Female ADHD Symptoms<br /><br />ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls because it presents differently than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.<br /><br />They also develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay the diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to coexisting conditions such as anxiety and depression.<br /><br />Inattention<br /><br />Women with inattention ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They might miss appointments or leave things unattended around the house. They struggle to keep their finances in order, household chores and record-keeping. They also tend to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory issues. They also have trouble staying still for long durations and are unable to focus or follow instructions.<br /><br />While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more frequently found in males and females but the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in girls and women. Up to 80% of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must show at least five ongoing inattention symptoms that last more than six months.<br /><br />Inattention ADHD symptoms can be difficult for people to recognize because they don't perceive them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than boys.<br /><br />Additionally, the way that ADHD affects women's lives can vary during different times of her life due to hormonal fluctuations. For example women's symptoms could be more severe during the menstrual cycle, when she's pregnant or as she enters menopause.<br /><br />These signs can have a major impact on a woman's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. They can cause feelings of self-doubt and shame because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women with untreated ADHD can also suffer from depression and anxiety. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behavior which increase the risk of pregnancy sexually transmitted infections, as well as other health problems. They might also struggle with sensitization to rejection because they have a hard time accepting negative or real responses from other people. As a result, they may avoid social settings and become more isolated.<br /><br />Hyperactivity/Impulsivity<br /><br />In many instances hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They may be more likely to be procrastinators or misplace items and have difficulty focusing on their tasks, and are easily overwhelmed in a busy environment. They might also have difficulty getting comfortable or falling asleep, and they may be more prone to mood fluctuations and anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause difficulties at the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.<br /><br /><br /><br />Since the symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females however, girls and women may be overlooked for a diagnosis. Teachers and health professionals typically do not recommend ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as often as they do for males. This can lead to an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.<br /><br />This, along with the tendency to hide their struggles can mean that adults who have ADHD suffer more than is normally reported. For instance, they may not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions at the grocery store or have trouble to sleep or relax.<br /><br />This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing <a href="https://elearnportal.science/wiki/7_Simple_Changes_That_Will_Make_The_Difference_With_Your_ADHD_Adult_Symptoms">adhd symptoms in adult women</a> , they may adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This may include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This could make the problem worse over time, and may prevent the woman from receiving the assistance she needs.<br /><br />Since ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable to boys and men socially, it is possible that girls and women may hide or suppress their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being disregarded. For example, a girl who suffers from ADHD might show hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized for not conforming to the norms of her community or school.<br /><br />These causes can create a cycle of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families, friends, and educators must be aware of the struggles because they could be signs of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. This disorder can be treated by medication and therapy.<br /><br />Emotional Problems<br /><br />Women suffering from ADHD tend to find it more difficult than men to manage their emotions. Moods are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal changes throughout the day, which can cause symptoms like irritability and feelings of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional difficulties may be detrimental to career and relationships.<br /><br />Having ADHD can be a slog for parents as well as children, but it's especially difficult for women. Women may feel ashamed of ADHD and might not seek help because of this. They may also try to mask their symptoms by developing coping strategies such as drinking excessively or substance abuse, which could make the situation worse. Masking can also make it difficult for teachers and employers to recognize ADHD symptoms for women, and could lead to a delay in diagnosing.<br /><br />A woman suffering from ADHD may be able to effectively hide her symptoms in her youth and adolescence however, it can be more difficult as an adult. Stress from daily life and societal pressures to perform well in both relationships and work can cause more ADHD symptoms. These challenges can result in women suffering from ADHD feeling like failures, low self-esteem, and constant stress. For some, an diagnosis of ADHD could be a lightbulb moment that helps them understand the root of their issues and helping them accept themselves more fully.<br /><br />Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty finding support at work or school. They may be shy to speak to a supervisor or professor and worry that their choice is seen as an indication of weakness or incompetence. Most teachers and supervisors are willing to make small adjustments to help people with ADHD achieve their goals.<br /><br />In addition to finding supportive peers, women with ADHD can also benefit by joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups offer an opportunity to share stories and discuss the unique challenges of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.<br /><br />Co-occurring Conditions<br /><br />As girls and women grow older, they may develop coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for others to detect. Girls may dress and behave like her peers in order to avoid being bullied or criticized by peers. She might try to make up for her impulsive, disorganized behavior by working more at school or at work, or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other coping strategies can mask the presence of ADHD in women and delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.<br /><br />Girls and women with ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD, as well as make it difficult to treat and recover.<br /><br />Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They may be misunderstood or dismissed as being impulsive or overly emotional, which increases their frustration.<br /><br />In addition many women experience difficulties in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to miss birthdays or misunderstand minor details which can cause conflict and miscommunication. They may also have difficulty keeping up with household chores financial obligations, personal finances, and other daily obligations. These difficulties can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can lead to an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their worth and capability.<br /><br />In clinical settings, gender bias can affect the frequency that women and girls are recommended to receive an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers to read vignettes about children with ADHD symptoms. They also rated how likely they were to recommend or seek services for the child in the. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than for girls.<br /><br />Like other illnesses, ADHD can vary in intensity for individuals and may worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms may be more pronounced during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can cause problems with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, and also contribute to feelings of frustration and failure.<br /><br />