Female Symptoms of ADHD
Girls and women who have ADHD typically exhibit inattentional symptoms, in contrast to the impulsivity and hyperactivity often seen in boys and men. This makes them more likely to be overlooked and not properly diagnosed.
Gender stereotypes play a role, as caregivers might assume that girls who are quiet or who appear to be shy and dreamy are simply "being girls." ADHD symptoms can also be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period and perimenopause.
1. Hyperactivity
When it comes to ADHD the first image most people think of is the hyperactive boy bouncing off the walls in class. While this is one type 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 in boys, so the condition is often misdiagnosed and not treated.
In certain instances women who suffer from ADHD display impulsive behaviors that make it difficult for them to think about their actions prior to acting. They may not be able to listen when other people are talking and they may have difficulty following instructions or finishing tasks. These issues can lead to frustration and confusion in relationships with family, friends, romantic partners and colleagues.
Many women with ADHD have sensitivity to rejection which is an intense emotional response to actual or perceived rejection. Combined with symptoms of adhd -esteem and difficulties in social relationships This can make it hard for a woman to cope with her ADHD symptoms.
The symptoms of ADHD in women may flare up at different times during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger anxiety, mood swings, and difficulty in concentration.
Women and girls who have ADHD have a better chance to control their symptoms with eating, exercise and sleep habits. Regular physical activity releases neurotransmitters, which improve concentration and attention. It also helps to ease stress and anxiety that are common among women suffering from ADHD. A good night's sleep and frequent breaks can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Many people suffering from ADHD can benefit from tools such as checklists, planners, and post-it notes to track their tasks. In some cases the health professional may prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Attention
Even when symptoms are serious women and girls who suffer from inattention ADHD aren't identified. They struggle to keep up at school, their homes may be messy, and they experience issues with relationships and performance. They might try to make up for it by denying their symptoms or by convincing themselves that they're not affected their symptoms.
Gender bias also can be a factor in misdiagnosis or missed diagnoses. For instance, when a boy displays an impulsive or hyperactive behavior and signs, they are more likely to get diagnosed and treated. Girls who display inattention could be viewed as dreamy, ditzy, or space cases.
The inattention symptom of adhd can show up in many ways: You miss appointments, don't keep promises and are unable to stay focused in class or meetings. You don't have time to wait around and you constantly interrupt other people when you are talking. Your memory is poor and you often lose things or forget where you put them. You have difficulty following simple instructions and you tend to avoid tasks that require concentration, such as homework or chores.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can also worsen when hormonal changes take place, such as during pregnancy, menstruation, or perimenopausal. It is difficult to pay attention to at home or at work and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or meet your goals in life.
Getting plenty of exercise can help manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals like dopamine, which can improve your mood and concentration. Regular exercise can also help you burn off extra energy and ease anxiety or depression symptoms- which are common among women with ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often experience more mood and anxiety-related symptoms than hyperactivity and impulsivity. Female gender roles make it difficult for girls to admit they're struggling, which is why they tend to cover up ADHD symptoms with other behaviors. This can cause girls and women to be misdiagnosed and not be able to report their ADHD symptoms. 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 great thing. It keeps you alert to danger and allows you to react quickly if there is something wrong. In reality anxiety can trigger a variety of physical symptoms, like sweating and jitteriness. It can also cause an increase in heart rate or palpitations. People who experience frequent, severe, or disabling anxiety could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. This includes panic disorder, where you experience frequent, sudden panic attacks; phobias that are characterized by a fear of specific objects or situations; obsessive compulsive disorder where irrational thinking and repetitive behaviors control your life as well as separation anxiety disorder, in which you are afraid of being away from home or your family.
Women with ADHD frequently struggle with "time blindness". They might forget important dates and appointments, show up at an wrong time or location or be so distracted by their tasks that they forget social interactions. This can cause them to appear aloof, unfocused or inconsiderate of others. Good sleep habits can help prevent time blindness and can make them appear unfocused, so try to adhere to a regular time for bed and do something that is relaxing before you go to sleep like listening to music, reading, or meditation.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble staying organized. They may have a hard managing their appointments, schedules, and personal belongings. Their home, office, and car could be overflowing with clutter, and their handbags may be filled with receipts, 17 chapsticks or tickets to the Kings of Leon concert of 2008. Their lack of organization and forgetfulness can make it difficult to establish and maintain their personal and work relationships.
Women may also have a difficult time expressing themselves in social situations. They can be impatient and impulsive which causes them to interrupt others or blurt things out without considering the consequences. Their struggles to filter their thoughts can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can change throughout the day due to hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are at their lowest around ovulation, and during menstruation, which can exacerbate ADHD. These symptoms could be why many women with ADHD are not diagnosed and treated.
There is a bias against diagnosing females with ADHD in addition to the differences in biology between males and women in regards to the brain's 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 suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms by taking medication and other treatment methods. With the right support, they can achieve success in school, at work and in their private lives. The use of medication can give a substantial boost in concentration and help them overcome everyday challenges, while the use of behavioral therapy and other specific smartphone apps can be additional tools to keep them on top of their game.
5. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD tend to be unable to control their impulses. It's because the part the brain that makes decisions, and thinks about consequences, doesn't function in the same way. This can lead to an inability to do or say things without thinking about the consequences, which could result in negative consequences. Impulsive behavior can lead to problems with finances or relationships that are damaged. It might cause sexually risky behaviors.
Someone suffering from ADHD may develop a number of coping mechanisms to assist them in overcoming their inability to manage their impulses. Self-medicating through alcohol or drugs, or comforting yourself with food are all possible. Having a poor diet or sleeping less than you need to can cause problems.
Women and girls with ADHD may have trouble recognizing the signs of a problem with their behavior. They may find it difficult to explain their problems and therefore, they may hide their struggles. This can make it difficult for people to identify their symptoms and delay diagnosis.
In addition, girls and women with ADHD tend to show their symptoms in a different way than males or females. They may be less attentive, and suffer from depression or anxiety such as depression. These factors can contribute to the fact that women and girls with ADHD are more likely to be incorrectly diagnosed than males or boys with ADHD.
ADHD is a condition that affects a lot of people, despite the increasing awareness. It's more prevalent in early adulthood and adolescence, when students are trying to balance work or school. Parents and teachers must be aware that their child or granddaughter may have ADHD to ensure that they get her the help she needs.