Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescents with ADHD tend to show inattention symptoms, as opposed to the impulsivity and hyperactivity that are more common in boys and men. This makes them more susceptible to being misdiagnosed and omitted.
Stereotypes about gender can be a factor, as caregivers may assume that girls who are quiet or dreamy are just "being girls." ADHD symptoms can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and perimenopausal.
1. Hyperactivity
When it comes to ADHD the first image many people have is a hyperactive boy bouncing off the walls in class. While this is a type of ADHD, women and girls also experience 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 untreated.
In some instances, women with ADHD display impulsive behaviors that make it difficult for them to stop and consider their actions before committing. They might not be able listen well when others are talking, and they may have difficulty following instructions or working through tasks. These issues can lead to frustration and confusion with family, friends and romantic partners, as well as coworkers.
Many women suffering from ADHD suffer from sensitivity to rejection, which is a heightened emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection. When combined with low self-esteem and difficulty in friendships with peers This can make it hard for women to cope with her ADHD symptoms.
ADHD symptoms in women can appear at different times, including during pregnancy, menstruation and menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations may cause mood swings and irritation and may cause problems with concentration.
Exercise, diet and sleeping habits can help women and girls suffering from ADHD control their symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus. It can also help to reduce anxiety and stress, which are common among women suffering from ADHD. Getting enough sleep and taking breaks from your activities can help alleviate ADHD symptoms. Utilizing tools such as planners, checklists and post-it notes to track tasks can be beneficial to many people suffering from ADHD. In some cases, a health care provider can prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Inattention
Women and girls with inattentive ADHD often don't get diagnosed, even if the symptoms are extreme. They aren't able to keep up with classes and their homes are messy and they struggle with relationships and their work performance. symptoms of adhd may attempt to compensate for their problems by avoiding them or convincing themselves that they're not affected.
Gender bias can also play in the absence or inaccurate diagnosis. For instance, if boys exhibit hyperactive or impulsive symptoms, they're more likely to be referred for diagnosis and treatment. On the other hand, girls who display inattentive symptoms can be written off as space cases, dreamy or silly.
Attention deficit can manifest in a variety of ways. female adhd symptoms may miss appointments, fail to keep promises, or have difficulty staying focused during classroom lectures. You can't wait your turn and you constantly interrupt other people 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 such as homework or chores.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can also worsen during hormonal changes that occur, like during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopausal symptoms (the run-up to menopause). This can make it more difficult to concentrate at work or at home, and it makes it harder to keep friendships intact or reach goals in life.
Exercise can help you manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals such as dopamine that can improve your mood and improve your focus. Regular exercise can help you burn extra energy, and ease anxiety or depression symptomsthat are common among women suffering from ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Adolescent and female girls with ADHD are often more prone to mood and anxiety symptoms than hyperactivity and impulsivity. Female gender roles make it harder for girls to admit they're struggling, and they are more likely to camouflage ADHD symptoms with other behaviors. This can 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 feel overwhelming and exhausting, but it's beneficial because it helps you stay alert to possible dangers and helps you react quickly when something goes not right. However anxiety can trigger a variety of physical symptoms, like jitteriness and sweating. It can also cause an increase in heart rate, or palpitations. An anxiety disorder can be diagnosed in those who suffer from frequent, severe or disabling anxiety. This is a type of panic disorder in which you have recurring, unexpected panic attacks; phobias which involve an intense fear of specific objects or situations; obsessive-compulsive disorder, where irrational thoughts and repetitive behavior control your life as well as separation anxiety disorder, in which you are afraid of being away from home or your family.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle with a concept called "time blindness." They might miss important dates or appointments, arrive at the wrong place at the incorrect time, or be too distracted by their work that they miss out on social interactions. This can cause them to appear aloof, inconsiderate or unfocused to others. A good night's sleep can keep you from becoming time blind and can make them appear unfocused, so try to adhere to a set bedtime and do something relaxing prior to when you go to bed, such as listening to music, reading, or meditation.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD struggle with being organized. They may have a difficult time keeping track of their schedules, appointments and possessions. Their home, car and office could be messy and their bags are filled with receipts, 17 chapsticks, and a ticket to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their inattention and lack of organization can make it difficult for them to maintain and build relationships at work as well as in their private lives.
Women may also have difficulty speaking their thoughts in social situations. Their impatience and impulsiveness can make them interrupt others or blurt out things without considering the consequences. Their struggles to filter their thoughts can lead to confusion and hurt feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can differ from day to day because of hormonal fluctuation. Estrogen levels are lowest around ovulation, and during menstrual cycles which can cause ADHD. These symptoms can be the reason why many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed correctly.
In addition to the biological differences in the brain's structure and the chemicals that are involved in ADHD for females and males as well as the bias against diagnosing women with the condition. 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 strategies for treatment. They can find success in work, school as well as in their personal lives with the right help. Medication can help improve concentration and help with everyday problems. Therapy for behavior and smartphone applications can also prove beneficial.
5. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to struggle with controlling their impulses. It's because the part of the brain that makes decisions, and weighs the consequences, doesn't function in the same way. This can lead to an inability to make decisions or speak words without considering the potential consequences, which could result in negative consequences. Impulsive behavior can lead to problems with finances or relationships that are damaged. It can also lead to sexually risky behaviors.
A person with ADHD might develop a variety of coping strategies to help them overcome their inability to control their impulses. These might include self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, or using food as a way to relax. A poor diet or lack of sleep can cause problems.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may struggle to recognize a problem in their behavior. They may find it difficult to explain their symptoms to their teachers or parents, so they try to cover up their problems. This makes it difficult for people to identify their issues and delay a diagnosis.
In addition women and girls who suffer from ADHD tend to present their symptoms differently than boys or men. They might be more distracted and have a higher rate of co-existing anxiety and mood disorders, for example depression. These factors may contribute to the fact women and girls with ADHD are more frequently misdiagnosed than boys or men.
Although awareness of ADHD has increased, it's still a disorder that affects millions of people. It's especially common during adolescence and early adulthood, when a lot of people are trying to meet the demands of their jobs or schools. Parents and teachers must be aware that their daughter or granddaughter may have ADHD to ensure that they get her the help she requires.