Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescents with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs, rather than the impulsivity and hyperactivity that are more prevalent in boys and men. This makes them more susceptible to being misdiagnosed and overlooked.
Gender stereotypes can be a factor as caregivers may believe that quiet or dreamy girls are just "being girls." ADHD symptoms can be caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle as well as perimenopausal.
1. Hyperactivity
Many people think of ADHD when they see a hyperactive boy who bounces off walls of the school. Although this is one form of ADHD, women and girls also suffer from the disorder in this type. ADHD symptoms in young girls and women are often harder to identify than boys, and as a result, the condition is often misdiagnosed or left untreated.
In certain instances, women with ADHD exhibit impulsive behavior that make it difficult for them to pause and think about their actions before acting. They may not be able to listen when other people are talking and they may have trouble following directions or completing tasks. These issues can lead to frustration and miscommunications in relationships with family, romantic partners, friends, and coworkers.
Many women with ADHD experience rejection sensitivity, which is a heightened emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection. In combination with low self-esteem, and difficulty in friendships with peers which can make it difficult for a woman to cope with her ADHD symptoms.
Symptoms of ADHD in women may flare up at various times during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger mood swings and irritation and may cause problems with concentration.
Exercise, diet and sleep habits can help some women and girls suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost attention and concentration. It also helps ease stress and anxiety which are common among women suffering from ADHD. Being able to sleep enough and taking breaks can also help ADHD symptoms. Using tools like planners, checklists and post-it notes to keep track of tasks can be beneficial to many people with ADHD. In certain cases, a health care provider can prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Inattention
Girls and women who have inattentive ADHD are often not diagnosed until symptoms are severe. They struggle to stay on top of school, their homes are messy and they have trouble with relationships and their work performance. They might try to make up for it by denying their symptoms or by convincing themselves that they're not affected them.
Gender bias can also play a role in misdiagnosis or omissions. If a boy exhibits excessive or impulsive behavior, he's more likely to be referred for diagnosis and therapy. Girls who exhibit inattention can be dismissed as dreamy, ditzy, or space cases.
The symptoms of adhd that cause inattention can manifest in many ways: You miss appointments, fail to follow through on promises and are unable to stay focused in meetings or classroom lectures. You don't have time to wait around and keep interrupting others while you talk. Your memory is weak and you often lose things or forget where you put them. You are unable to follow simple instructions and tend to avoid tasks that require focus, like homework or chores.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can also worsen when hormonal changes occur like menstrual cycles, pregnancy or perimenopause (the run-up to menopause). It can be difficult to concentrate on work or home and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or achieve life goals.
Exercise can help you control your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals such as dopamine that can improve your mood and concentration. Additionally, regular exercise can help to burn off excess energy and ease anxiety or depression -- symptoms that are common in women suffering from ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Women and adolescents who suffer from ADHD tend to experience more anxiety and mood issues than hyperactivity or impulsivity. Girls are often reluctant to acknowledge that they struggle because of gender role expectations. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms by avoiding 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 stress and danger. attention deficit disorder symptoms adults can be overwhelming and debilitating but it is a good thing. It keeps you alert to danger and allows you to react quickly when you notice something not right. However, adult adhd symptoms can trigger a range of physical symptoms including jitteriness, sweating, and an increased heart rate (palpitations). People who suffer from frequent severe, chronic, or even disabling anxiety may be diagnosed with anxiety disorders. This includes panic disorder, in which you are prone to frequent, unexpected panic attacks; phobias, that are characterized by a fear of particular objects or situations; obsessive-compulsive disorder, in which irrational thoughts and repetitive behavior control your life as well as separation anxiety disorder, where you fear being away from home or your family.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle with a concept called "time blindness." They may forget important dates or appointments, show up at the wrong place at the wrong time, or become too distracted by their work that they miss social interactions. This can cause them to appear unfocused, aloof or inconsiderate of 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 relaxing prior to when you go to bed, such as reading, listening to music, or meditation.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often have trouble staying organized. They may find it difficult to keep track of their schedules, appointments and other belongings. Their car, home 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 can make it difficult to establish and maintain personal and professional relationships.
Women may also find it difficult to express their opinions in social situations. Their impatience and impulsiveness can cause them to interrupt others or blurt out things before thinking through the consequences. This struggle to control their thoughts can lead them to hurt feelings and miscommunications.
The symptoms of ADHD in women may vary from day to day because of hormonal fluctuation. For instance estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and the menstrual cycle, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These symptom variations may be the reason why many women with ADHD are not diagnosed correctly.
There is a stigma against diagnosing females with ADHD in addition to the biological differences between males and women in terms of 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.
Women suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms with medication and other methods of treatment. With the right guidance they can be successful at school, work as well as in their personal lives. Medication can help improve concentration and assist with everyday challenges. The use of behavioral therapy and smartphone applications can also help.
5. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have issues with control of their impulses. This is because the part of their brain that makes decisions and considers the consequences isn't working as well. This leads to a tendency to do or say things without thinking about the possible result, which could result in negative consequences. Impulsive behavior can lead to relationships that are damaged. It can also result in risky sexual behaviors.
A person suffering from ADHD might develop a variety of coping strategies to aid them in their struggle to manage their impulses. Self-medicating with alcohol or other drugs, or soothing yourself by eating food are all options. Having a poor diet or sleeping less than you ought to could also lead to trouble.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty recognizing the signs of a problem with their behavior. They may find it difficult to explain their symptoms to their parents or teachers and, therefore, they try to hide their struggles. This could make it difficult for people to recognize their issues and delay a diagnosis.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD typically have different symptoms than men or boys. They might be less attentive, and suffer from depression or anxiety like depression. These factors could cause girls and women with ADHD are more frequently misdiagnosed than boys or men.
Although awareness of ADHD has improved but it's still a problem that affects millions of people. It's most prevalent in adolescence and early adulthood, when a lot of people are trying to cope with the demands of their work or school. It's crucial for teachers and parents to be aware that a girl or woman they know has ADHD to ensure that they receive the assistance she requires.