Female Symptoms of ADHD
Teens and women with ADHD tend to show inattention signs, rather than the hyperactivity and impulsivity that are more common in both men and boys. This makes them more susceptible to being misdiagnosed and overlooked.
Stereotypes about gender can contribute to this as caregivers may believe that girls who are quiet or dreamy are simply "being girls." ADHD symptoms can also be caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle as well as perimenopausal.
1. Hyperactivity
Many people think of ADHD when they see a child who bounces off walls of the school. While this is a type of ADHD females and girls also experience the disorder in this manner. ADHD symptoms for women and young girls are often harder to identify than in boys, so the condition is often misdiagnosed or left untreated.
find out here now suffering from ADHD may exhibit unpredictable behavior that makes it difficult for them to stop and think before deciding to act. They may not listen well when people are talking, and they may have difficulty adhering to instructions or completing tasks. These issues can cause frustration and miscommunications in relationships with family, romantic partners, friends and colleagues.
Many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from sensitivity to rejection. This is a strong emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection. In combination with low self-esteem, and a lack of social relationships This can make it difficult for a woman to deal with her ADHD symptoms.
Symptoms of ADHD in women can flare up at various times during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations can cause anxiety, mood swings, and difficulty in concentration.
Women and girls who have ADHD have a better chance to manage their symptoms by diet, exercise and sleeping habits. Regular physical activity releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and attention. It also helps to ease stress and anxiety that are common among women with ADHD. A good night's sleep and taking breaks from activities can also help ADHD symptoms. Utilizing tools such as planners, checklists and post-it notes to track tasks can be beneficial for many people with ADHD. In some cases healthcare professionals can prescribe medication to treat symptoms.
2. Inattention
Even when symptoms are severe women and girls suffering from inattentive ADHD aren't identified. They are often struggling to stay on top at school, their homes can be messy, and they face trouble with relationships and work performance. They may try to compensate for their symptoms by hiding them or pretending that they are not affected.
Gender bias can also be a factor in misdiagnosis or omissions. If a boy displays an impulsive or hyperactive behavior, he's more likely to be recommended for diagnosis and therapy. Girls who show inattentive behavior can be dismissed as dreamy, ditzy, or space cases.
Attention deficit can manifest in a variety of ways. You might forget appointments, not follow through with promises, or have difficulty staying focused during meetings or 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're not able to remember things and frequently lose things or forget their location. You are unable to follow simple instructions and tend to avoid tasks that require concentration like homework or chores.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can also worsen when hormonal changes occur, such as during pregnancy, menstruation, or perimenopause. It can be difficult to focus on work or home and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or achieve the goals of life.
Exercise can help you manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals, such as dopamine, which can help boost your concentration and mood. In addition, regular exercise helps you shed excess energy and ease anxiety or depression -- symptoms that are common among women suffering from ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Adolescent and female girls with ADHD typically experience more mood and anxiety-related symptoms than impulsivity and hyperactivity. Gender role expectations make it more difficult for girls to admit they're struggling, and they are more likely to cover up ADHD symptoms by displaying other behaviors. This can lead girls and women to be misdiagnosed and not 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 stress and danger. It can be overwhelming and debilitating, but it's beneficial because it keeps you alert to potential danger and helps you respond quickly when something is suspicious. Unfortunately, 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 disabling anxiety. This includes panic disorder, in which you are prone to frequent, unexpected panic attacks; phobias, which involve an intense fear of specific objects or situations; obsessive-compulsive disorder, where irrational thoughts and repetitive behaviors control your life; and separation anxiety disorder, where you are afraid of being away from your home or your family.
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle with "time blindness". They may miss important dates and appointments, arrive at the incorrect time or location or be so distracted by their tasks that they fail to notice social interactions. This can make them appear distant, uncaring or unfocused to others. Good sleeping habits can ensure that you don't suffer from time blindness. So, try to keep your bedtime routine and then do something relaxing such as listening to music, reading, or meditating before you go to sleep.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are often struggling to stay organized. They may have a difficult to keep track of their schedules, appointments, and belongings. Their home, office, and car may be cluttered and their purses could be filled with receipts, 17 chapsticks or a ticket for the Kings of Leon concert of 2008. Their disorganization and forgetfulness can make it difficult for them to maintain relationships at work and in their personal lives.
Women can also have a difficult time expressing themselves in social settings. Their impulsiveness and impatience can cause them to interrupt others or utter things without considering the consequences. These struggles with filtering their thoughts can lead to confusion and hurt feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD are able to change from day to day due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, estrogen levels are lowest around ovulation and during the menstrual cycle, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These symptom changes may be the reason why a lot of women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed and treated.
In addition to the differences in the brain's structure and the chemicals that are involved with ADHD in males and females as well as the bias 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.
If women are given a clear diagnosis of ADHD and are able to learn to manage their symptoms with the help of medication and other treatment strategies. With the right support they can be successful in their work, school as well as in their personal lives. Medical treatment can aid in improving concentration and assist with everyday difficulties. Behavioral therapy and specialized apps for smartphones can also prove beneficial.
5. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are more likely to be unable to control their impulses. This is because the part of the brain that makes decisions, and thinks about consequences, doesn't function as well. This could lead to the tendency of people to act or say things without considering the potential consequences, which could have negative effects. For instance, an impulsive behaviour could cause financial problems or cause damage to relationships. It can also result in dangerous sexual behavior.
A person with ADHD may develop a number of coping mechanisms that help them overcome their inability to control impulses. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, or comforting yourself with food are all possible. A poor diet or lack of sleep can cause problems.
Girls and women with ADHD might also have difficulty to recognize that they are having issues with their behavior. They may find it difficult to explain their symptoms and therefore, they may hide their struggles. This can make it difficult for people to recognize their problems and delay a diagnosis.
Additionally, girls and women with ADHD tend to display their symptoms differently than men or boys. They might be more inattentive and have a higher rate of co-existing anxiety and mood disorders, for example depression. These factors could cause girls and women with ADHD are more frequently misdiagnosed than boys or men.
ADHD is a chronic disorder that affects many millions of people, despite the increased awareness. It's most prevalent during adolescence and the early years of adulthood, when lots of people are trying to meet the demands of their careers or school. Parents and educators should be aware that their child or granddaughter might be suffering from ADHD to ensure that they get her the help she needs.