Naomi Gentle asked 2 เดือน ago
ADHD is often misdiagnosed among girls because it is different than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These individuals also tend to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse that mask ADHD symptoms and hinders the accurate diagnosis. The co-occurring conditions, like anxiety and depression what are adhd symptoms in adults also common among these individuals.
Attention!
Women with inattentive ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. They might miss appointments or leave their home unattended. They struggle to organize personal finances, record-keeping and household chores. They are also more likely to forget names and dates, and have memory problems. They also have difficulty being still for long durations of time and have trouble staying focused or following directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more commonly found in males and females, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is equally prevalent for women and girls. As high as 80% of ADHD sufferers are classified as inattentive. To qualify for a diagnosis, you must have at least five ongoing inattention-related symptoms that last longer than six months.
Inattention ADHD symptoms are often difficult for people to identify because they don’t see them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how a girl should act. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
Women’s ADHD symptoms can also change over time due to hormonal changes. Women’s symptoms may worsen when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopausal symptoms.
These issues can have a negative impact on the self-esteem of women and their satisfaction with her life. They can trigger feelings of shame and low self-worth because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual activities which increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and other health issues. They may also experience rejection sensitivity because they have difficulty accepting real or perceived negative responses from other people. This is why they might avoid social situations and avoid social situations.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many instances the two are the first signs of adhd and asd symptoms in girls and women. They might procrastinate more than usual, lose items or have difficulty concentrating. They can also become overwhelmed by the busy environment. They may also have difficulty getting sleep or relaxing and could be more prone to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can cause problems at school, home and in relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men however, girls and women may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Health professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male ones. This could result in an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
In addition, with a tendency to conceal their problems It could mean that adults with ADHD have a more severe impact of the condition than generally reported. For instance, they may not report having difficulty focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make decisions when they go to the grocery store or find it difficult to sleep or relax.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the underlying issue, they might develop unhealthy ways to cope. This may include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This can make the problem worse over time, and hinder the woman from getting assistance that could improve her life in a significant way.
It is also possible because ADHD-linked behaviors are more acceptable in the social context of males and females and women, they are repressed or hidden by girls and women who are worried about being ostracized. For instance, girls with ADHD might exhibit excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being criticized because they aren’t in line with the norms of school or in the community.
These issues can lead to an environment of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends, and teachers to notice these struggles in girls and women, as they can be a sign of a disorder that is not recognized and must be treated by a combination of therapy and medication.
Emotional Problems
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have a harder time than men to control their emotions. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can exacerbate symptoms like irritability and feeling of being inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional problems could be detrimental to career and relationships.
ADHD can be a challenge for children and parents alike but it can be especially difficult for women. Women often feel embarrassed or ashamed about their ADHD, and this can hinder them from seeking assistance. They may try to mask their symptoms by developing strategies for coping, such as excessive alcohol or substance abuse, which could cause the problem to get worse. Masking can also make it more difficult for employers and teachers to recognize ADHD symptoms in women, and it can contribute to a delay in diagnosing.
It is easier for women with ADHD to hide her symptoms in her adolescence and youth than when she becomes an adult. The pressures of life, coupled with societal expectations to excel at work and in relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling like failures and low self-esteem. They can also cause chronic distress. A diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for some women. It can help them understand the root of their struggles and allow them to accept themselves better.
Many women with ADHD struggle to receive help at work or at school. They may feel embarrassed about telling a supervisor or professor, and they may worry that the accommodation they need will be considered an indication of weakness or incompetence. Most supervisors and teachers are willing to make minor adjustments to help those with ADHD succeed in their work.
In addition to locating female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can benefit from joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups offer an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the particular issues of having ADHD as a woman.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As girls and women get older, they may develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms which makes it more difficult for others to see. A girl may dress and act as her peers in order to avoid being bullied or criticized by other people. She could try to compensate for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work or using productivity apps to accomplish her tasks. These and other strategies for coping can mask the presence ADHD in a female and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.
Most often, girls and women who have ADHD are diagnosed with other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, prior to the time they receive an official diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions could conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They may cause complications in treatment.
Girls and females with ADHD also have a greater chance of having low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by mood disorders that coexist. This is more so than men or boys. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which can increase their anger.
Additionally there are women who have issues in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to miss birthdays or misunderstand minor details which can cause conflict and miscommunication. Additionally, they might struggle to manage household chores financial obligations, personal finances, and other everyday responsibilities. These issues can make them feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can create an internal chaos of untruthful beliefs about their capabilities and worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias also influences the frequency of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in a class to read vignettes that described children with ADHD symptoms and to rate how likely they would be to recommend or find services for the child described. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
ADHD like other disorders is a condition that can be severe and worsen at different times. For example, symptoms may be more apparent during a woman’s menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, or menopausal phase. These changes can lead to problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of disappointment and despair.
