ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls because it is different than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and substance abuse that cover up their ADHD symptoms and delays the diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression.
Attention!
Women who are not attentive ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They may miss appointments or leave their home unattended. They struggle to keep the track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. It's also normal for women with this condition to have issues with memory and forgetfulness, which makes it difficult to remember names or dates. They also have a difficult time sitting still for long periods of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following instructions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more often associated with males and boys however, the subtype of inattention ADHD is just as common in girls and women. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that persist for a period of more than six months to be able to receive a diagnosis.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be harder for people to identify because they don't perceive them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. This is why teachers and parents are less likely to recommend ADHD evaluations for girls than they are for boys.
In addition, the manner that ADHD affects a woman can vary during different times of her life due to hormonal changes. Women's symptoms may worsen during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause.
These signs can have a major impact on a woman's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. These issues can lead to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem and make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home chores. Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also be suffering from depression and anxiety. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual activities that can increase the chance of having a baby sexually transmitted infections, as well as other health problems. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, whether it's real or not. They may avoid social interactions or even isolate themselves due to this.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first indications of ADHD for women and girls. They might be more procrastinative than usual, lose items or have trouble focusing. They can also become overwhelmed by busy environments. They may also have trouble sleeping or relaxing and may be more prone to mood fluctuations and anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause problems in the classroom, at home, and in their relationships.
Because symptoms of ADHD are more common in males and females women and girls can be overlooked for a diagnosis. Health professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do male students. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to hide their issues, can make it clear that people with ADHD have a more significant impact than is usually reported. For instance, they might not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might have trouble making choices at the store or have trouble to sleep or relax.
This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they may adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This could include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time, and hinder the woman from getting assistance that could improve her life dramatically.
It is also possible because ADHD-linked behaviors are more acceptable in the social context of boys and men, they may be suppressed or concealed by girls and women who are worried about being rejected. For example, girls with ADHD might display excessive and impulsive behavior to avoid being shamed because they aren't in line with the norms of school or community.
Ultimately, these factors can create a vicious cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. Families, friends, and educators must be aware of these issues and be aware that they could be a sign of an undiagnosed disorder. The disorder is treatable with medication and therapy.
Emotional Problems
Women who suffer from ADHD have a harder time managing their emotions than men. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate as a result of hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, which can increase symptoms such as irritability and feelings of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotional issues could have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
ADHD can be a problem for children and parents alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women often feel shamed or embarrassed by their ADHD and this may make it difficult for them to seek help. Some women may try to cover up their symptoms by using coping strategies like excessive alcohol or drug abuse however this could make the situation more difficult. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers and women themselves, to detect ADHD symptoms. It may delay the diagnosis.
It's much easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal the signs of ADHD in her teens add and adhd symptoms early adolescence than as an adult. Stress from daily life and pressures from society to be successful in relationships and work can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These challenges can result in women with ADHD feeling like failures and low self-esteem. They can also cause constant stress. A diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for some women. It can aid them in understanding the root of their difficulties and help them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women with ADHD are unable to find support at work or school. They may feel embarrassed about confiding in a professor or supervisor and may be concerned that the support they require could be perceived as an act of weakness or incompetence. However, the majority of instructors and supervisors are willing to make small adjustments to enable those with ADHD to excel in their job.
Women with ADHD who are seeking supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups provide a an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.
Co-occurring Conditions
As women and girls mature and develop, they may come up with coping strategies that can mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to recognize. For example the girl may attempt to dress and act more like her peers to avoid attention from bullying or social rejection. In addition, she might try to redress her impulsive and chaotic behavior by putting more effort into school or at work, or using productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other coping strategies could conceal the presence of ADHD in women and can delay the diagnosis until she is an adult.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before receiving an official diagnosis. These other conditions could obscure the symptoms and presence of adhd burnout symptoms. They can also complicate treatment.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of feeling low about themselves and are more likely to be affected by coexisting mood disorders than males or boys. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as overly emotional or temperamental, which increases their feelings of discontent.
ADHD symptoms can also cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely than men to overlook birthdays and miss minor details. This can cause miscommunication and conflict. They also may struggle to keep up with household chores, personal finances and other daily responsibilities. These challenges can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can lead to a dysfunctional internal landscape of their beliefs about their worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias affects the rate of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in a classroom to read vignettes that described children who had adhd and odd symptoms symptoms and to rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or seek services for the child portrayed. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services for boys than for girls.
ADHD, like other conditions is a condition that can be severe and deteriorate at various times. For example, symptoms may be more prominent during a woman’s menstrual period or during pregnancy or menopausal phase. These changes can lead to issues with social functioning, relationships and academic performance, as well as result in feelings of anger and disappointment.
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls because it is different than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
Attention!
