Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescents with ADHD tend to exhibit inattention signs, not the impulsivity and hyperactivity which are more common in both men and boys. This makes them more likely to be overlooked and often misdiagnosed.
Gender stereotypes can be a contributing factor as well, since caregivers may think that girls who are quiet or who seem withdrawn and dreamy are simply "being girls." ADHD symptoms can also be worsened by hormonal fluctuations in the menstrual cycle and perimenopausal.
1. Hyperactivity
When it is ADHD, the first thought many people have is an overactive boy who bounces off the walls during class. Although this is one form of ADHD females and girls also experience the disorder in this form. 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 with ADHD display impulsive behaviors that make it difficult to think about their actions before acting. They might not be attentive when people are talking, and they may have difficulty adhering to instructions or completing tasks. These issues can lead to frustration and misunderstandings with family, friends and romantic partners and coworkers.
Many women suffering from ADHD suffer from rejection sensitivity. This is a strong emotional reaction to actual or perceived rejection. When combined with low self-esteem and difficulties in social relationships This can make it hard for a woman to deal with her ADHD symptoms.
Symptoms of ADHD in women can flare up at various periods during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger irritability and mood swings and also difficulty with concentration.
Diet, exercise and sleeping habits can help women and girls with ADHD control their symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters which boost concentration and attention. It can also calm anxiety and stress that are common among women suffering from ADHD. Sleeping enough and taking breaks from work can also help ADHD symptoms. Many people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from tools such as checklists planners, planners, and a post-it note to keep track of their tasks. In certain cases medical professionals may prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Inattention
Girls and women with inattentive ADHD often aren't diagnosed until symptoms are severe. They are often struggling to stay on top at school, their homes may be messy, and they experience trouble with relationships and work performance. They might attempt to cope by denying their symptoms or by convincing themselves that they're not affected their symptoms.
Gender bias can be a factor in misdiagnosis or missed diagnoses. For instance, when males exhibit an impulsive or hyperactive behavior are more likely to be referred for diagnosis and treatment. On the other hand girls who display inattention symptoms could be dismissed as dreamy, space cases or uninteresting.
The symptoms of adhd that cause inattention can manifest in a variety of ways: You forget appointments, fail to adhere to promises, and have trouble staying focused during class lectures or meetings. You aren't able to wait for your turn and you constantly interrupt other people while you talk. Your memory is shaky and you often lose things or forget where you put them. You struggle to follow simple instructions and are prone to avoid tasks that require concentration, such as homework or chores.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD can also be exacerbated when hormonal changes occur, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or perimenopause (the period leading up to menopausal). It is difficult to pay attention to the demands of work or at home, and may make it difficult to maintain relationships or achieve life goals.
Exercise can help you control your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals, like dopamine, which can improve your concentration and mood. In addition, regular exercise helps you burn off extra energy and ease anxiety or depression -- symptoms that are common in women with ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Adolescent and female girls with ADHD typically experience more mood and anxiety-related symptoms than impulsivity and hyperactivity. The gender roles that are expected of girls make it more difficult for girls to admit they're struggling, which is why they tend to cover up ADHD symptoms by displaying other behaviors. This can lead to misdiagnosis and under-reporting in girls and women. 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.
adhd symptoms is a natural reaction to stress and danger. It can be overwhelming and debilitating, but it's beneficial because it keeps you alert to potential danger and helps you respond quickly when something is not right. However, anxiety can trigger a range of physical symptoms like sweating, jitteriness, and a rapid heartbeat (palpitations). People who experience frequent, severe, or disabling anxiety could be diagnosed with anxiety disorders. This includes panic disorder, where you experience frequent, sudden panic attacks; phobias, that are characterized by a fear of certain objects or situations; obsessive-compulsive disorder where irrational thinking and repetitive behaviors control your life and separation anxiety disorder, in which you are afraid of being away from your home or family.
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently struggle with "time blindness". They may miss important dates and appointments, arrive at an wrong time or location or be so distracted by their work that they fail to notice social interactions. This can cause them to appear distant, uncaring, or unfocused to others. Good sleeping habits can help keep you from becoming time blind so make sure you stick to a regular bedtime and do something that is relaxing before you go to sleep like reading, listening to music or meditating.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently have difficulty staying organized. They may have difficulty to keep track of their schedules, appointments and other belongings. Their car, home and office could be cluttered and their handbags are filled with receipts, 17 chapsticks, as well as tickets to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their forgetfulness and disorganization can make it difficult for them to build and maintain personal and professional relationships.
Women can also find it difficult to express themselves in social settings. Their impatience and impulsiveness could make them interrupt others or blurt out things without thinking about the consequences. Their struggles to filter their thoughts can lead to confusion and hurt feelings.
The signs of ADHD in women may vary from day to day because of hormonal fluctuations. For instance estrogen levels are at their lowest at the time of ovulation, and during menstrual cycles, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These symptoms could be why many women with ADHD go undiagnosed and mistreated.
In addition to the biological differences in the brain's structure and the chemicals that are involved with ADHD for females and males There is also a bias against diagnosing women with 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. With the right guidance they can succeed in school, at work and in their personal lives. Medical treatment can aid in improving concentration and help with everyday problems. Therapy for behavior and smartphone applications can also be helpful.
5. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have issues with control of their impulses. This is because the part of the brain that makes decisions and considers consequences, isn't functioning similarly. This results in a tendency to make decisions or act without considering the potential result, which could have negative effects. For instance, an impulsive behaviour could cause financial problems or damage relationships. It can also lead to risky sexual behaviors.
A person suffering from ADHD might develop a range of coping strategies to help them manage their issues with controlling impulses. Self-medicating using alcohol or drugs, or calming yourself with food are all possible. Poor diet or sleeping less than you need to can also cause trouble.
Girls and women with ADHD might also have difficulty to acknowledge that they have a problem with their behavior. They may be unable to communicate their problems to their teachers or parents and so they attempt to cover up their problems. This can make it difficult for people to recognize their problems and delay a diagnosis.
In addition women and girls who suffer from ADHD tend to display their symptoms differently than males or females. They might be more distracted and have a higher rate of coexisting anxiety or mood disorders, like depression. These factors may contribute to the fact women and girls with ADHD are misdiagnosed more frequently than men or boys.
ADHD is a chronic disorder that affects many millions of people, despite increasing awareness. It's more prevalent during early adulthood and adolescence, when people are juggling work or school. Parents and teachers should be aware that their daughter or granddaughter may be suffering from ADHD to ensure that they receive the assistance she requires.