20 Myths About Female ADHD Symptoms: Debunked

Female ADHD Symptoms ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls since it is different than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. They also have a tendency to develop unhealthy strategies for coping, like excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, that mask their ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as anxiety and depression are also common among these individuals. Inattention Women with inattention ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They may forget appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They are unable to keep the track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. It's also normal for women to experience trouble with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult for them to remember names or dates. They also have trouble being still for long periods and aren't able to concentrate or follow instructions. While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more often associated with males and boys however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common in girls and women. As high as 80% of ADHD sufferers are categorized as inattentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must show at least five inattention-related symptoms that last longer than six months. Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be harder to spot because they don't see them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how girls should behave. Because of this, parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD evaluations for girls than they are for boys. A woman's ADHD symptoms can also change as time passes due to hormonal changes. For example the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may become more severe during her menstrual cycle, when she is pregnant or when she enters menopausal. These signs can affect a woman’s self-esteem and her life satisfaction. These symptoms can cause feelings of self-doubt and shame and make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home chores. Women with untreated ADHD can also suffer from depression and anxiety. They could also engage in sexual behavior which increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, whether it is real or perceived. As a result, they may avoid social situations and become more isolated. Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first indications of ADHD for girls and women. They are more likely to be procrastinators or misplace items or have difficulty concentrating on tasks, and can easily become overwhelmed in busy environments. They might also have difficulty getting comfortable or falling asleep and may be more prone to mood fluctuations and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to difficulties at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships. Because symptoms of ADHD are more common in males and females however, girls and women may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Healthcare providers and teachers often do not suggest ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as often as they do for male ones. This can lead to an inaccurate diagnosis and a delay in treatment. This, along with the tendency to hide their issues, can result in adults with ADHD experience a greater impact than is typically reported. They might not mention that they have difficulty concentrating at work or are overwhelmed by household tasks. They may have difficulty making decisions when they go to the grocery store or find it difficult to relax or sleep. This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Rather than addressing the underlying issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies, which may include substance abuse or eating habits that are unhealthy. This can make it worse over time, and may prevent the woman from getting the help she needs. It is also possible that because ADHD-linked behaviors are more popular with males and females however, they could be repressed or hid by girls and women who are concerned about being ostracized. For instance, a child who suffers from ADHD might show hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being shamed for not fitting in with the standards of her community or school. In the end, these issues can create a vicious cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. It's important for family members, friends and educators to notice these struggles in girls and women, because they could be a sign of an undiagnosed disorder that requires treatment with medication management and therapy. Emotional Problems Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their emotions than males. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can cause symptoms like irritability or a feeling of inadequacy. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional problems could have a significant impact on careers and relationships. ADHD can be a problem for both children and parents, but it is especially difficult for women. symptoms of add in adults are often shy or embarrassed about their ADHD which can prevent them from seeking assistance. Some women try to mask symptoms with coping strategies like excessive drinking or substance abuse which can cause more harm. Masking can also make it more difficult for teachers and employers to recognize ADHD symptoms for women, and could lead to delay in diagnosis. It's much easier for a woman who suffers from ADHD to conceal her symptoms in her youth and adolescence than it is as an adult. The pressures of daily life, along with the social pressures to be successful in work and relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling like they're failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause constant stress. For some, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a lightbulb moment that helps people to recognize the root cause of their issues and giving them the chance to accept their own uniqueness. Many women with ADHD are unable to find support at school or at work. They may be embarrassed telling a supervisor or professor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the accommodation they need could be considered an indication of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor adjustments to help those with ADHD succeed in their jobs. Women with ADHD who are looking for supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups give members the an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD challenges. Co-occurring Conditions As girls and women grow up, they can develop coping strategies that cover their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to notice. A girl might dress and act like her peers to avoid being bullied or criticized by other people. She could try to compensate for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by working more at school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other coping strategies can disguise the presence of ADHD in a woman and delay her diagnosis as an adult. Often, women and girls who have ADHD are diagnosed with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, before they are given a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD and make it difficult to treat and recover. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem, as well as coexisting mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which adds to their anger. ADHD symptoms can cause women to have difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to forget birthdays or misunderstand minor details, which can lead to conflict and confusion. Additionally, they might have difficulty keeping up with household chores as well as personal finances and daily responsibilities. These issues can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can lead to an internal chaos of self-esteem and beliefs. In clinical settings, gender bias also affects the rate of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a class to read vignettes describing children who had ADHD symptoms and to rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or find services for the child described. They found that participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls. ADHD like other disorders is a condition that can be severe and worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms might be more pronounced during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can cause problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, as well as cause feelings of frustration and failure.