Female Symptoms of ADHD
Girls and women who have ADHD typically exhibit inattentional symptoms, as opposed to the hyperactivity and impulsivity more often observed in men and boys. This makes them more susceptible to being misdiagnosed and omitted.
Gender stereotypes can be a contributing factor as well, since caregivers may think that quiet girls or girls who seem withdrawn and dreamy are just "being girls." ADHD symptoms can be worsened by hormonal fluctuations in the menstrual period and perimenopause.
1. Hyperactivity
Many people think of ADHD when they see a boy who bounces off walls at school. Although this is one form of ADHD however, girls and women also suffer from the disorder in this manner. ADHD symptoms for women and girls are often harder to detect than those of boys. This results in the disorder being misdiagnosed or going untreated.
Women suffering from ADHD can exhibit an impulsive behavior that makes it difficult to take a step back and think before they act. They may not listen well when people are talking, and they may have trouble following directions or completing tasks. These issues can lead to irritability and miscommunications with family friends, romantic partners and friends, as well as coworkers.
Many women suffering from ADHD suffer from sensitivity to rejection, which is a strong emotional response to actual or perceived rejection. This can make it difficult for a woman with ADHD to manage, particularly when she is self-conscious or has difficulty forming relationships with peers.
Signs of ADHD in women can flare up at various times during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations can cause irritation, mood swings and trouble with concentration.
Some girls and women who have ADHD are able to manage their symptoms through eating, exercise and sleep habits. Regular physical activity releases neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus. It can also help to reduce anxiety and stress that are common among women with ADHD. Being able to sleep enough and taking breaks can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Many people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from tools like checklists or planners, as well as a post-it notes to keep track of their activities. In certain instances medical professionals may prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Attention
Girls and women who have inattention ADHD often don't get diagnosed until symptoms are extreme. They struggle to stay on top of school, their homes are messy and they struggle with relationships and work performance. They may attempt to compensate for their issues by denying them or convincing themselves that they are not affected.
Gender bias is also a factor that plays in the absence or inaccurate diagnoses. If a boy displays an impulsive or hyperactive behavior, he's more likely to be referred for diagnosis and therapy. On the other hand girls who exhibit inattention symptoms can be written off as space-bound, dreamy or ditzy.
The symptoms of inattention that are associated with adhd can manifest in a variety of ways: You forget appointments, fail to follow through on promises and have trouble staying focused in class or meetings. You have trouble waiting your turn when talking with others and are unable to stop interrupting. You have a poor memory and are often lost items or forget where they are. You are unable to follow simple instructions, and you tend to avoid tasks requiring concentration, such as homework or chores.
what are the symptoms of adult adhd of inattentive ADHD can also become more severe due to hormonal changes like menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopausal perimenopausal (the menopausal transition). It can be difficult to pay attention to work or home and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or meet your goals in life.
Exercise can help you control your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals, such as dopamine, which can improve your mood and concentration. In addition, regular exercise helps you burn off extra energy and can ease depression or anxiety -- symptoms that are common among women suffering from ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Women and adolescents who suffer from ADHD tend to experience more anxiety symptoms and mood symptoms than impulsivity or hyperactivity. Girls are often hesitant to admit they have issues due to gender-based expectations. They often cover up ADHD symptoms by concealing other behaviors. 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 a natural reaction to danger and stress. It can be debilitating and overwhelming but it's a good thing. It keeps you aware of danger and helps you respond quickly if there is something wrong. Unfortunately anxiety can trigger a variety of physical symptoms, like sweating and jitteriness. It can also cause a rapid heartbeat or palpitations. An anxiety disorder can be diagnosed in people suffering from frequent, severe, or chronic anxiety. This is a type of panic disorder in which you have recurring, unexpected anxiety attacks; phobias that are characterized by a fear of certain objects or situations; obsessive-compulsive disorder where irrational thinking and repetitive behaviors control your life and separation anxiety disorder, where you fear being away from home or family.
Many women who suffer from ADHD struggle with a concept known as "time blindness." They might miss important dates or appointments, show up at the wrong location at the wrong time, or get too distracted by their work that they are unable to participate in social interactions. This can make them appear aloof, unfocused or inconsiderate of other people. Good sleeping habits can aid in avoiding time blindness. So try to maintain a regular bedtime, and then do something relaxing such as listening to music, reading or meditating prior to when you go to sleep.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time staying organized. They might have a difficult time keeping track of their schedules, appointments and belongings. Their car, home, and office may be cluttered and their handbags full of receipts, 17 chapsticks, and a ticket to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their inattention and lack of organization can make it difficult to maintain and develop relationships at work and in their personal lives.
Women also have a tendency to have a difficult time expressing their opinions in social situations. Their impatience and impulsiveness can make them interrupt others or blurt out things before thinking through the implications. These struggles to filter their thoughts can lead them to hurt feelings and misunderstandings.
The signs of ADHD in women can differ from day to day due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance estrogen levels are lower at the time of ovulation, and during the menstrual cycle which can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms. These symptoms may be the reason that many women suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed.
In addition to the biological differences in the brain's structure and the chemicals that are involved with ADHD in females and males, there is also a bias against diagnosing women suffering from 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.
Women with ADHD can manage their symptoms by taking medication and other treatment methods. They can achieve success at work, school, and their personal lives with the right support. Medical treatment can give them a huge boost in concentration and help better handle everyday challenges, while the use of behavioral therapy and other specific smartphone apps can be additional tools to keep them on top of their game.
5. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have problems with controlling their impulses. It's because the part the brain that makes decisions and considers consequences, isn't functioning as well. This can lead to an inability to act or say things without considering the possible consequences, which could result in negative consequences. For instance, an impulsive behaviour could lead to financial issues or harm relationships. It can also lead to dangerous behaviors like sexual.
A person with ADHD may develop a number of coping strategies to aid them in their struggle to manage their impulses. Self-medicating through alcohol or drugs, or calming yourself by eating food are all options. A poor diet or lack of sleep can also lead to problems.
Women and girls with ADHD may also struggle to recognize that they are struggling with their behavior. They may be unable to communicate their problems to their teachers or parents and so they attempt to cover up their problems. This could make it difficult for people to understand their symptoms and delay diagnosis.
Females and females with ADHD are often afflicted with different symptoms than males or females. They might be less attentive and may suffer from anxiety or mood disorders like depression. These factors are the reason that girls and women with ADHD are more likely to be incorrectly diagnosed than males or boys with ADHD.
ADHD is still a disorder that affects millions of people, despite increased awareness. It is more common in the adolescent years and early adulthood, when students are trying to balance work or school. Parents and teachers must be aware that their daughter or granddaughter might be suffering from ADHD in order to get her the help she needs.