls to admit that they're struggling, which is why they tend to disguise ADHD symptoms with other behavior. This can cause girls and women to be misdiagnosed and unable to report their ADHD symptoms. 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 stress and danger. It can be overwhelming and debilitating, but it's an excellent thing because it helps you stay alert to possible dangers and helps you react quickly when something goes suspicious. Unfortunately, anxiety can also cause a variety of physical symptoms like sweating, jitteriness and an increased heart rate (palpitations). People who suffer from frequent, severe, or disabling anxiety may be diagnosed with anxiety disorders. An anxiety disorder could include panic disorder (where you have recurring, unplanned panic attacks) as well as fear of certain objects or situations (where you are intensely afraid of certain things or situations) and obsessive compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thinking and repetitive behaviors) and separation anxiety disorder.
Many women who suffer from ADHD struggle with a phenomenon known as "time blindness." They may forget important dates or appointments, arrive at the wrong place at the wrong time, or get too distracted by their work that they miss out on social interactions. This can make them appear aloof, unfocused or inconsiderate of others. A good night's sleep can help you avoid time blindness. So try to maintain a regular bedtime, and do something relaxing like listening to music, reading or meditating before you go to bed.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD have a difficult time keeping their schedules in order. They might have a difficult managing their schedules, appointments and personal belongings. Their home, car and office could be cluttered, and their purses filled with receipts, 17 different chapsticks, and tickets to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their lack of organization and forgetfulness could make it difficult to maintain and develop relationships at work as well as in their personal lives.
Women may also have difficulty saying what they mean in social situations. They may be impulsive and impatient which causes them to interrupt others or blurt things out without considering the consequences. The struggle to filter their thoughts could lead to hurt feelings and miscommunications.
The symptoms of ADHD can change daily due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and menstrual cycle which can increase ADHD symptoms. These changes in symptom severity could be why many women with ADHD aren't diagnosed and treated.
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, they can manage their symptoms by using medication and other treatment strategies. They can achieve success at work, school, and their personal lives if they have the right support. Medication can help improve concentration and assist with everyday challenges. Therapy for behavior and smartphone applications can also be helpful.
5. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have problems with impulse control. This is because the brain part that makes decisions and considers the consequences isn't working as well. This results in a tendency to say or do things without thinking about the outcome, which can have negative effects. Impulsive behavior can result in problems with finances or relationships that are damaged. It can also lead to risky sexual behaviors.
Someone suffering from ADHD might develop a variety of coping strategies to aid them in their struggle to manage their impulses. Self-medicating through alcohol or other drugs, or soothing yourself by eating foods are all possible. A poor diet or lack of sleep can also lead to issues.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble recognizing an issue in their behavior. They may find it difficult to explain their symptoms to their parents or teachers, so they try to cover up their problems. This makes it difficult for people to recognize their issues and delay a diagnosis.
In addition women and girls who suffer from ADHD tend to show their symptoms in a different way than males or females. They might be more inattentive and have a greater incidence of co-existing anxiety and mood disorders, like depression. These factors contribute to the fact that women and girls with ADHD are more likely to be incorrectly diagnosed than males or boys with ADHD.
ADHD is a condition that affects millions of people, despite the increasing awareness. It's more prevalent in early adulthood and adolescence, when students are trying to balance school and work. Parents and educators should be aware that their daughter or granddaughter may be suffering from ADHD in order to receive the assistance she requires.