13 Things About Female Symptoms Of ADHD You May Not Have Known
Female Symptoms of ADHD
Teens and women with ADHD tend to show inattentive signs, not the hyperactivity and impulsivity which are more common in boys and men. This makes them more easily missed and not properly diagnosed.
Stereotypes about gender can contribute to this, as caregivers may assume that girls who are quiet or dreamy are just "being girls." Additionally, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle and during perimenopausal cycles can trigger ADHD symptoms to flare up.
1. Hyperactivity
When it comes to ADHD the first impression most people think of is the hyperactive boy bouncing off the walls of class. While this is a type of ADHD females and girls also experience the disorder in this type. ADHD symptoms for women and girls are often harder to detect than boys. This can lead to the disorder being misdiagnosed or going untreated.
Women who suffer from ADHD are prone to impulsive behavior that makes it difficult to stop and think before they act. They might not be attentive when other people are talking and they may have difficulty adhering to instructions or completing tasks. These issues can lead to frustration and miscommunications in relationships with family members, romantic partners, friends, and coworkers.
click through the next article with ADHD experience rejection sensitivity, which is an intense emotional response to real or perceived rejection. This can make it difficult for women who suffers from ADHD to cope, especially when she is self-conscious or has difficulty forming relationships with peers.
ADHD symptoms in women can appear at different times, including during menstruation, pregnancy and menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations can cause mood swings and irritation and may cause problems with concentration.
Exercise, diet and sleeping habits can help women and girls suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that improve attention and focus. It can also help ease stress and anxiety which are common among women suffering from ADHD. Getting enough sleep and taking breaks from your activities can also help with ADHD symptoms. Many people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from using tools like checklists, planners, and post-it notes to keep track of their activities. In certain cases medical professionals may prescribe medication to manage symptoms.
2. Inattention
Girls and women with inattention ADHD often don't get diagnosed until symptoms are severe. They struggle to keep up at school, their homes may be messy, and they experience trouble with relationships and work performance. They may attempt to compensate for their issues by denying them or pretending that they are not affected.
Gender bias is also a factor that plays in the absence or inaccurate diagnosis. For instance, if boys exhibit hyperactive or impulsive symptoms and signs, they are more likely to be diagnosed and treated. Girls who display inattention can be dismissed as dreamy, ditzy, or space cases.
The symptoms of inattention that are associated with adhd can manifest in a variety of ways: You don't remember appointments, don't follow through on promises and are unable to stay focused in class or meetings. You can't wait your turn and constantly interrupt others when you're talking. You have a weak memory and are often lost items or forget where they are. You struggle to follow simple instructions and tend to avoid tasks that require concentration such as chores or homework.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can also get worse when hormonal changes take place, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or perimenopause. It can be difficult to pay attention to at home or at work and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or meet your goals in life.
Regular exercise can help control your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals, including dopamine, which can help boost your concentration and mood. Plus, regular exercise helps to burn off excess energy and can ease anxiety or depression -- symptoms that are common in women with ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Adolescent and female girls with ADHD typically experience more mood and anxiety-related symptoms than hyperactivity and impulsivity. Gender role expectations make it harder for girls to acknowledge that they're struggling, which is why they tend to camouflage ADHD symptoms with 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 a good thing. It keeps you aware of danger and helps you respond quickly if something is amiss. Unfortunately, anxiety can trigger a range of physical symptoms, like sweating and jitteriness. It can also trigger rapid heartbeats, or palpitations. People who suffer from frequent or severe anxiety may be diagnosed with anxiety disorders. This is a type of panic disorder in which you are prone to frequent, unexpected panic attacks; phobias which involve an intense fear of certain objects or situations; obsessive-compulsive disorder in which irrational thoughts and repetitive behaviors control your life and separation anxiety disorder, where you fear being away from home or family.
Women with ADHD often have issues with "time blindness". They may forget important dates or appointments, arrive at the incorrect time or location or be so distracted by their work that they fail to notice social interactions. This can make them appear unfocused, aloof or uncaring to others. Good sleeping habits can help keep you from becoming time blind so make sure you stick to a regular time for bed and do something that is relaxing before you go to sleep, such as reading, listening to music or even meditating.
4. Disorganization
Women with ADHD frequently have difficulty staying organized. They might have a difficult managing their schedules, appointments, and possessions. Their home, office, and car could be overflowing with clutter and their purses could be full of receipts, 17 chapsticks, or tickets to the Kings of Leon concert of 2008. Their inability to remember and lack of organization can make it challenging for them to establish and maintain personal and professional relationships.
Women can also struggle to express themselves in social situations. They can be impatient and impulsive which causes them to interrupt others or blurt things out without thinking about the consequences. These struggles with filtering their thoughts can result in miscommunications and hurt feelings.
Symptoms of ADHD in women can differ between days because of hormonal fluctuation. Estrogen levels are lowest during ovulation and during menstrual cycle which can cause ADHD. These symptoms could be why many women with ADHD are not diagnosed and treated.
In addition to the differences in brain structure and chemicals that are associated with ADHD in males and females, there is also a tendency to not diagnose women with the condition. 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 with ADHD can manage their symptoms with medication and other treatment methods. They can be successful in school, work and in their private lives with the right support. Medical treatment can aid in improving concentration and help with everyday problems. Behavioral therapy and specialized apps for smartphones can also prove beneficial.
5. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently have issues with control of 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 the tendency of people to act or say things without thinking about the consequences, which can have negative effects. Impulsive behavior can result in relationships that are damaged. It can also lead dangerous behaviors like sexual.
A person with ADHD may develop a variety of coping strategies to help them overcome their inability to control impulses. These might include self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, or using food as a way to soothe themselves. A poor diet or sleeping less than you ought to can also cause trouble.
Girls and women with ADHD may also be unable to acknowledge that they are struggling with their behavior. They might struggle to explain their symptoms to their teachers or parents and so they attempt to cover up their problems. This can make it difficult for people to spot their issues and can delay the diagnosis.
Females and females with ADHD typically have different symptoms than males or females. They might be less attentive and suffer from anxiety or mood disorders such as depression. These factors can be the reason for girls and women with ADHD being misdiagnosed more often than boys or men.
ADHD is a condition that affects many millions of people, despite the increasing awareness. It's particularly prevalent during adolescence and the early years of adulthood, when lots of people are trying to meet the demands of their jobs or schools. Parents and educators should be aware that their daughter or granddaughter may be suffering from ADHD to ensure that they get her the help she requires.