Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescents with ADHD tend to show inattention signs, rather than the hyperactivity and impulsivity which are more common for both genders. This makes them more susceptible to being overlooked and misdiagnosed.
Gender stereotypes can contribute to this, as caregivers may assume that quiet or dreamy girls are simply "being girls." Additionally, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle and perimenopause can cause ADHD symptoms to become more severe.
1. Hyperactivity
When it is ADHD the first image many people have is of the hyperactive boy bouncing off the walls during class. This is a form of ADHD that affects women as well as girls. ADHD symptoms in women and girls can be harder to spot than those of boys, which is why the condition is often misdiagnosed or left untreated.
In certain instances women who suffer from ADHD display impulsive behaviors that make it difficult to think about their actions before acting. They might not be able listen well when others are talking, and they may be unable to follow instructions or performing tasks. These issues can cause frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with family members, romantic partners, friends, and colleagues.
Many women suffering from ADHD have sensitivity to rejection which is a heightened emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection. This can make it difficult for a woman who suffers from ADHD to manage, particularly in the case of low self-esteem or has difficulty forming relationships with peers.
ADHD symptoms in women can appear at different times, such as during pregnancy, menstruation and menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations can cause anxiety, mood swings, and difficulty in concentration.
Exercise, diet and sleep habits can help some women and girls with ADHD control their symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters which boost concentration and attention. It can also help to reduce anxiety and stress that are common among women with ADHD. Sleeping enough and taking breaks can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Many people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from using tools like checklists planners, planners, and a post-it note to keep track of their activities. In some instances, health care providers can prescribe medication to manage symptoms.
2. Inattention
Even when the symptoms are severe, women and girls with inattentive ADHD aren't diagnosed. They struggle to keep up at school, their homes can be messy, and they experience issues with relationships and performance. They might try to make up for it by hiding their symptoms or by trying to convince themselves that they're not affected by these issues.
Gender bias also can play a role in missed or misdiagnoses. For instance, when a boy displays hyperactive or impulsive symptoms, they're more likely to get assessed for diagnosis and treatment. Girls who display inattention can be dismissed as ditzy, dreamy or space-related.
The symptoms of inattention that are associated with adhd can manifest in a variety of ways: You forget appointments, don't adhere to promises, and are unable to stay focused in class or meetings. You don't have time to wait around and constantly interrupt others when you are talking. You have a poor memory and frequently lose things or forget where they are. You struggle to follow simple instructions and are prone to avoid tasks that require focus, such as homework or chores.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can also be exacerbated during hormonal changes that occur, like during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms (the period leading up to menopausal). It can be difficult to pay attention to the demands of work or at home, and may make it difficult to maintain relationships or reach the goals of life.
Getting signs and symptoms of adhd in adults of exercise can help manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals like dopamine, which can improve your mood and concentration. In addition, regular exercise helps you shed excess energy and ease anxiety or depression -- symptoms that are common in women suffering from ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often experience more mood and anxiety-related symptoms than impulsivity and hyperactivity. Female gender roles make it difficult for girls to acknowledge that they're struggling, which is why they tend to camouflage ADHD symptoms with other behavior. This can cause girls and women to be misdiagnosed, and therefore not declare 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 the natural reaction to stress and danger. It can be debilitating and overwhelming but it is a good thing. It keeps you aware of danger and helps you respond quickly when you notice something amiss. In reality, anxiety can trigger a myriad of physical symptoms, like jitteriness and sweating. It may also trigger an increase in heart rate or palpitations. An anxiety disorder may be diagnosed in people suffering from frequent, severe, or even disabling anxiety. An anxiety disorder can include panic disorder (where you have recurring unplanned panic attacks), fears (where you are incredibly terrified of certain objects or events), obsessive compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thought and repetitive behaviors), and separation anxiety disorder.
Many women with ADHD struggle with a concept called "time blindness." They can miss 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 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 regular bedtime and do something relaxing prior to when you go to sleep, such as listening to music, reading or even meditating.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle with staying organized. They may have a hard time keeping track of their appointments, schedules, and belongings. Their office, home, and car may be cluttered and their bags could be full of receipts, 17 chapsticks, or a ticket to 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 personal lives.
Women may also struggle to express themselves in social settings. Their impatience and impulsiveness can cause them to interrupt others or say things without considering the implications. The struggle to filter their thoughts could lead to hurt feelings and miscommunications.
The signs of ADHD in women can differ from day to day because of hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lowest at the time of ovulation and during menstruation, which can exacerbate ADHD. These symptom variations may be the reason for why many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed correctly.
In addition to the biological differences in brain structure and chemicals that are involved with ADHD for females and males, there is also a bias against diagnosing women suffering from the disorder. 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, they can learn to manage their symptoms with the help of medication and other treatment strategies. With the right guidance they can be successful in their work, school and in their personal lives. Medical treatment can give them a huge boost in concentration and assist them to cope with daily challenges, while specific smartphone apps can be additional tools to keep them in the forefront of their game.
5. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD tend to have difficulty controlling their impulses. It's because the part of the brain that makes decisions, and considers consequences, isn't functioning similarly. This could lead to a tendency for people to do or say things without thinking about the consequences, which could result in negative effects. Impulsive behavior can result in problems with finances or relationships that are damaged. It can also lead reckless behaviors, such as sexual.
signs and symptoms of adhd in adults suffering from ADHD might develop a variety of coping mechanisms to help them overcome their inability to control their impulses. Self-medicating using alcohol or drugs, or calming yourself by eating foods are all possible. A poor diet or not getting enough sleep can cause issues.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty recognizing an issue in their behavior. They may have difficulty to explain their problems and so hide their struggles. This can make it harder for people to spot their issues and can delay a diagnosis.
Women and girls with ADHD often present with different symptoms than males or females. They may be less attentive and suffer from mood disorders or anxiety like depression. These factors contribute to the fact that girls and women with ADHD are more likely to be misdiagnosed than boys or men with ADHD.
Although awareness of ADHD has improved, it's still a disorder that affects millions of people. It's particularly prevalent during adolescence and early adulthood, when a lot of people are trying to meet the demands of their careers or school. Parents and teachers must be aware that their child or granddaughter may have ADHD to ensure that they receive the assistance she requires.