Female Symptoms of ADHD
Teens and women with ADHD tend to show inattentive signs, rather than the impulsivity and hyperactivity which are more common in both men and boys. This makes them more susceptible to being misdiagnosed and omitted.
adhd symptoms in women are a factor as well, since caregivers may think that quiet girls or girls who seem dreamy and withdrawn are simply "being girls." ADHD symptoms can be caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period and perimenopause.
1. Hyperactivity
Many people think of ADHD when they see a child who flies off the walls at school. This is a type 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 an impulsive behavior that makes it difficult for them to take a step back and think before they act. They may not listen well when other people are talking and they may have difficulty adhering to instructions or completing tasks. These difficulties can lead them to irritability and miscommunications with family, friends and romantic partners, as well as coworkers.
Many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from sensitivity to rejection. This is a strong emotional reaction to actual or perceived rejection. This can make it difficult for a woman with ADHD to cope, especially in the case of low self-esteem or difficulty in peer relationships.
ADHD symptoms in women can appear at different times, including during menstruation, pregnancy and menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger irritability, mood swings and difficulty in concentration.
Some women and girls who suffer from ADHD are able to control their symptoms with eating, exercise and sleep habits. Regular physical activity releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and attention. It can also calm stress and anxiety that are common among women suffering from ADHD. Being able to sleep enough and taking breaks can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Utilizing tools such as planners, checklists and post-it notes to keep track of tasks can be beneficial to many people with ADHD. In some cases, a health care provider may prescribe medication to manage symptoms.
2. Inattention
Even when symptoms are serious, women and girls with inattentive ADHD aren't diagnosed. They struggle to stay on top of classes, their homes are messy and they have trouble with relationships and work performance. They might try to make up for their problems by avoiding them or pretending that they are not affected.
Gender bias is also a factor that plays a part in missed or inaccurate diagnoses. For instance, if a boy displays hyperactive or impulsive symptoms are more likely to be assessed for diagnosis and treatment. In contrast girls who display inattention symptoms could be dismissed as space-bound, dreamy or uninteresting.
The symptoms of inattention that are associated with adhd can manifest in many ways: You forget appointments, don't adhere to promises, and have trouble staying focused in meetings or classroom lectures. You aren't able to wait for your turn and constantly interrupt others when you are talking. You have a weak memory and often lose things or forget their location. You are unable to follow simple instructions and are prone to avoid tasks that require concentration such as chores or homework.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can also get worse when hormonal changes take place such as during menstrual cycle, pregnancy or perimenopausal. It is difficult to pay attention to at home or at work and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or meet your goals in life.
Regular exercise can help you manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals like dopamine that can boost your mood and focus. Regular exercise can help you burn extra energy and reduce depression or anxiety symptoms -which are common among women with ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Women and adolescents with ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety-related symptoms and mood disorders than impulsivity or hyperactivity. Girls are often reluctant to admit that they struggle because of gender-based expectations. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms by hiding other behavior. 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 danger and stress. It can be overwhelming and debilitating but it's a great thing. It keeps you alert to danger and allows you to react quickly if there is something not right. However, anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms including jitteriness, sweating, and rapid heartbeat (palpitations). An anxiety disorder is diagnosed in those who suffer from frequent, severe, or chronic anxiety. This is a type of panic disorder in which you experience frequent, sudden panic attacks; phobias that are characterized by a fear of certain objects or situations; obsessive-compulsive disorder, in which irrational thoughts and repetitive behaviors dominate your life; and separation anxiety disorder, in which you fear being away from your home or your family.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle with a concept called "time blindness." They may miss important dates or appointments, show up at the wrong place at the incorrect time, or be so absorbed in their tasks that they are unable to participate in social interactions. This can make them seem uncaring, uninterested or unfocused to others. Good sleeping habits can help to prevent time blindness and can make them appear unfocused, so try to adhere to a regular time for bed and do something relaxing prior to when you go to sleep, such as listening to music, reading or meditating.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are often struggling to stay organized. They may have difficulty to keep on top of their schedules, appointments and possessions. Their home, car and office could be cluttered and their handbags full of receipts, 17 different chapsticks, and a ticket to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their disorganization and forgetfulness can make it difficult for them to maintain and develop relationships at work as well as in their private lives.
Women may also have difficulty speaking their thoughts in social situations. They may be impulsive and impatient and can cause them to interrupt others or blurt things out before considering the consequences. These struggles with filtering their thoughts can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD are able to change from day to day due to hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are at their lowest around ovulation, and during menstruation which can cause ADHD. These symptoms can be the reason for why many women suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed.
There is a bias against diagnosing females with ADHD in addition to the differences in the biology between men and women in regards to the brain's structure and chemical. 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 learn to manage their symptoms using medication and other treatment strategies. With the right help, they can achieve success at school, work and in their personal lives. Medical treatment can give them a huge boost in concentration and assist them to overcome every day challenges, and the use of behavioral therapy and other specific smartphone apps can be additional tools to keep them in the forefront of their game.
5. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have problems with impulse control. This is because the brain part that makes decisions and weighs the consequences isn't as efficient. This could lead to the tendency of people to act or say things without thinking about the consequences, which can have negative effects. Instinctive behavior can cause problems with finances or relationships that are damaged. It can also lead reckless behaviors, such as sexual.
A person suffering from ADHD might develop a variety of coping mechanisms to assist them in overcoming their inability to control impulses. These might include self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, or using food as a way to relax. A poor diet or sleeping less than you need to can also cause trouble.
Women and girls with ADHD might have difficulty recognizing a problem in their behavior. They may struggle to communicate their problems to their teachers or parents, so they try to conceal their issues. This could make it difficult for people to recognize their problems and delay a diagnosis.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD often present with different symptoms than men or boys. They may be less attentive, and suffer from depression or anxiety such as depression. These factors could contribute to the fact girls and women with ADHD are more frequently misdiagnosed than males or females.
Although awareness of ADHD has increased but it's still a problem that affects millions of people. It's more prevalent during the early years of adulthood and adolescence when students are trying to balance school or work. Parents and teachers should be aware that their daughter or granddaughter may be suffering from ADHD in order to get her the help she needs.