Female Symptoms of ADHD
Teens and women with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs, rather than the impulsivity and hyperactivity which are more common in both men and boys. This makes them more likely to be missed and often misdiagnosed.
Stereotypes of gender can be a factor as caregivers may believe that quiet or dreamy girls are simply "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 hyperactive boy who bounces off the walls of the school. This is a type of ADHD that affects women as well as girls. ADHD symptoms in women and girls are usually more difficult to identify than boys. This can lead to the condition being misdiagnosed and left untreated.
Women who suffer from ADHD are prone to impulsive behavior that makes it difficult for them to stop and think before deciding to act. They might not be able to hear to others when they are speaking, and may be unable to follow instructions or working through tasks. These issues can lead to frustration and confusion with family or friends, as well as romantic partners and coworkers.
Many women with ADHD have rejection sensitivity. This is a strong emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection. This can make it difficult for women who suffers from ADHD to manage, particularly in the case of low self-esteem or is struggling with peer relationships.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can flare up at different times during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger mood swings and irritability, as well as difficulty in concentrating.
Women and girls who have ADHD have a better chance to manage their symptoms by diet, exercise and sleeping habits. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters which boost attention and concentration. It can also help to reduce anxiety and stress, which are common among women suffering from ADHD. Sleeping enough and taking breaks can help ADHD symptoms. Many people suffering from ADHD can benefit from using tools like checklists or planners, as well as a post-it notes to track their tasks. In some instances, health care providers can prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Inattention
Even when the symptoms are severe women and girls suffering from inattention ADHD aren't diagnosed. They struggle to keep up at school, their homes may be messy, and they face trouble with relationships and work performance. They might try to make up for it by hiding their problems or trying to convince themselves they're not affected by them.
Gender bias also can play a role in misdiagnosis or missed diagnoses. For instance, if boys exhibit an impulsive or hyperactive behavior are more likely to be diagnosed and treated. Girls who exhibit inattention are often dismissed as dreamy, ditzy, or space- related .
The symptoms of adhd that cause inattention can manifest in many ways: You forget appointments, fail to follow through on promises and are unable to stay focused during class lectures or meetings. You aren't able to wait for your turn and keep interrupting others when you're talking. Your memory is poor and you easily lose things or forget where you put them. You have trouble following simple instructions and are prone 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 during pregnancy, menstruation, or perimenopause. It can be difficult to focus on at home or at work and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or meet the goals of life.
Exercise can help you control your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals, including dopamine, which can help boost your mood and focus. Regular exercise can also help you burn extra energy, and ease depression or anxiety symptoms -- which are common among women suffering from ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Women and adolescents 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 admit they're struggling, so they tend to camouflage ADHD symptoms by displaying other behaviors. This can lead girls and women to be misdiagnosed and unable to be able to report their symptoms of ADHD. 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 debilitating and overwhelming but it is a good thing. It keeps you aware of danger and helps you react quickly if there is something not right. However, anxiety can trigger a range of physical symptoms like jitteriness, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat (palpitations). People who suffer from frequent or severe anxiety could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. An anxiety disorder could include panic disorder (where you have recurring, unplanned panic attacks) and fear of certain objects or situations (where you are incredibly terrified of certain objects or situations) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thought and repetitive behavior), and separation anxiety disorder.
Women with ADHD often have issues with "time blindness". They may forget important dates and appointments, show up at an wrong time or location or get so absorbed by their tasks that they forget social interactions. This can make them seem aloof, inconsiderate or unfocused to others. A good night's sleep can ensure that you don't suffer from time blindness. Therefore make sure you have your bedtime routine and take time to do something relaxing, such as reading, listening music or meditating prior to when you go to sleep.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time being organized. They may have difficulty to keep track of their schedules, appointments and other belongings. adult adhd symptoms women , home and office might be cluttered, and their purses filled with receipts, 17 different chapsticks, and tickets to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their inattention and lack of organization can make it difficult to maintain relationships at work as well as in their personal lives.
Women may also have difficulty communicating what they mean in social situations. Their impatience and impulsiveness can cause them to interrupt others or say things without considering the consequences. These struggles with filtering their thoughts can lead to confusion and hurt feelings.
Symptoms of ADHD in women can differ from day to day because of hormonal fluctuations. For instance estrogen levels are lower during ovulation and the menstrual cycle, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These symptoms may be the reason that many women with ADHD are misdiagnosed.
In addition to the differences in brain structure and chemical composition that are associated with ADHD in males and females as well as the bias 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 suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms with medications and other treatments. With the right support, they can achieve success in school, at work as well as in their personal lives. Medical treatment can aid in improving concentration and assist with everyday challenges. Behavioral therapy and specialized apps for smartphones can also prove beneficial.
5. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be unable to control their impulses. This is because the part of the brain that makes decisions and thinks about consequences, isn't functioning in the same way. This can result in a tendency for people to act or say things without considering the potential consequences, which could have negative consequences. Impulsive behavior can lead to problems with finances or relationships that are damaged. It can also lead to reckless behaviors, such as sexual.
A person with ADHD may develop a variety of coping strategies to assist them in overcoming their difficulty with impulse control. Self-medicating using alcohol or other drugs, or soothing yourself with food are all possible. Having a poor diet or sleeping less than you ought to can also cause trouble.
Girls and women with ADHD might have difficulty recognizing an issue in their behavior. They may find it difficult to explain their issues to their teachers or parents and so they attempt to hide their struggles. This could make it difficult for people to understand their issues and delay a diagnosis.
Additionally, girls and women with ADHD tend to present their symptoms differently than males or females. They may be more numb and are more likely to be the victim of co-existing anxiety and mood disorders, like depression. These factors may contribute to the fact women and girls with ADHD being misdiagnosed more often than males or females.
Although awareness of ADHD has increased however, it's still a condition that affects millions of people. It's more prevalent in the adolescent years and early adulthood, when students are trying to balance work or school. Parents and educators should be aware that their daughter or granddaughter may have ADHD in order to receive the assistance she needs.