Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescent girls with ADHD typically exhibit inattentional symptoms, instead of the impulsivity and hyperactivity commonly observed in men and boys. This means they are more likely to be overlooked and often misdiagnosed.
Stereotypes of gender can be a factor caregivers might assume that girls who are quiet or dreamy are simply "being girls." ADHD symptoms can also be caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period and perimenopause.
1. Hyperactivity
Many people think of ADHD when they see a child who flies off the walls of the school. While this is a type of ADHD, women and girls also suffer from the disorder in this form. ADHD symptoms in girls and women are usually more difficult to identify than boys. This results in the disorder being misdiagnosed or going untreated.
Women suffering from ADHD can exhibit impulsive behavior which makes it difficult to take a step back and think before they act. They may not be able to hear well when others are talking, and they may have trouble following instructions or performing tasks. These issues can lead to frustration and confusion with family friends, romantic partners and friends, as well as coworkers.
Many women suffering from ADHD have rejection sensitivity. This is an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection. This can make it difficult for a woman with ADHD to cope, especially in the case of low self-esteem or is struggling with peer relationships.
Signs of ADHD in women may flare up at different times during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger irritation, mood swings and difficulty in concentration.
Exercise, diet and sleeping habits can help women and girls suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Regular physical activity releases neurotransmitters, which boost attention and focus. It can also help to calm anxiety and stress, which are common among women with ADHD. Being able to sleep enough and taking breaks can also help ADHD symptoms. Utilizing tools such as planners, checklists and post-it notes to track tasks can be beneficial for many people suffering from ADHD. In certain cases the health professional may prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Attention!
Even when symptoms are serious, women and girls with inattentive ADHD aren't diagnosed. They aren't able to keep up with school and their homes are messy and they struggle with relationships and work performance. They may attempt to compensate for their symptoms by hiding them or claiming that they are not affected.
Gender bias can also play a role in misdiagnosis or missed diagnoses. For instance, if males exhibit hyperactive or impulsive symptoms, they're more likely to be referred for diagnosis and treatment. On the other hand girls who exhibit inattention symptoms are often dismissed as space cases, dreamy or ditzy.
signs of adult adhd of inattention that are associated with adhd can show up in many ways: You don't remember appointments, don't keep promises and are unable to stay focused during class lectures or meetings. You have trouble waiting for your turn to speak with others, and you can't seem to stop interrupting. You have a poor memory and often lose things or forget their location. You have trouble following simple instructions and tend to avoid tasks that require concentration, such as chores or homework.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can also worsen when hormonal changes occur, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopausal perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal). It can be difficult to concentrate on work or home and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or achieve the goals of life.
Exercise can help you control your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals, such as dopamine that can improve your mood and focus. Regular exercise can also help you burn off extra energy and reduce depression or anxiety symptoms -that are common among women suffering from ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Women and adolescents who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and mood issues than hyperactivity or impulsivity. Girls are often reluctant to acknowledge that they struggle because of gender-based expectations. They are more likely to conceal ADHD symptoms by avoiding other behaviors. This can lead to misdiagnosis and under-reporting of 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 a natural reaction to danger and stress. It can be debilitating and overwhelming but it is a good thing. It keeps you aware of danger and allows you to react quickly if there is something not right. However, anxiety can trigger a myriad of physical symptoms, such as jitteriness and sweating. It may also trigger rapid heartbeats, or palpitations. People who suffer from frequent, severe, or disabling anxiety could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. An anxiety disorder can include panic disorder (where you have frequent panic attacks that are not planned) and fears (where you are extremely scared of certain objects or situations) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thought and repetitive behaviors), and separation anxiety disorder.
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle with "time blindness". They might miss important dates and appointments, arrive at an incorrect time or location, or become so distracted by their tasks that they miss social interactions. This can make them appear unfocused, aloof or inconsiderate of other people. Good sleep habits will ensure that you don't suffer from time blindness. Therefore, try to keep a regular bedtime, and then do something relaxing such as reading, listening music or meditating before you go to bed.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle with being organized. They might have a difficult managing 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 to the Kings of Leon concert of 2008. Their disorganization and forgetfulness can make it difficult for them to maintain relationships at work and in their personal lives.
Women may also find it difficult to express themselves in social settings. Their impatience and impulsiveness could cause them to interrupt others or blurt out things without considering the consequences. The struggle to filter their thoughts can lead to hurt feelings and misunderstandings.
Symptoms of ADHD in women may vary between days because of hormonal fluctuations. For instance estrogen levels are at their lowest during ovulation and menstrual cycles which can increase ADHD symptoms. These symptom changes may be the reason why a lot of women suffering from ADHD go undiagnosed and mistreated.
There is a stigma against diagnosing females with ADHD as well as the differences in the biology between men and women in regards to 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 with ADHD can manage their symptoms using medication and other treatment methods. With the right help they can succeed in school, at work and in their personal lives. The use of medication can give a substantial boost in concentration and help them overcome daily challenges, while behavioral therapy and specialized smartphone apps can be additional tools to help them stay on top of their game.
5. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently have issues with controlling their impulses. It's because the part the brain that makes decisions and weighs the consequences, isn't functioning in the same way. This results in a tendency to do or say things without considering the potential consequences, which can have negative consequences. For instance, an impulsive behaviour could cause financial problems or harm relationships. It might also lead to sexually risky behaviors.
A person suffering from ADHD may develop a variety of coping mechanisms that assist them in overcoming their inability to control their impulses. They could resort to self-medicating using alcohol or other drugs or eating food as a method to comfort themselves. A poor diet or not getting enough sleep can also cause problems.
Women and girls with ADHD might also have difficulty to acknowledge that they are having issues with their behavior. They may find it difficult to explain their symptoms, so they cover up their problems. This can make it difficult for people to notice their problems and may delay the diagnosis.
Females and females who suffer from ADHD often present with different symptoms than males or females. They may be less attentive and may suffer from mood disorders or anxiety such as depression. These factors may be the reason for girls and women with ADHD are misdiagnosed more frequently than males or females.
ADHD is a condition that affects a lot of people, despite the increased awareness. It's especially common in adolescence and the early years of adulthood, when lots of people are trying to meet the demands of their work or school. It's important for teachers and parents to be aware of the possibility that a child or woman they know has ADHD to ensure that they get the help she needs.