Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescent girls with ADHD typically exhibit inattentional symptoms, in contrast to the impulsivity and hyperactivity often seen in males and girls. This makes them more easily missed and not properly diagnosed.
Gender stereotypes play a role, as caregivers might assume that girls who are quiet or who seem dreamy and withdrawn are just "being girls."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 hyperactive boy who flies off the walls of the school. This is a form of ADHD that affects women and girls. ADHD symptoms in young girls and women can be harder to spot than boys, and as a result, the condition is often misdiagnosed or left untreated.
In some cases women who suffer from ADHD exhibit impulsive behaviors that make it difficult for them to think about their actions before committing. They may not be able to listen well when other people are talking, and they may be unable to follow instructions or performing tasks. These issues can lead to frustration and confusion with family, friends and romantic partners, as well as coworkers.
Many women with ADHD have sensitivity to rejection which is an intense emotional response to actual or perceived rejection. This can make it difficult for women with ADHD to cope, particularly when she is self-conscious or difficulty in peer relationships.
ADHD symptoms in women can appear at different times, such as during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal fluctuations can cause irritability, mood swings and difficulty in concentration.
Some women and girls who have ADHD have a better chance to manage their symptoms through eating, exercise and sleep habits. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost attention and concentration. It can also help to reduce anxiety and stress, which are common among women with ADHD. Sleeping enough and taking breaks from your activities can also help with ADHD symptoms. Utilizing tools such as planners, checklists and post-it notes to keep track of tasks can be helpful for many people with ADHD. In some cases medical professionals can prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Inattention
Women and girls with inattention ADHD are often not diagnosed until symptoms are severe. They are often struggling to stay on top at school, their homes may be messy, and they face trouble with relationships and work performance. They may try to compensate by denying their symptoms or by trying to convince themselves that they're not affected by these issues.
Gender bias also can be a factor in missed or misdiagnoses. For instance, if a boy displays symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity, they're more likely to get referred for diagnosis and treatment. Conversely girls who exhibit inattention symptoms could be dismissed as space-bound, dreamy or ditzy.
Inattention can manifest itself in a variety of ways. You might miss appointments, fail to follow through with promises 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 when you are talking. Your memory is poor and you often lose things or forget where you put them. You struggle to follow simple instructions and tend to avoid tasks requiring concentration, such as homework or chores.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can also be exacerbated during hormonal changes that occur, like during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopausal perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause). This can make it difficult to focus at work or at home, and can make it more difficult to keep friends or reach goals in life.
A good workout routine can help manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals, like dopamine, that can boost your focus and mood. Regular exercise can aid in burning extra energy, and ease anxiety or depression symptomsthat are common among women with ADHD.
3. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults and women with ADHD tend to experience more anxiety and mood issues than hyperactivity or impulsivity. The gender roles that are expected of girls make it difficult for girls to acknowledge that they're struggling, and they are more likely to camouflage ADHD symptoms by displaying other behaviors. This could result in misdiagnosis or 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 stress and danger. It can be debilitating and overwhelming but it's a good thing. It keeps you alert to danger and helps you react quickly if there is something amiss. Unfortunately, anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms including sweating, jitteriness and rapid heartbeat (palpitations). An anxiety disorder can be diagnosed in those who suffer from frequent, severe, or chronic anxiety. An anxiety disorder could include panic disorder (where you have recurring panic attacks that are not planned) and fears (where you are extremely scared of certain things or situations), obsessive compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thoughts and repetitive behavior) and separation anxiety disorder.
Many women with ADHD struggle with a phenomenon known as "time blindness." They might forget important dates or appointments, arrive at the wrong place at the incorrect time, or be so absorbed in their tasks that they are unable to participate in social interactions. This can cause them to appear distant, unfocused or inconsiderate of others. A good night's sleep can keep you from becoming time blind so make sure you stick to a regular time for bed and do something relaxing before you go to bed, such as listening to music, reading or meditating.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD have a hard time staying organized. They may have a difficult to keep track of their schedules, appointments and possessions. Their home, car, and office may be cluttered and their handbags full of receipts, 17 different chapsticks, and a ticket to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their lack of organization and forgetfulness could make it difficult to maintain and build relationships at work and in their private lives.
Women also have a tendency to find it difficult to express their opinions in social situations. Their impulsiveness and impatience can make them interrupt others or say things without thinking about the consequences. The struggle to filter their thoughts can result in miscommunications and hurt feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can change throughout the day due to hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lowest around ovulation, and during menstrual cycles which can worsen ADHD. These symptoms could be the reason why a lot of women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed and treated.
In addition to the biological differences in the brain's structure and the chemicals that are involved in ADHD in males and females There is also a stigma 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 using medication and other treatment methods. With the right support, they can achieve success in their work, school and in their private lives. Medical treatment can aid in improving concentration and aid in everyday challenges. The use of behavioral therapy and smartphone applications can also prove beneficial.
5. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD tend to struggle with controlling their impulses. It's because the part of the brain that makes decisions, and considers consequences, isn't functioning in the same way. This could lead to the tendency of people to make decisions or speak words without considering the potential consequences, which could have negative effects. Impulsive behavior can result in problems with finances or relationships that are damaged. It could also lead to reckless behaviors, such as sexual.
A person suffering from ADHD might develop a variety of coping strategies that assist them in overcoming their issues with controlling impulses. This could include self-medicating with alcohol or other drugs or eating food as a method to soothe themselves. Poor diet or sleeping less than you have to can also cause trouble.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty to acknowledge that they are struggling with their behavior. They may find it hard to explain their symptoms, so they conceal their issues. This makes it difficult for people to recognize their symptoms and delay diagnosis.
In addition women and girls with ADHD tend to present their symptoms in a different way than men or boys. They may be less attentive and may suffer from depression or anxiety such as depression. These factors could contribute to the fact girls and women with ADHD being misdiagnosed more often than boys or men.
ADHD is a condition that affects a lot of people, despite the increased awareness. It's particularly prevalent during adolescence and the early years of adulthood, when lots of people are trying to cope with the demands of their work or school. It's crucial for parents and educators to be aware that a person they know is suffering from ADHD so that they can receive the assistance she requires.