Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescent girls with ADHD typically exhibit inattentional symptoms, as opposed to the impulsivity and hyperactivity typically seen in boys and men. This makes them more prone to being overlooked and misdiagnosed.
Gender stereotypes can be a contributing factor as well, since caregivers may think that girls who are quiet or who appear to be shy and dreamy are simply "being girls." ADHD symptoms can also be caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and perimenopausal.
1. Hyperactivity
Many people think of ADHD when they see a hyperactive boy who flies off the walls of his 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 and not treated.
In some instances women who suffer from ADHD exhibit impulsive behaviors that make it difficult to stop and consider their actions before committing. They may not be able listen well when other people are talking, and they may be unable to follow instructions or completing tasks. These issues can cause frustration and miscommunications in relationships with family, romantic partners, friends, and coworkers.
Many women suffering from ADHD have sensitivity to rejection which is an intense emotional response to real or perceived rejection. This can make it difficult for a woman with ADHD to cope, particularly in the case of low self-esteem or is struggling with peer relationships.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can flare up at various times during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger irritability and mood swings and also difficulty in concentrating.
Women and girls who have ADHD are able to manage their symptoms through diet, exercise and sleeping habits. Regular physical activity releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and attention. It can also help calm anxiety and stress, which are common among women with ADHD. Sleeping enough and taking breaks can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Many people suffering from ADHD can benefit from using tools like checklists, planners, and post-it notes to track their tasks. In certain instances medical professionals may prescribe medication to treat symptoms.
2. Attention
Girls and women with inattention ADHD are often not diagnosed until symptoms are extreme. They have a difficult time keeping up at school, their homes can be messy, and they experience trouble with relationships and work performance. They may try to compensate by hiding their problems or by convincing themselves they're not affected by these issues.
Gender bias also can play a role in missed or misdiagnoses. For example, when a boy displays an impulsive or hyperactive behavior and signs, they are more likely to get referred for diagnosis and treatment. Girls who exhibit inattention can be dismissed as dreamy, ditzy, or space cases.
Inattention can manifest itself in a variety of ways. You might miss appointments, fail to follow through with promises or find it difficult to stay focused during classroom lectures. You are having a difficult time waiting for your turn to speak with others, and you can't seem to stop interrupting. You have a weak memory and frequently lose things or forget where they are. You struggle to follow simple instructions and are prone to avoid tasks that require focus, like homework or chores.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can also become more severe when hormonal changes take place like during pregnancy, menstruation, or perimenopause. This can make it more difficult to concentrate at work or at home, and it makes it harder to keep friendships intact or reach goals in your life.
Exercise can help you control your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals such as dopamine that can improve your mood and focus. Additionally, regular exercise can help you shed excess energy and ease anxiety or depression -- symptoms that are common among women suffering from ADHD.
3. this contact form and adolescent girls with ADHD often experience more mood and anxiety-related symptoms than impulsivity and hyperactivity. Girls are often reluctant to admit that they struggle due to gender-based expectations. They often cover up ADHD symptoms by avoiding other behavior. This can lead women and girls to be misdiagnosed and not 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 alert to danger and helps you react quickly when you notice something amiss. Unfortunately, anxiety can trigger a range of physical symptoms, including sweating, jitteriness and an increased heart rate (palpitations). People who experience frequent or severe anxiety could be diagnosed with anxiety disorders. An anxiety disorder could include panic disorder (where you experience frequent panic attacks that are not planned) and fear of certain objects or situations (where you are intensely scared of certain objects or situations) and obsessive compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thinking and repetitive behaviors) and separation anxiety disorder.
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle with "time blindness". They might forget important dates or appointments, arrive at the incorrect time or location, or become so distracted by their work that they forget social interactions. This can make them appear distant, uncaring, or unfocused to others. Good sleep habits will help you avoid time blindness. So, try to keep a regular bedtime, and then do something relaxing such as listening to music, reading, or meditating before you go to sleep.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time being organized. They may struggle to keep the track of their schedules, appointments, and belongings. Their home, car and office could be cluttered and their handbags filled with receipts, 17 different chapsticks, and tickets to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their inability to remember and lack of organization can make it challenging for them to establish and maintain their personal and work relationships.
Women can also have a difficult time expressing themselves in social settings. They may be impatient and impulsive, causing them to interrupt others or shout things out without considering the consequences. Their struggles to filter their thoughts can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
The signs of ADHD in women can vary from day to day due to hormonal fluctuation. Estrogen levels are at their lowest around ovulation, and during menstruation which can worsen ADHD. These symptom changes may be the reason that many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed and treated.
There is a stigma against diagnosing females with ADHD, in addition to the differences in the biology between men and women in regards to brain structure and chemical. 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 with medications and other treatments. With the right guidance they can succeed at school, work and in their personal lives. Medical treatment can give them a huge boost in concentration and assist them to overcome daily challenges, while the use of behavioral therapy and other specific smartphone apps can be additional tools to help them stay at the top of their game.
5. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD tend to have difficulty controlling their impulses. This is because the brain part that makes decisions and considers the consequences isn't as efficient. This can lead to the tendency of people to make decisions or speak words without considering the potential consequences, which could result in negative consequences. Impulsive behavior can lead to relationships that are damaged. It might also result in sexually risky behaviors.
Someone suffering from ADHD might develop a variety of coping mechanisms that assist them in overcoming their inability to control their impulses. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, or comforting yourself by eating foods are all possible. A poor diet or lack of sleep can cause problems.
Girls and women with ADHD may also be unable to recognize they have a problem with their behavior. They may find it difficult to articulate their issues and therefore, they may cover up their problems. This can make it difficult for people to understand their issues and delay a diagnosis.
Girls and women with ADHD are often afflicted with different symptoms than boys or men. They may be less attentive and may suffer from anxiety or mood disorders such as depression. These factors contribute to the fact that girls and women with ADHD are more likely to be mistakenly diagnosed than men or boys with ADHD.
ADHD is still a disorder that affects millions of people, despite the increasing awareness. It is more common in early adulthood and adolescence, when students are trying to balance school and work. It's important for parents and educators to be aware of the possibility that a person they know has ADHD to ensure that they receive the assistance she requires.