Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescents with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs, rather than the hyperactivity and impulsivity that are more prevalent for both genders. This makes them more easily missed and not properly diagnosed.
Gender stereotypes are a factor in the way that caregivers may assume that quiet girls or girls who appear to be shy and dreamy are just "being girls." ADHD symptoms can also be worsened by hormonal fluctuations in the menstrual cycle and perimenopausal.
1. Hyperactivity
Many people think of ADHD when they see a hyperactive boy who bounces off walls at school. This is a form of ADHD that affects women as well as girls. 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 who suffer from ADHD are prone to an impulsive behavior that makes it difficult for them to stop and think before deciding to act. They may not be able to listen when other people are talking and they may have difficulty following directions or completing tasks. These difficulties can lead them to frustration and confusion with family or friends, as well as romantic partners, as well as coworkers.
Many women who suffer from ADHD have rejection sensitivity. This is an intense emotional reaction to actual 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.
ADHD symptoms for women can be present at different times, including during pregnancy, menstruation and menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger irritation, mood swings and trouble with concentration.
Diet, exercise and sleeping habits can help women and girls suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Regular physical activity releases neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus. It can also help calm anxiety and stress, which are common among women with ADHD. Sleeping enough and taking breaks from work can help alleviate ADHD symptoms. Many people suffering from ADHD can benefit from using tools such as checklists or planners, as well as a post-it note to track their tasks. In some cases, a health care provider may prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Inattention
Girls and women with inattentive ADHD often don't get diagnosed, even when symptoms are severe. They can't keep up in classes, their homes are messy, and they have trouble with relationships and performance at work. They might attempt to cope by denying their symptoms or trying to convince themselves that they're not affected them.
Gender bias can also play a role in missed or misdiagnoses. For instance, if a boy displays an impulsive or hyperactive behavior are more likely to be assessed for diagnosis and treatment. Conversely girls who display inattention symptoms are often dismissed as space cases, dreamy or uninteresting.
Inattention can manifest in many ways. You may forget appointments, not adhere to your commitments or struggle to stay focused during meetings or classroom lectures. You aren't able to wait for your turn and you constantly interrupt other people while you talk. You have a weak memory and often lose things or forget where they are. You struggle to follow simple instructions and tend to avoid tasks that require concentration, such as chores or homework.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD can also become more severe due to hormonal changes, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopausal symptoms (the menopausal transition). It can be difficult to concentrate on at home or at work and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or achieve your goals in life.
A good workout routine can help manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals, such as dopamine, which can improve your mood and focus. Plus, regular exercise helps you shed excess energy and can ease anxiety or depression -- symptoms that are common among women with ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often more prone to mood and anxiety-related symptoms than impulsivity and hyperactivity. Girls are often reluctant to admit that they struggle because of gender-based expectations. They often cover up ADHD symptoms by avoiding other behaviors. This can cause girls and women to be misdiagnosed and unable to declare their ADHD symptoms. 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 feel overwhelming and painful, but it's actually an excellent thing because it helps you stay alert to potential danger and helps you respond quickly if something is suspicious. Unfortunately, anxiety can trigger a range of physical symptoms like jitteriness, sweating, and rapid heartbeat (palpitations). People who experience frequent or severe anxiety could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. This includes panic disorder, where you have recurring, unexpected panic attacks; phobias, which are the result of a heightened fear of specific objects or situations; obsessive-compulsive disorder, where irrational thoughts and repetitive behaviors control your life and separation anxiety disorder, where you fear being away from your home or family.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle with a phenomenon known as "time blindness." They can forget important dates or appointments, show up at the wrong location at the wrong time, or get so lost in tasks that they miss out on social interactions. This can make them seem distant, uncaring or unfocused to other people. symptoms of adhd adults can ensure that you don't suffer from time blindness. So make sure you have an established bedtime and take time to do something relaxing, such as listening to music, reading, or meditating before you go to bed.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD struggle with staying organized. They may struggle to keep on top of their schedules, appointments and other belongings. Their car, home, and office may be cluttered, and their purses are filled with receipts, 17 different chapsticks, and tickets to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their lack of organization and forgetfulness can make it difficult for them to establish and maintain their personal and work relationships.
Women may also have difficulty speaking their thoughts in social situations. They can be impatient and impulsive which causes them to interrupt others or blurt things out without thinking about the consequences. The struggle to filter their thoughts can lead to hurt feelings and miscommunications.
The signs of ADHD in women can differ from day to day due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance estrogen levels are at their lowest at the time of ovulation, and during the menstrual cycle which can increase ADHD symptoms. These symptom changes may be why many women with ADHD go undiagnosed and mistreated.
There is a stigma against diagnosing females with ADHD, in addition to the differences in the biology between men and women in regards to brain 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.
When women have a clear diagnosis of ADHD and are able to manage their symptoms using medication and other strategies for treatment. With the right guidance they can succeed at school, work as well as in their personal lives. Medical treatment can aid in improving concentration and assist with everyday difficulties. Behavioral therapy and specialized apps for smartphones can also prove beneficial.
5. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD tend to have difficulty controlling their impulses. This is because the part of their brain that makes decisions and weighs consequences doesn't work as well. This can result in a tendency for people to make decisions or speak words without considering the possible consequences, which could have negative consequences. Instinctive behavior can cause problems with finances or relationships that are damaged. It might also lead to dangerous sexual behavior.
A person suffering from ADHD may develop a variety of coping mechanisms to aid them in their struggle to control impulses. Self-medicating with alcohol or other drugs, or soothing yourself by eating foods are all possible. A poor diet or sleeping less than you need to could also lead to trouble.
Girls and women with ADHD may have trouble recognizing the signs of a problem with their behavior. They may struggle to explain their symptoms to their parents or teachers and so they attempt to cover up their problems. This can make it difficult for people to identify their problems and delay a diagnosis.
Additionally, girls and women who suffer from ADHD tend to show their symptoms differently than men or boys. They might be less attentive and may suffer from depression or anxiety such as depression. These factors could contribute to the fact women and girls with ADHD are misdiagnosed more frequently than boys or men.
ADHD is a chronic disorder that affects a lot of people, despite the increased awareness. It's more prevalent in early adulthood and adolescence, when students are trying to balance school and work. Parents and teachers must be aware that their daughter or granddaughter may have ADHD in order to get her the help she needs.