How To Outsmart Your Boss On Female ADHD Symptoms
Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed among girls because it is different than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These individuals also tend to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive drinking and substance abuse that mask ADHD symptoms and delays the accurate diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like anxiety and depression, are also common in these people.
Attention
Women with inattentive ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They might miss appointments or leave their home unattended. They are unable to keep track of their finances as well as household chores and record-keeping. It is also common for women with this condition to have problems with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult to remember dates or names. They also have difficulty staying still for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused or following the directions.
While impulse control and hyperactivity are more prevalent in males and females however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent in girls and women. Up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that last for a period of more than six months to qualify for a diagnoses.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to identify than other forms of ADHD because many people don't see them as a part of an issue or have different expectations about what a girl should be doing. Because of this, parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than for boys.
Women's ADHD symptoms can change in time due to hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms can become more severe during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal symptoms.
These symptoms can have a significant effect on women's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. They can trigger feelings of guilt and self-worth devaluation because they make it hard to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD are also susceptible to depression and anxiety. They may also engage in sexual behaviors which increase the risk for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, whether it's real or not. As a result, they may avoid social settings and isolate themselves.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first indications of ADHD for girls and women. They are more likely to delay or lose things or have difficulty concentrating on their tasks, and are easily overwhelmed in a busy environment. They may also have a hard time relaxing or falling asleep, and they may be more susceptible to mood fluctuations and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at school, home and in relationships.
Girls and women are frequently left out of the diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common for both genders. Healthcare professionals and teachers don't suggest ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do for male students. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis and delays in treatment.
Along with the tendency to conceal their problems, this can suggest that people with ADHD suffer more of the condition than usually reported. For adhd in men symptoms , they might not report having difficulty focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make decisions at the grocery store or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that may include substance use or poor eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time, and hinder the woman from getting assistance that could improve her life in a significant way.
It is also possible that ADHD-related behavior is more popular with males and females and women, they are repressed or concealed by women and girls who are concerned about being ostracized. For example, girls with ADHD might exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized because they don't fit in with the norms at school or community.
These factors can ultimately create an environment of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers should 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.
Emotional Problems
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their emotions than males. Moods are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal changes throughout the day, which may cause symptoms like anxiety and feelings of being unsatisfied. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more prone to anxiety and depression. These emotional difficulties can have a serious impact on relationships and career opportunities.
ADHD can be a major challenge for both children and parents but it can be especially difficult for women. Women may feel ashamed of ADHD and might not seek help due to this. They may try to mask their symptoms through strategies to cope, like excessive drinking or substance use, which can make the situation worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers as well as women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It can also delay diagnosis.
A woman with ADHD might be able to manage to hide her symptoms throughout her youth and adolescence however, it can be more difficult as an adult. The pressures of life, coupled with societal expectations to excel in work and relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they're failing as well as low self-esteem and ongoing stress. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a life-changing moment for certain women. It can aid them in understanding the root of their difficulties and help them to accept themselves better.
Many women suffering from ADHD struggle to receive support at work or at school. They may be embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the support they require could be considered an act of weakness or incompetence. Most teachers and supervisors are willing to make small adjustments to help those with ADHD succeed in their jobs.
Women suffering from ADHD who are seeking friendly peers can also gain by joining online support groups. These groups can provide an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the particular issues of being a woman with ADHD as a woman.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women become teenagers, they develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to detect. For instance girls may make an effort to dress and act more like her peers to ward off attention from bullying or social rejection. She may compensate for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other strategies for coping could disguise the presence of ADHD in females and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
Most often, girls and women who have ADHD are diagnosed with mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, before they are given a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD and hinder treatment and recovery.
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 temperamental or excessively emotional, which adds to their anger.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to miss birthdays or misunderstand minor details which can cause conflict and confusion. Also, they may be struggling to keep up with household chores financial obligations, personal finances, and other everyday responsibilities. These issues can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an internal chaos of their beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias influences the frequency of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in a classroom to read vignettes that described children with ADHD symptoms, and rate how likely they would be to recommend or find services for the child described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD, like other conditions that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms could be more apparent during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy or menopausal cycle. These changes can cause problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of disappointment and despair.