Female Symptoms of ADHD
Girls and women who have ADHD often display inattentive symptoms, instead of the impulsivity and hyperactivity commonly seen in males and girls. This makes them more likely to be missed and misdiagnosed.
Stereotypes about gender can contribute to this caregivers might assume that quiet or dreamy girls are simply "being girls." ADHD symptoms can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and perimenopausal.
1. Hyperactivity
When it is about ADHD the first impression most people think of is a hyperactive boy bouncing off the walls of class. This is a type of ADHD that affects women as well as girls. ADHD symptoms in women and girls are typically more difficult to spot than those of boys. This can lead to the disorder being misdiagnosed or going untreated.
In some cases, women with ADHD display impulsive behaviors that make it difficult for them to pause and think about their actions before committing. adhd symptoms in women might not be attentive when people are talking, and they may have trouble adhering to instructions or completing tasks. These issues can lead to frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with family, romantic partners, friends and coworkers.
Many women with ADHD experience rejection sensitivity, which is a strong emotional response to real or perceived rejection. This can make it difficult for women with ADHD to manage, particularly in the case of low self-esteem or is struggling with peer relationships.
ADHD symptoms in women can manifest at various times, including during pregnancy, menstruation and menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger irritability, mood swings and difficulty in concentration.
Women and girls who have ADHD have a better chance to manage their symptoms by diet, exercise and sleeping habits. adhd symptoms for women releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and attention. It can also help ease stress and anxiety which are common in women with ADHD. Being able to sleep enough and taking breaks can help ADHD symptoms. Utilizing tools such as planners, checklists and post-it notes to keep track of tasks can be beneficial for many people suffering from ADHD. In certain instances medical professionals may prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Attention
Even when symptoms are serious, women and girls with inattentive ADHD are not diagnosed. They have a difficult time keeping up at school, their homes can be messy, and they have trouble with relationships and work performance. They may attempt to compensate for their symptoms by hiding them or pretending that they're not affected.
Gender bias is also a factor that plays in the absence or inaccurate diagnoses. When a boy exhibits an impulsive or hyperactive behavior they are more likely to be recommended for diagnosis and therapy. On the other hand, girls who display inattentive symptoms can be written off as space-bound, dreamy or silly.
The symptoms of inattention that are associated with adhd can show up in many ways: You don't remember appointments, don't follow through on promises and are unable to stay focused in class or meetings. You have a hard time waiting for your turn to speak with others and can't seem to stop interrupting. You have a poor memory and are often lost items or forget their location. You have difficulty following simple instructions and you tend to avoid tasks requiring concentration like homework or chores.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD can also be exacerbated when hormonal changes occur that occur, like during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms (the period leading up to menopausal). It can be difficult to pay attention to work or home and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or reach life goals.
Exercise can help you control your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals such as dopamine that can boost your mood and focus. In addition, regular exercise helps to burn off excess energy and can ease anxiety or depression -- symptoms that are common among women suffering from ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Adolescent and female girls with ADHD often experience more mood and anxiety-related symptoms than hyperactivity and impulsivity. Girls are often hesitant to admit they struggle due to gender roles. They often cover up ADHD symptoms by hiding other behaviors. This could result in misdiagnosis or 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. It can be overwhelming and debilitating but it's a great thing. It keeps you alert to danger and helps you react quickly if something is amiss. In reality, anxiety can trigger a myriad of physical symptoms, including sweating and jitteriness. It can also cause a rapid heartbeat, or palpitations. An anxiety disorder may be diagnosed in people suffering from frequent, severe, or even disabling anxiety. 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 where irrational thinking and repetitive behaviors dominate your life; and separation anxiety disorder, in which you are afraid of being away from your home or your family.
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle with "time blindness". They might forget important dates or appointments, arrive at an wrong time or location or get so absorbed by their work that they fail to notice social interactions. This can cause them to appear aloof, unfocused or uncaring to others. A good night's sleep can prevent time blindness, so try to stick to a set bedtime and do something relaxing prior to when you go to bed, such as listening to music, reading or meditating.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are often struggling to stay organized. They may have a hard time keeping track of their schedules, appointments and possessions. Their home, office and car could be overflowing with clutter, and their handbags may be full of receipts, 17 chapsticks, or a ticket for the Kings of Leon concert of 2008. Their disorganization and forgetfulness can make it difficult for them to maintain and develop relationships at work and in their personal lives.
Women also have trouble saying what they mean in social situations. Their impatience and impulsiveness can cause them to interrupt others or blurt out things without considering the consequences. The struggle to filter their thoughts can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can change throughout the day due to hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lowest during ovulation and during menstrual cycle which can worsen ADHD. These changes in symptom severity could be why many women with ADHD are not diagnosed and treated.
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.
If women have a definitive diagnosis of ADHD, they can manage their symptoms using medication and other treatment strategies. With the right guidance they can succeed at school, work and in their personal lives. The use of medication can give a substantial boost in concentration and assist them to overcome everyday challenges, while the use of behavioral therapy and other special smartphone apps are additional tools to keep them on top of their game.
5. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are more likely to be unable to control their impulses. It's because the part of the brain that makes decisions and considers consequences, doesn't function in the same way. This results in a tendency to say or do things without considering the potential outcome, which can result in negative consequences. Instinctive behavior can cause financial difficulties or relationships that are damaged. It could cause risky sexual behaviors.
A person with ADHD might develop a range of strategies to help them deal with their difficulties with controlling their impulses. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, or calming yourself with food are all possible. A poor diet or not getting enough sleep can also cause issues.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty recognizing a problem in their behavior. They might be unable to communicate their problems to their parents or teachers and so they attempt to cover up their problems. This could make it difficult for people to understand their symptoms and delay diagnosis.
Women and girls with ADHD typically have different symptoms than men or boys. They might be more inattentive and have a higher rate of co-existing anxiety or mood disorders, for example depression. These factors can cause women and girls with ADHD are misdiagnosed more frequently than boys or men.
ADHD is still a disorder that affects many millions of people, despite the increased awareness. It is more common in the early years of adulthood and adolescence when students are trying to balance school and work. It's important for parents and educators to be aware of the possibility that a person they know has ADHD so that they can receive the assistance she requires.