10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Female Symptoms Of ADHD
Female Symptoms of ADHD
Adolescent and female girls with ADHD typically exhibit inattentional symptoms, in contrast to the hyperactivity and impulsivity more often seen in boys and men. This makes them more vulnerable to being misdiagnosed and overlooked.
Gender stereotypes play a role as well, since caregivers may think that quiet girls or girls who appear to be shy and dreamy are simply "being girls." ADHD symptoms can also be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle as well as perimenopausal.
1. Hyperactivity
When it is ADHD the first image many people have is of a hyperactive boy bouncing off the walls in class. While this is one type of ADHD however, girls and women also suffer from the disorder in this form. ADHD symptoms in women and girls can be harder to spot than in boys, so the condition is often misdiagnosed or left untreated.
Women suffering from ADHD are prone to unpredictable behavior that makes it difficult for them to think and stop before they act. They may not be able to hear well when other people are speaking, and could be unable to follow instructions or performing tasks. These issues can lead to frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with family members, romantic partners, friends and coworkers.
Many women with ADHD have sensitivity to rejection which is a strong emotional response to actual or perceived rejection. In combination with low self-esteem, and difficulty in peer relationships, this can make it hard for a woman to deal with her ADHD symptoms.
The symptoms of ADHD in women may flare up at different times during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger mood swings and irritability, as well as difficulty in concentrating.
Some women and girls who have nhs adhd symptoms are able to manage their symptoms through diet, exercise and sleep habits. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters, which improve attention and concentration. It also helps ease stress and anxiety which are common among women suffering from ADHD. A good night's sleep and frequent breaks can also help ADHD symptoms. Utilizing tools such as planners, checklists, and post-it notes to track tasks can be beneficial to many people with ADHD. In some cases healthcare professionals can prescribe medication to treat symptoms.
2. Attention
Girls and women who have inattentive ADHD are often not diagnosed, even when symptoms are severe. They aren't able to keep up with the classroom, their homes are messy, and they have trouble with relationships and their work performance. They might try to make up for it by hiding their symptoms or by convincing themselves that they're not affected by these issues.
Gender bias can be a factor in misdiagnosis or omissions. If a boy displays an impulsive or hyperactive behavior they are more likely to be referred to diagnosis and therapy. In contrast girls who exhibit inattention symptoms are often dismissed as space cases, dreamy or silly.
The inattention symptom of adhd can manifest in a variety of ways: You don't remember appointments, don't adhere to promises, and are unable to stay focused during class lectures or meetings. You can't wait your turn and keep interrupting others when you're talking. Your memory is shaky and you often lose things or forget where you put them. You are unable to follow simple instructions and tend to avoid tasks that require concentration, such as homework or chores.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can also worsen when hormonal changes occur such as during menstrual cycle, pregnancy or perimenopause. This makes it harder to focus at work or at home, and can make it more difficult to keep friends or reach goals in life.
Getting plenty of exercise can help you manage your symptoms adhd in adults. It releases brain chemicals such as dopamine, which can improve your mood and focus. Plus, regular exercise helps you shed excess energy and can ease depression or anxiety -- symptoms that are common in 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 often cover up ADHD symptoms by hiding other behavior. This can 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 danger and stress. It can be overwhelming and painful, but it's actually an excellent thing because it helps you stay alert to possible dangers and helps you react quickly when something goes amiss. Unfortunately, anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including jitteriness, sweating, and an increased heart rate (palpitations). An anxiety disorder is diagnosed in those who suffer from frequent, severe, or even disabling anxiety. This includes panic disorder, in which you are prone to frequent, unexpected anxiety attacks; phobias that are characterized by a fear of particular objects or situations; obsessive-compulsive disorder, where irrational thoughts and repetitive behaviors dominate your life; and separation anxiety disorder, in which you are afraid of being away from home or your family.
Many women with ADHD struggle with a concept called "time blindness." They may forget important dates or appointments, arrive at the wrong location at the incorrect time, or be too distracted by their work that they miss social interactions. This can make them appear uncaring, uninterested or unfocused to others. A good night's sleep can 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 prior to when you go to bed.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from adhd adult female symptoms have a difficult time staying organized. They may find it difficult to keep track of their schedules, appointments and possessions. Their home, office, and car may be cluttered, and their handbags may be full of receipts, 17 chapsticks or a ticket to the Kings of Leon concert of 2008. Their disorganization and forgetfulness can make it difficult for them to maintain and develop relationships at work as well as in their private lives.
Women can also find it difficult to express their opinions in social situations. They can be impatient and impulsive, causing them to interrupt others or blurt things out without considering the consequences. Their struggles to filter 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 lower during ovulation and menstrual cycle, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These symptom changes may be why many women with ADHD aren't diagnosed and treated.
There is a stigma against diagnosing females with ADHD as well as the biological differences between males and women in terms of the brain's 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.
When women have a clear diagnosis of ADHD they can learn to manage their symptoms by using medication and other strategies for treatment. They can be successful in school, work as well as in their personal lives with the right support. Medication can provide a significant boost in concentration and help them cope with daily challenges, while specialized smartphone apps can be additional tools to help them stay at the top of their game.
5. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to struggle with controlling their impulses. This is because the brain part that makes decisions and thinks about the consequences isn't working as well. This can result in a tendency for people to act or say things without thinking about the consequences, which could have negative effects. Impulsive behavior can result in financial difficulties or relationships that are damaged. It could also lead to dangerous behaviors like sexual.
A person with ADHD might develop a variety of coping strategies to help them manage their difficulty with impulse control. They could resort to self-medicating using alcohol or other drugs or eating food as a method to relax. A poor diet or sleeping less than you have to could also lead to trouble.
Girls and women with ADHD may struggle to recognize the signs of a problem with their behavior. They may struggle to communicate their problems to their parents or teachers and so they attempt to cover up their problems. This can make it difficult for people to identify their symptoms and delay diagnosis.
Girls and women with ADHD typically have different symptoms than men or boys. They might be less attentive and suffer from anxiety or mood disorders like depression. These factors can be the reason for women and girls with ADHD are misdiagnosed more frequently than males or females.
ADHD is still a disorder that affects millions of people, despite the increased awareness. It's especially common in adolescence and the early years of adulthood, when lots of people are trying to meet the demands of their careers or school. Parents and teachers must be aware that their daughter or granddaughter may have ADHD to ensure that they get her the help she requires.