Female Symptoms of ADHD
Teens and women with ADHD tend to show inattention signs, rather than the impulsivity and hyperactivity that are more prevalent in boys and men. This makes them more susceptible to being misdiagnosed and overlooked.
Stereotypes of gender can be a factor, as caregivers may assume that quiet or dreamy girls are just "being girls." ADHD symptoms can be worsened by hormonal fluctuations in the menstrual cycle and perimenopausal.
1. Hyperactivity
Many people think of ADHD when they see a boy who bounces off walls of his school. This is a type of ADHD that affects women as well as girls. ADHD symptoms for women and young girls are more difficult to detect than in boys, so the condition is often misdiagnosed or untreated.
Women with ADHD may exhibit unpredictable behavior that makes it difficult to stop and think before deciding to act. They might not be able listen to others when they are talking, and they may have trouble following instructions or completing tasks. These difficulties can lead them to frustration and misunderstandings with family, friends and romantic partners, as well as coworkers.
Many women suffering from ADHD suffer from rejection sensitivity. This is a strong emotional reaction to actual or perceived rejection. In combination with low self-esteem, and difficulties in social relationships This can make it difficult for a woman to cope with her ADHD symptoms.
ADHD symptoms in women can appear at different times, including during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger mood swings and irritability and may cause problems with concentration.
Diet, exercise and sleeping habits can help some women and girls with ADHD manage their symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters which boost attention and concentration. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common among women suffering from ADHD. Being able to sleep enough and taking breaks can also help ADHD symptoms. Using tools like planners, checklists and post-it notes to track tasks can be beneficial to many people with ADHD. In some cases medical professionals may prescribe medication to treat symptoms.
2. Attention!
Women and girls with inattention ADHD often don't get diagnosed, even if the symptoms are severe. They are often struggling to stay on top at school, their homes can be messy, and they experience trouble with relationships and work performance. They may try to compensate for their problems by avoiding them or pretending that they are not affected.
Gender bias also can play a role in missed or misdiagnoses. If a boy displays excessive or impulsive behavior, he's more likely to be recommended for diagnosis and therapy. In female add symptoms who exhibit inattention symptoms are often dismissed as space-bound, dreamy or silly.
The symptoms of adhd that cause inattention can manifest in a variety of ways: You don't remember appointments, fail to adhere to promises, and are unable to stay focused during class lectures or meetings. You have a hard time waiting for your turn to speak with others, and you can't seem to stop interrupting. You're not able to remember things and often lose things or forget where they are. You are unable to follow simple instructions and are prone to avoid tasks that require focus, like homework or chores.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can also become more severe when hormonal changes occur like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopausal symptoms (the menopausal transition). It can be difficult to concentrate on the demands of work or at home, and may make it difficult to maintain relationships or meet your goals in life.
Getting plenty of exercise can help control your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals like dopamine that 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
Women and adolescents with ADHD tend to have more anxiety symptoms and mood symptoms than hyperactivity or impulsivity. Gender role expectations make it more difficult for girls to admit that they're struggling, and they are more likely to cover up ADHD symptoms by displaying other behaviors. This can 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 response 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 something is wrong. Unfortunately female add symptoms can trigger a variety of physical symptoms, including jitteriness and sweating. It may also trigger rapid heartbeats, or palpitations. An anxiety disorder may be diagnosed in people who suffer from frequent, severe, or chronic anxiety. This includes panic disorder, in which you are prone to frequent, unexpected panic attacks; phobias that are characterized by a fear of certain objects or situations; obsessive-compulsive disorder in which irrational thoughts and repetitive behaviors control your life as well as separation anxiety disorder, in which you are afraid of being away from home or your family.
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle with "time blindness". They might miss important dates and appointments, arrive at the incorrect time or place or get so absorbed by their tasks that they forget social interactions. This can make them appear distant, uncaring or unfocused to other people. Good sleep habits will aid in avoiding time blindness. Therefore try to maintain an established bedtime and do something relaxing like listening to music, reading or meditating before you go to sleep.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble staying organized. They may have difficulty to keep on top of their schedules, appointments and other belongings. Their car, home and office might be cluttered, and their purses filled with receipts, 17 chapsticks, and a ticket to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their inattention and lack of organization can make it difficult for them to maintain and build relationships at work and in their private lives.
Women also have a tendency to find it difficult to express themselves in social settings. They can be impatient and impulsive which causes them to interrupt others or shout things out before considering the consequences. These struggles to filter their thoughts can lead them to hurt feelings and miscommunications.
The signs of ADHD in women can differ between days due to hormonal fluctuation. For instance estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and the menstrual cycle which can increase ADHD symptoms. These symptoms can be the reason why many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed correctly.
In addition to the biological differences in the brain's structure and the chemicals that are involved with ADHD in males and females There is also a tendency to not diagnose 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 suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms with medication and other methods of treatment. They can be successful at work, school as well as in their personal lives with the right support. Medical treatment can aid in improving concentration and aid in everyday difficulties. Behavioral therapy and specialized applications for smartphones can help.
5. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have problems with impulse control. This is because the part of their brain that makes decisions and thinks about the consequences isn't working as well. This could lead to an inability to make decisions or speak words without thinking about the consequences, which could have negative effects. For example, impulsive behavior might lead to financial problems or harm relationships. It could also lead to risky behaviors such as sexual.
A person suffering from ADHD might develop a range of strategies to help them manage their issues with controlling impulses. Self-medicating using alcohol or drugs, or calming yourself with food are all possible. A poor diet or not getting enough sleep can cause problems.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may struggle to recognize a problem in their behavior. They might struggle to explain their issues to their parents or teachers and, therefore, they try to cover up their problems. This can make it harder for people to notice their issues and can delay the diagnosis.
Additionally women and girls who suffer from ADHD tend to present their symptoms in a different way than males or females. They may be less attentive and suffer from anxiety or mood disorders such as depression. These factors can contribute to the fact that women and girls with ADHD are more likely to be misdiagnosed than boys or men with ADHD.
Although awareness of ADHD has improved but it's still a problem that affects millions of people. It's most prevalent in the adolescent and early adulthood, when many people are trying to meet the demands of their work or school. It is crucial for educators and parents to be aware of the possibility that a person they know has ADHD so that they can get her the help she needs.