Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescents who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattentive signs, rather than the hyperactivity and impulsivity that are more common in boys and men. This makes them more susceptible to being overlooked and misdiagnosed.
Gender stereotypes can be a contributing factor as well, since caregivers may think that girls who are quiet or who appear to be shy and dreamy are simply "being girls." Also, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle as well as perimenopausal symptoms can cause ADHD symptoms to become more severe.
1. Hyperactivity
When it comes to ADHD the first image many people have is an overactive boy who bounces off the walls of class. While this is a type of ADHD, women and girls also suffer from the disorder in this manner. ADHD symptoms for women and young girls can be harder to spot than boys, and as a result, the condition is often misdiagnosed or left untreated.
In some cases, women with ADHD exhibit impulsive behavior that make it difficult for them to pause and think about their actions prior to acting. They might not be attentive when others are talking, and they may have trouble adhering to instructions or completing tasks. These issues can lead to frustration and confusion with family or friends, as well as romantic partners and coworkers.
Many women with ADHD have sensitivity to rejection which is a heightened emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection. This can make it difficult for women who suffers from ADHD to cope, particularly if she has low self-esteem or is struggling with peer relationships.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can show up at different times during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger irritation, mood swings and trouble with concentration.
Exercise, diet and sleeping habits can help women and girls with ADHD manage their symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and attention. It can also help to reduce anxiety and stress that are common among women suffering from ADHD. Sleeping enough and taking breaks from work can also help ADHD symptoms. Using tools like planners, checklists and post-it notes to track tasks can be beneficial to many people with ADHD. In some instances medical professionals may prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Attention
Even when symptoms are serious women and girls suffering from inattentive ADHD aren't diagnosed. They aren't able to keep up with school, their homes are messy and they have trouble with relationships and performance at work. They may try to compensate by hiding their symptoms or by trying to convince themselves that they're not affected their symptoms.
Gender bias also can play a role in misdiagnosis or omissions. For instance, if males exhibit an impulsive or hyperactive behavior are more likely to be diagnosed and treated. Girls who display inattention can be dismissed as dreamy, ditzy, or space-related.
The inattention symptom of adhd can manifest in a variety of ways: You miss appointments, fail to adhere to promises, and are unable to stay focused in meetings or classroom lectures. You can't wait your turn and keep interrupting others when you're talking. You have a poor memory and frequently lose things or forget where they are. You have difficulty following simple instructions, and you tend to avoid tasks that require concentration like homework or chores.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can also get worse when hormonal changes occur such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or perimenopause. It is difficult to focus on the demands of work or at home, and may make it difficult to maintain relationships or reach the goals of life.
Exercise can help you control your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals, including dopamine, which can help boost your concentration and mood. Regular exercise can also help you burn 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 anxiety and mood symptoms than impulsivity and hyperactivity. Girls are often reluctant to admit that they have issues due to gender-based expectations. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms by avoiding other behavior. This could lead to misdiagnosis and under-reporting among women and girls. 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's a good thing. It keeps you alert to danger and helps you react quickly when you notice something wrong. In adult adhd signs can trigger a range of physical symptoms, including sweating and jitteriness. It can also trigger a rapid heartbeat, or palpitations. An anxiety disorder may be diagnosed in people who suffer from frequent, severe or disabling anxiety. An anxiety disorder can include panic disorder (where you have recurring unplanned panic attacks), fear of certain objects or situations (where you are intensely scared of certain objects or situations), obsessive compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thinking and repetitive behaviors), and separation anxiety disorder.
Many women with ADHD struggle with a phenomenon known as "time blindness." They can forget important dates or appointments, arrive at the wrong place at the incorrect time, or be too distracted by their work that they are unable to participate in social interactions. This can make them appear aloof, inconsiderate or unfocused to others. A good night's sleep can help you avoid time blindness. So, try to keep an established bedtime and do something relaxing like listening to music, reading or meditating prior to when you go to bed.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD are often struggling to stay organized. They might have a difficult managing their appointments, schedules, and belongings. Their home, office, and car may be cluttered, and their handbags may be full of receipts, 17 chapsticks, or tickets to the Kings of Leon concert of 2008. Their inattention and lack of organization can make it difficult for them to maintain and develop relationships at work as well as in their personal lives.
Women also have trouble saying what they mean in social situations. Their impatience and impulsiveness can make them interrupt others or utter things without thinking about the consequences. These struggles with filtering their thoughts can lead to confusion and hurt feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD are able to change from day to day due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance estrogen levels are at their lowest during ovulation and menstrual cycle which can increase ADHD symptoms. These symptoms can be the reason why many women suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed.
There is a stigma against diagnosing females with ADHD in addition to the biological differences 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.
If women are given a clear diagnosis of ADHD and are able to learn to manage their symptoms using medication and other strategies for treatment. With the right guidance they can be successful at school, work as well as in their personal lives. The use of medication can improve concentration and assist with everyday problems. Therapy for behavior and smartphone applications can also be helpful.
5. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD have a tendency to be unable to control their impulses. It's because the part the brain that makes decisions and weighs the consequences, doesn't function as well. This leads to a tendency to make decisions or act without thinking about the result, which could result in negative consequences. For instance, an impulsive behaviour could lead to financial issues or harm relationships. It could also result in risky sexual behaviors.
A person with ADHD may develop a variety of strategies to help them deal with their issues with controlling impulses. adhd in adults signs -medicating through alcohol or drugs, or comforting yourself by eating food are all options. A poor diet or sleeping less than you need to can also cause trouble.
Women and girls with ADHD may struggle to recognize an issue in their behavior. They may struggle to explain their symptoms to their teachers or parents, so they try to hide their struggles. This could make it difficult for people to understand their symptoms and delay diagnosis.
Girls and women with ADHD often present with different symptoms than men or boys. They might be less attentive and may suffer from anxiety or mood disorders such as depression. These factors could cause women and girls with ADHD being misdiagnosed more often than men or boys.
Although awareness of ADHD has increased but it's still a problem that affects millions of people. It's particularly prevalent in adolescence and the early years of adulthood, when lots of people are trying to meet the demands of their jobs or schools. Parents and teachers should be aware that their child or granddaughter may be suffering from ADHD to ensure that they receive the assistance she needs.