Blog entry by Cora Gain
Female Symptoms of ADHD
Adolescent and female girls with ADHD typically exhibit inattentional symptoms, instead of the impulsivity and hyperactivity often seen in boys and men. This makes them more easily missed and misdiagnosed.
Gender stereotypes play a role as well, since caregivers may think that girls who are quiet or who seem dreamy and withdrawn are simply "being girls." ADHD symptoms can also be caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle as well as perimenopausal.
1. Hyperactivity
When it is ADHD the first image many people have is of an overactive boy who bounces off the walls in class. Although this is one form of ADHD females and girls are also affected by the disorder in this form. ADHD symptoms for women and girls are often harder to detect than in boys. This leads to the condition being misdiagnosed and left untreated.
In some cases, women with ADHD exhibit impulsive behavior that make it difficult for them to stop and consider their actions before committing. They may not be able to listen well when other people are speaking, and could be unable to follow instructions or performing tasks. These issues can lead to frustration and miscommunications in relationships with family members, romantic partners, friends, and colleagues.
Many women with ADHD have rejection sensitivity. This is an intense emotional reaction to actual or perceived rejection. In combination with low self-esteem, and difficulties in peer relationships which can make it difficult for women to cope with her ADHD symptoms.
ADHD symptoms in women can manifest at different times, such as during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger anxiety, mood swings, and trouble with concentration.
Exercise, diet and sleeping habits can help some women and girls suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Regular physical activity releases neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus. It also helps to ease anxiety and stress, which are common among women suffering from ADHD. Getting enough sleep and taking breaks from activities can help alleviate ADHD symptoms. Many people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from tools like checklists, planners, and post-it note to keep track of their tasks. In some cases medical professionals can prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Inattention
Even when the symptoms are severe women and girls suffering from inattention ADHD are not diagnosed. They struggle to keep up at school, their homes may be messy, and they have issues with relationships and performance. They might try to make up for their symptoms by hiding them or pretending that they're not affected.
Gender bias is also a factor that plays a part in missed or inaccurate diagnoses. If a boy exhibits an impulsive or hyperactive behavior they are more likely to be referred for diagnosis and therapy. On the other hand girls who exhibit inattention symptoms can be written off as space-bound, dreamy or uninteresting.
The symptoms of adhd that cause inattention can show up in many 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 keep interrupting others while you talk. Your memory is poor and you are prone to losing things or forget where you put them. You are unable to follow simple instructions and tend to avoid tasks that require concentration such as homework or chores.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can also become more severe when hormonal changes occur, such as during menstrual cycle, pregnancy or perimenopausal. This makes it harder to concentrate at work or at home, and makes it harder to keep friendships intact or reach goals in your life.
Exercise can help you manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals, like dopamine, which can improve your focus and mood. Plus, regular exercise helps you burn off extra energy and can ease anxiety or depression -- symptoms that are common among women with ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Women and adolescent girls with adult adhd symptoms list typically experience more anxiety and mood symptoms than impulsivity and hyperactivity. Female gender roles make it difficult for girls to admit that they're struggling, which is why they tend to camouflage ADHD symptoms by displaying other behaviors. 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 overwhelming and debilitating but it's a good thing. It keeps you aware of danger and allows you to react quickly if there is something amiss. In reality, anxiety can trigger a variety of physical symptoms of inattentive adhd in adults [web page], including sweating and jitteriness. It can also cause rapid heartbeats or palpitations. An anxiety disorder can be diagnosed in people suffering from frequent, severe, or chronic anxiety. This includes panic disorder, where you are prone to frequent, unexpected anxiety attacks; phobias that are characterized by a fear of specific objects or situations; obsessive-compulsive disorder where irrational thinking and repetitive behavior control your life and separation anxiety disorder, in which you fear being away from your home or family.
Women with adhd symptoms in adults females frequently struggle with "time blindness". They might forget important dates or appointments, arrive at an incorrect time or place or get so absorbed by their work that they forget social interactions. This can cause them to appear distant, unfocused or inconsiderate of other people. Good sleeping habits can help keep you from becoming time blind so make sure you stick to a set bedtime and do something relaxing prior to when you go to bed, such as reading, listening to music or meditating.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often have trouble staying organized. They may have a difficult to keep track of their appointments, schedules, and belongings. Their home, car and office might be cluttered and their handbags full of receipts, 17 chapsticks, and tickets to the Kings of Leon concert in 2008. Their disorganization and forgetfulness can make it difficult for them to maintain and develop relationships at work as well as in their private lives.
Women also have a tendency to find it difficult to express their opinions in social situations. Their impatience and impulsiveness could cause them to interrupt others or say things before thinking through the consequences. The struggle to filter their thoughts can result in miscommunications and hurt feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary daily due to hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lowest around ovulation, and during menstrual cycle, which can exacerbate ADHD. These changes in symptom severity could be the reason that many women suffering from ADHD go undiagnosed and mistreated.
In addition to the biological differences in brain structure and chemicals that are involved in ADHD in males and females There is also a tendency to not diagnose women suffering from the disorder. 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 list of adhd symptoms inattentive ADHD in women.
If women are given a clear diagnosis of ADHD, they can manage their symptoms by using medication and other treatment strategies. They can achieve success in work, school, and their personal lives with the right help. Medication can help improve concentration and help with everyday problems. The use of behavioral therapy and applications for smartphones can be helpful.
5. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD have a tendency to have difficulty controlling their impulses. It's because the part the brain that makes decisions and weighs the consequences, isn't functioning as well. This causes them to make decisions or act without considering the potential consequences, which can result in negative consequences. Impulsive behavior can lead to relationships that are damaged. It might also lead to risky sexual behaviors.
A person with adhd and dyslexia symptoms may develop a variety of coping strategies to help them deal with their issues with controlling impulses. Self-medicating through alcohol or drugs, or calming yourself with food are all possible. A poor diet or sleeping less than you have to can also cause trouble.
Girls and women with ADHD may also be unable to recognize that they are struggling with their behavior. They may find it difficult to explain their symptoms and therefore, they may conceal their issues. This makes it difficult for people to identify their issues and delay a diagnosis.
Girls and women with ADHD often present with different symptoms than boys or men. They might be more inattentive and have a greater incidence of co-existing anxiety and mood disorders, for example depression. These factors could cause women and girls with ADHD are more frequently misdiagnosed than males or females.
Although awareness of ADHD has increased, it's still a disorder that affects millions of people. It's more prevalent during the adolescent years and early adulthood, when students are trying to balance school and work. Parents and teachers should be aware that their daughter or granddaughter may have ADHD in order to get her the help she needs.