Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescent girls with ADHD typically exhibit inattentional symptoms, instead of the hyperactivity and impulsivity more often seen in males and girls. This makes them more easily overlooked and not properly diagnosed.
Gender stereotypes can be a factor as caregivers may believe that girls who are quiet or dreamy are simply "being girls." Also, signs of adhd in adults during the menstrual cycle as well as perimenopausal symptoms can cause ADHD symptoms to flare up.
1. Hyperactivity
Many people think of ADHD when they see a boy who bounces off the walls of the school. Although this is one form of ADHD females and girls also experience the disorder in this type. ADHD symptoms for women and young girls are often harder to identify than in boys, so the condition is often misdiagnosed or left untreated.
In some instances women with ADHD exhibit impulsive behaviors that make it difficult for them to stop and consider their actions before committing. They might not be attentive when other people are talking and they may have trouble following instructions or finishing tasks. These difficulties can lead them to frustration and misunderstandings with family, friends and romantic partners, as well as coworkers.
Many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from sensitivity to rejection. This is an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection. When combined with low self-esteem and difficulty in friendships with peers, this can make it difficult for a woman to cope with her ADHD symptoms.
ADHD symptoms in women can appear at various times, including during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger anxiety, mood swings, and problems with concentration.
Some girls and women who have ADHD have a better chance to manage their symptoms by diet, exercise and sleeping habits. Regular physical activity releases neurotransmitters which boost attention and concentration. It also helps ease stress and anxiety which are common among women with ADHD. Being able to sleep enough and taking breaks can help ADHD symptoms. Using tools like planners, checklists, and post-it notes to keep track of tasks can be helpful for many people with ADHD. In some cases, a health care provider may prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
2. Attention!
Even when the symptoms are severe, women and girls with inattention ADHD aren't diagnosed. They are often struggling to stay on top at school, their homes can be messy, and they experience issues with relationships and performance. They may attempt to compensate for their symptoms by hiding them or convincing themselves that they're not affected.
Gender bias also can be a factor in missed or misdiagnoses. If a boy exhibits an impulsive or hyperactive behavior and is more likely to be referred to diagnosis and therapy. Conversely girls who exhibit inattention symptoms can be written off as space-bound, dreamy or ditzy.
Attention deficit can manifest in a variety of ways. You may forget appointments, not follow through with promises or struggle to stay focused during classroom lectures. You are having a difficult time waiting to be in the right place when speaking with others and can't seem to stop interrupting. You have a poor memory and often lose things or forget where they are. You struggle to follow simple instructions and tend to avoid tasks that require concentration, such as homework or chores.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD can also be exacerbated during hormonal changes that occur, like during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopausal symptoms (the period leading up to menopausal). It can be difficult to pay attention to at home or at work and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or achieve the goals of life.
Getting plenty of exercise can help control your symptoms. adult adhd signs releases brain chemicals, such as dopamine, which can improve your concentration and mood. Regular exercise can help you burn extra energy and ease depression or anxiety symptoms -- which are common among women with ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Teens and women with ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety symptoms and mood symptoms than hyperactivity or impulsivity. Girls are often reluctant to admit that they struggle due to gender-based expectations. They tend to hide ADHD symptoms by hiding other behaviors. This could 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.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress and danger. signs of adhd adults can feel overwhelming and debilitating, but it's an excellent thing because it keeps you aware of the possibility of danger and allows you to respond quickly when something is suspicious. However, anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including sweating, jitteriness and rapid heartbeat (palpitations). An anxiety disorder may be diagnosed in people who suffer from frequent, severe, or chronic anxiety. An anxiety disorder could include panic disorder (where you have frequent unplanned panic attacks) as well as phobias (where you are intensely afraid of certain things or situations), obsessive compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thinking and repetitive behavior) and separation anxiety disorder.
Many women with ADHD struggle with a concept called "time blindness." They might forget important dates or appointments, arrive at the wrong place at the wrong time, or become so lost in tasks that they miss social interactions. This can make them appear aloof, inconsiderate, or unfocused to others. Good sleep habits will ensure that you don't suffer from time blindness. So, try to keep your bedtime routine and take time to do something relaxing, such as listening to music, reading or meditating before you go to sleep.
4. Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time staying organized. They may struggle to keep track of their appointments, schedules, and belongings. Their home, office and car could be overflowing with clutter and their bags could be filled with receipts, 17 chapsticks or a ticket for the Kings of Leon concert of 2008. Their lack of organization and forgetfulness can make it difficult for them to establish and maintain their personal and work relationships.
Women also have a tendency to find it difficult to express their opinions in social situations. They may be impulsive and impatient, causing them to interrupt others or blurt things out before considering the consequences. The struggle to filter their thoughts can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD are able to change throughout the day due to hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are at their lowest during ovulation and during menstruation, which can exacerbate ADHD. These symptoms may be the reason that many women with ADHD are misdiagnosed.
In addition to the differences in brain structure and chemicals that are involved with ADHD for females and males as well as the stigma against diagnosing 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 of inattentive ADHD in women.
Women suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms using medications and other treatments. With the right guidance they can be successful in their work, school and in their personal lives. The use of medication can improve concentration and aid in everyday difficulties. The use of behavioral therapy and smartphone applications can also help.
5. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD often have problems with controlling their impulses. This is because the brain part that makes decisions and thinks about the consequences isn't working as well. This results in a tendency to say or do things without thinking about the consequences, which can have negative consequences. Impulsive behavior can result in relationships that are damaged. It could also lead to risky behaviors such as sexual.
A person with ADHD may develop a number of coping mechanisms that help them overcome their inability to control impulses. This could include self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, or eating food as a method to comfort themselves. A poor diet or not getting enough sleep can cause problems.
Girls and women with ADHD might have difficulty recognizing an issue in their behavior. They may find it difficult to explain their symptoms to their parents or teachers and, therefore, they try to hide their struggles. This can make it harder for people to notice their symptoms and delay the diagnosis.
Girls and women with ADHD typically have different symptoms than men or boys. They may be less attentive, and suffer from anxiety or mood disorders such as depression. These factors may contribute to the fact women and girls with ADHD are misdiagnosed more frequently than boys or men.
ADHD is still a disorder that affects many millions of people, despite the increasing awareness. It's more prevalent in early adulthood and adolescence, when students are trying to balance school and work. It's important for parents and educators to be aware of the possibility that a child or woman they know is suffering from ADHD to ensure that they receive the assistance she requires.
