ADHD Symptoms For Women
Women suffering from ADHD have reported emotional instability and sensitivity towards rejection. They may also suffer from insomnia and poor sleep quality which can make symptoms worse.
Girls and women are typically better at masking their ADHD symptoms and coping mechanisms to conform to social expectations and norms. This could lead to misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.
1. Difficulty Focusing
For many women with ADHD focus is the biggest challenge. Symptoms of this neurodevelopmental disorder can make it difficult to concentrate at school, in meetings at work, or even when listening to others talk. It can be challenging to complete daily tasks like remembering appointments or taking medication.
Difficulty focusing is one of the most common adhd symptoms for girls and women, regardless of their gender identity or whether they have hyperactive/impulsive or inattentive ADHD. According to CHADD, women with the inattentive form of the disorder may have difficulty organizing their home and desk. They may also find it hard to prioritize tasks. These issues could cause them to skip appointments, arrive at the wrong place at the right time or not follow through on their tasks. They can make them feel embarrassed and blame themselves for their shortcomings, thinking they're lazy or forgetful.
Inattentional ADHD can lead to poor performance at school or at work and can lead to the accumulation of debt. According to CHADD the symptoms are often triggered by stress or other mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Certain women and girls who suffer from inattentional ADHD aren't diagnosed or treated due to the prejudices that teachers and parents may have towards men and boys. They may not be able to express their ADHD symptoms as well, especially the hyperactive/impulsive ones, and may have difficulty finding treatment that works for them.
Hormonal changes can also exacerbate symptoms in women who suffer from ADHD. For instance, they could become more noticeable during menstrual cycles, or during perimenopause--the run-up to menopausal changes. This is when estrogen levels drop and cause emotional problems such as mood swings and anger.
Stimulant medications can help increase the concentration of adults suffering from ADHD, but it won't treat the condition. Other strategies like mindfulness training, lifestyle changes and cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) can also assist with focus and organization. Certain schools and workplaces offer accommodations to help with these issues as well.
2. Forgetting Things
It can be difficult to stay on top of daily tasks or to manage your responsibilities. signs of adhd in women may find it difficult to remember important information especially when they take place in a noisy environment. You may also find that you frequently forget appointments or get late for school or work. Not being able to pay your bills or reply to emails is common among women suffering from ADHD that can lead to financial stress and make you feel overwhelmed. You might have trouble working in a noisy or busy office, and may zone out during conversations. This can make the other person feel unimportant or confused.
Many women and girls who have ADHD also struggle to maintain friendships. They are also at risk of being pushed into unwanted sexual behavior or becoming intimate partner violence victims. This is due to the fact that they have a difficult managing their emotions and are more likely to become overwhelmed. They may also have a problem with self-esteem, and they might view their difficulties as something that is a "personal flaw" instead of realizing that their behavior is linked to their ADHD symptoms.
Females and females who suffer from ADHD are also not diagnosed because of gender bias as their symptoms are less noticeable than those of boys and men. They can disguise symptoms as anxiety and mood disorders, which can lead to a misdiagnosis and improper treatment.
ADHD symptoms can differ based on the fluctuation in hormone levels. This is particularly evident during puberty, as estrogen levels drop and progesterone levels rise. This can lead to a greater variation in symptoms from day to day, which can make it harder to recognize and manage ADHD effectively.
Finding a doctor and getting treatment can help you develop life skills to manage your ADHD symptoms. You can also make lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet and limiting stimulants like sugar, caffeine and sugary drinks that could worsen symptoms. You can also try mindfulness and meditation techniques to relax your mind, decrease restlessness and impulsiveness, and improve emotional regulation. Talking with a mental health professional could be beneficial, since they can suggest possible adjustments at work or at school that might aid in managing your ADHD symptoms better.
3. Disruptive Behavior
In the majority of cases, women with ADHD are more likely to experience inattention than those with hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This could be because women and girls have different brains than men and boys. Or it could be due to the level of activity in the brain areas that control impulsive behavior.
As a result, it can be harder for a physician to identify and diagnose ADHD in women. Many women develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. Some are healthy, but others aren't long-lasting and could lead to other health problems. Some women, for example are prone to drinking excessively or drugs to manage. They might also develop depression or other mental health issues such as anxiety. These unhealthy ways of coping can make it difficult for someone to recognize that they have mental health issues and delay a proper diagnosis.
Disruptive behavior is one of the most common adhd symptoms for women. It can impact their school or work performance, as well as their relationships. They typically involve not being focused on a task, ignoring important dates or events, and being easily distracted by other things in their environment or in their minds. They might fumble or tap their hands or feet or squirm their seats. They may also speak out loud or yell. they could be disruptive.
Women who have the inattentive subtype may have trouble in concentrating during lectures or discussions or completing schoolwork, reading, or writing assignments, following instructions in class or at work, and managing daily tasks. They are often disorganized, messy, and forgetful and have a difficult time follow through on commitments or tasks. They are more likely to lose or lose items such as eyeglasses, wallets, and keys.
Having the predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type of adhd can disrupt work or school, cause social problems, and create relationship challenges. This type of adhd can cause issues at work, at home or in school. It can also lead to feelings of irritability, boredom and frustration. They have a tough waiting for their turn at home, school or at work and often interrupt others. They are prone to act recklessly and are not able to control their behavior.
4. Anxiety
Girls and women with ADHD can have a harder time coping with their symptoms than men and boys. This is due in part to societal expectations that demand women and mothers be the primary caregivers for their children and household. If a woman suffering from ADHD struggles to fulfill her obligations, she may experience heightened feelings of anxiety which can lead to low self-esteem. This can make it harder to seek treatment for her ADHD.
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not recognized as easily as males or females because their symptoms don't seem to be as apparent. They may present with primarily inattentive symptoms, which do not have the same outward appearance as hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms, making them less likely to receive a referral for treatment from teachers and parents. They are also more likely to develop coping strategies that mask their ADHD symptoms. For instance the excessive fidgeting or forgetfulness can be mistaken as symptoms of anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADHD may also change throughout a woman's lifetime. Women may suffer ADHD symptoms when hormonal changes occur, such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy. This can lead her to be viewed as a victim of prejudice or considered an excessively emotional.
The information in this article is based on research regarding how ADHD affects people based on their sexual. signs of adhd in women acknowledges that sex refers to biology: chromosomal makeup, hormones, and anatomy; while gender is a subjective sense of being a woman, man, or nonbinary person. This distinction is important because it helps us to better comprehend how and why ADHD can manifest differently in men and women. This is why throughout this article we will refer to males and those assigned to male at birth (AMAB) as boys and men and women and people assigned to female at birth (AFAB) as women and girls. This is in line with the way many research studies use this terminology. For more information, check out the guide to sex & gender by Verywell Health.