The Biggest Issue With Female Symptoms Of ADHD, And How You Can Fix It
Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescents who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattention symptoms, as opposed to the impulsivity and hyperactivity that are more common in both men and boys. This means they are more likely to be missed and misdiagnosed.
Stereotypes about gender can contribute to this caregivers might assume that quiet or dreamy girls are just "being girls." Additionally, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle as well as perimenopausal symptoms can cause ADHD symptoms to flare up.
1. Hyperactivity
When it comes to ADHD the first image most people think of is the hyperactive boy bouncing off the walls in class. This is a type of ADHD that affects women as well as girls. 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 exhibit impulsive behaviors that make it difficult to pause and think about their actions before committing. They may not be able to hear well when other people are talking, and they may have trouble following instructions or performing tasks. These issues can lead to frustration and misunderstandings with family, friends and romantic partners and coworkers.
Many women with ADHD suffer from sensitivity to rejection. This is an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection. When combined with low self-esteem and a lack of social relationships This can make it difficult for women to cope with her ADHD symptoms.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can flare up at different times during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal fluctuations may cause mood swings and irritation and may cause problems with concentration.
Exercise, diet and sleep habits can help women and girls suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Regular physical activity releases neurotransmitters, which improve attention and concentration. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common among women with ADHD. Sleeping enough and taking breaks can also help ADHD symptoms. Utilizing tools such as planners, checklists and post-it notes to keep track of tasks can be helpful for many people suffering from ADHD. In some cases healthcare professionals can prescribe medication to treat symptoms.
2. Inattention
Even when the symptoms are severe women and girls suffering from inattention ADHD aren't diagnosed. They aren't able to keep up with classes and their homes are messy and they have trouble with relationships and their work performance. They might attempt to cope by hiding their symptoms or by convincing themselves that they're not affected them.
Gender bias can also be a factor in misdiagnosis or omissions. For instance, when a boy displays hyperactive or impulsive symptoms and signs, they are more likely to be referred for diagnosis and treatment. Girls who show inattentive behavior can be dismissed as dreamy, ditzy, or space-related.
Attention deficit can manifest in a variety of ways. You might miss appointments, fail to keep promises or find it difficult to stay focused during meetings or classroom lectures. You are having a difficult time waiting to be in the right place when speaking with others and are unable to stop interrupting. You have a poor memory and frequently lose things or forget where they are. You have difficulty following simple instructions, and you tend to avoid tasks requiring concentration like homework or chores.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD can also become more severe due to hormonal changes, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms (the menopausal transition). This can make it more difficult to focus at work or at home, and can make it more difficult to keep friendships intact or reach goals in your life.
Exercise can help you control your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals, such as dopamine, which can improve your mood and focus. Regular exercise can also help you burn off extra energy and reduce anxiety or depression symptoms- which are common among women suffering from ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Women and adolescents with ADHD tend to experience more anxiety and mood issues than hyperactivity or impulsivity. Girls are often hesitant to admit they struggle due to gender roles. They often cover up ADHD symptoms by avoiding other behavior. This can lead girls and women to be misdiagnosed and not declare 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 stress and danger. It can be overwhelming and debilitating but it is a good thing. It keeps you alert to danger and helps you respond quickly if something is not right. However, anxiety can trigger a range of physical symptoms, like jitteriness and sweating. symptoms of adhd in adults can also trigger an increase in heart rate or palpitations. People who suffer from frequent or severe anxiety may be diagnosed with anxiety disorders. An anxiety disorder may include panic disorder (where you have recurring panic attacks that are not planned), fears (where you are intensely scared of certain objects or events) and obsessive compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thought and repetitive behavior), and separation anxiety disorder.
Many women with ADHD struggle with a concept called "time blindness." They may miss important dates or appointments, show up at the wrong location at the incorrect time, or be so absorbed in their tasks that they are unable to participate in social interactions. This can make them appear distant, unfocused, or inconsiderate to other people. Good sleeping habits can aid in avoiding time blindness. So try to maintain your bedtime routine and do something relaxing like reading, listening music or meditating prior to when you go to sleep.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD struggle with staying organized. They might have a difficult to keep track of their schedules, appointments, and personal belongings. Their home, office and car may be cluttered, and their handbags may be full of receipts, 17 chapsticks, or a ticket for the Kings of Leon concert of 2008. Their lack of organization and forgetfulness can make it challenging for them to build and maintain personal and professional relationships.
Women can also have difficulty communicating what they mean in social situations. They can be impulsive and impatient which causes them to interrupt others or blurt things out before considering the consequences. These struggles to filter their thoughts could lead to hurt feelings and misunderstandings.
The symptoms of ADHD are able to change daily due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance estrogen levels are at their lowest at the time of ovulation, and during menstrual cycle, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These symptoms may be the reason that many women with ADHD are misdiagnosed.
There is a bias against diagnosing females with ADHD, in addition to the differences in the biology between men and women in terms of brain 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 with medication and other treatment methods. With the right help they can be successful at school, work and in their private lives. Medical treatment can give them a huge boost in concentration and help them better handle daily challenges, while behavioral therapy and specific smartphone apps can be additional tools to help them stay on top of their game.
5. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be unable to control their impulses. It's because the part of the brain that makes decisions, and weighs the consequences, isn't functioning similarly. This results in a tendency to make decisions or act without considering the potential result, which could have negative effects. For instance, an impulsive behaviour could cause financial problems or cause damage to relationships. It can also lead to dangerous behaviors like sexual.
Someone suffering from ADHD may develop a variety of coping strategies to help them deal with their issues with controlling impulses. This could include self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, or using food as a way to soothe themselves. Having a poor diet or sleeping less than you have to can also cause trouble.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty to acknowledge that they have a problem with their behavior. They might find it difficult to explain their symptoms to their teachers or parents, so they try to cover up their problems. This makes it difficult for people to understand their problems and delay a diagnosis.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often present with different symptoms than males or females. They may be more numb and have a higher rate of co-existing anxiety or mood disorders, like depression. These factors contribute to the fact that women and girls with ADHD are more likely to be misdiagnosed than boys or men with ADHD.
Although awareness of ADHD has improved, it's still a disorder that affects millions of people. It's more prevalent in the early years of adulthood and adolescence when people are juggling school and work. It is crucial for teachers and parents to be aware that a girl or woman they know has ADHD so that they can receive the assistance she requires.