Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescents who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs, rather than the impulsivity and hyperactivity that are more prevalent in both men and boys. This makes them more easily missed and misdiagnosed.
Stereotypes of gender can contribute to this, as caregivers may assume that quiet or dreamy girls are simply "being girls." ADHD symptoms can also be caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period and perimenopause.
1. Hyperactivity
When it is ADHD the first impression most people think of is an overactive boy who bounces off the walls in class. While this is one type of ADHD females and girls also suffer from the disorder in this type. ADHD symptoms in women and girls are typically more difficult to spot than those of boys. This results in the condition being misdiagnosed and left untreated.
Women suffering from ADHD are prone to an impulsive behavior which makes it difficult to take a step back and think before deciding to act. They may not be able to listen when other 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 members, romantic partners, friends, and colleagues.
Many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from rejection sensitivity. This is an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection. This can make it difficult for women with ADHD to manage, particularly if she has low self-esteem or has difficulty forming relationships with peers.
Signs of ADHD in women can show up at various times during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger irritation, mood swings and difficulty in concentration.
Some girls and women who suffer from ADHD find it easier to manage their symptoms by diet, exercise and sleep habits. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters which boost concentration and attention. It can also calm stress and anxiety that are common among women suffering from ADHD. Getting enough sleep and taking breaks from work can help alleviate ADHD symptoms. Using tools like planners, checklists, and post-it notes to track tasks can be helpful for many people suffering from ADHD. In some cases healthcare professionals can prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Inattention
Girls and women who have inattention 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 have trouble with relationships and their work performance. They may try to compensate by hiding their symptoms or trying to convince themselves that they're not affected by these issues.
Gender bias is also a factor that plays in the absence or incorrect diagnosis. For instance, when males exhibit hyperactive or impulsive symptoms are more likely to be referred for diagnosis and treatment. Girls who show inattentive behavior can be dismissed as dreamy, ditzy, or space-related.
The symptoms of inattention that are associated with adhd can show up in many ways: You miss appointments, don't follow through on promises and have trouble staying focused in meetings or classroom lectures. You have a hard time 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 are unable to follow simple instructions and you tend to avoid tasks that require concentration such as homework or chores.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can also become more severe when hormonal changes take place, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or perimenopause. It is difficult to concentrate on the demands of work or at home, and may make it difficult to maintain relationships or meet the goals of life.
Getting plenty of exercise can help manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals such as dopamine, which can improve your mood and focus. Additionally, regular exercise can help you burn off extra energy and ease anxiety or depression symptoms that are common in women with ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Women and adolescents who suffer from ADHD tend to experience more anxiety and mood issues than hyperactivity or impulsivity. add symptoms are often reluctant to admit that they struggle due to gender-based expectations. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms by avoiding other behaviors. adhd adult symptoms can lead girls and women to be misdiagnosed, and therefore not 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 reaction to danger and stress. It can be overwhelming and debilitating but it is a good thing. It keeps you aware of danger and helps you react quickly when you notice something not right. Unfortunately anxiety can trigger a range of physical symptoms, including jitteriness and sweating. adult adhd signs can also trigger a rapid heartbeat or palpitations. People who experience frequent, severe, or disabling anxiety may be diagnosed with anxiety disorders. This includes panic disorder, in which you experience frequent, sudden anxiety attacks; phobias which are the result of a heightened fear of specific objects or situations; obsessive-compulsive disorder, where irrational thinking and repetitive behaviors dominate your life; and separation anxiety disorder, where you are afraid of being away from your home or your family.
Women suffering from ADHD frequently struggle with "time blindness". They may miss important dates and appointments, show up at an incorrect time or location or be so distracted by their work that they forget social interactions. This can make them appear unfocused, aloof, or inconsiderate to others. A good night's sleep can to prevent time blindness, so try to stick to a regular bedtime and do something that is relaxing before you go to sleep like listening to music, reading or meditating.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often have trouble staying organized. They may struggle to keep the track of their schedules, appointments, and belongings. Their home, car and office might be cluttered and their handbags filled with receipts, 17 chapsticks, as well as tickets to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their lack of organization and forgetfulness could make it difficult for them to maintain and develop relationships at work as well as in their private lives.
Women can also have difficulty speaking their thoughts in social situations. They may be impatient and impulsive which causes them to interrupt others or blurt things out before considering the consequences. The struggle to filter their thoughts can lead to hurt feelings and miscommunications.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary from day to day due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, estrogen levels are lowest at the time of ovulation, and during menstrual cycles which can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms. These symptoms could be the reason why a lot of women suffering from ADHD go undiagnosed and mistreated.
In addition to the biological differences in the brain's structure and the chemicals that are associated with ADHD in females and males as well as the tendency to not diagnose women suffering from the disorder. 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 suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms by taking medication and other treatment methods. With the right guidance they can succeed in school, at work and in their private lives. The use of medication can give a substantial boost in concentration and assist them to cope with daily challenges, while the use of behavioral therapy and other specific smartphone apps can be additional tools to help them stay on top of their game.
5. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD tend to have difficulty controlling their impulses. This is because the part of their brain that makes decisions and thinks about consequences doesn't work as well. This can result in the tendency of people to make decisions or speak words without considering the possible consequences, which could result in negative consequences. Instinctive behavior can cause problems with finances or relationships that are damaged. It can cause risky sexual behaviors.
A person suffering from ADHD might develop a range of coping strategies to help them manage their difficulty with impulse control. Self-medicating using alcohol or drugs, or comforting yourself by eating food are all options. A poor diet or not getting enough sleep can also cause problems.
Girls and women with ADHD may struggle to recognize an issue in their behavior. They may find it difficult to explain their problems and therefore, they may cover up their problems. This makes it more difficult for people to notice their symptoms and delay the diagnosis.
In addition, girls and women with ADHD tend to show their symptoms differently than boys or men. They may be more numb and have a greater incidence of co-existing anxiety and mood disorders, like depression. These factors can contribute to the fact that girls and women with ADHD are more likely to be mistakenly diagnosed than men or boys with ADHD.
Although awareness of ADHD has increased, it's still a disorder that affects millions of people. It's most prevalent in adolescence and early adulthood, when a lot of people are trying to meet the demands of their work or school. Parents and teachers should be aware that their daughter or granddaughter might be suffering from ADHD in order to get her the help she needs.