They also develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, that mask their ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. These people are also more susceptible to co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression.
Attention!
Women who are not attentive ADHD often find it hard to keep up with their studies, work and daily routines. They might miss appointments or leave things unattended around the home. They struggle to organize personal finances, record-keeping and household chores. These women are also more likely to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory issues. They also have trouble staying still for long periods and are unable to focus or follow instructions.
While impulse control and hyperactivity are more common for males and boys, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also prevalent in girls and women. In fact, it's estimated that up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are not attentive. You must have five inattentive symptoms that persist for longer than six months to qualify for a diagnoses.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD are often harder to spot than other types of ADHD because many people don't consider them as a part of an issue or have different expectations for what a girl's behavior should be. Parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
Additionally, the way that ADHD affects a woman can vary during different times of her life due to hormonal changes. Women's symptoms can become more severe when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopause.
These signs can affect the self-esteem of women and their life satisfaction. These issues can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame and make it hard to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD can also suffer from anxiety and depression. They also are at risk of engaging in sexual behaviors that can increase the likelihood of having children, sexually transmitted infections and other health issues. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or perceived. This is why they may avoid social situations and become more isolated.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They might be more procrastinative, misplace things or have difficulty concentrating. They may also be overwhelmed by the busy environment. They may also have trouble sleeping or relaxing and are more prone to mood swings and anxiety. Symptoms like these can cause problems at school, at home and in their relationships.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men, women and girls may be overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Teachers and health professionals typically do not recommend ADHD assessments for female students or colleagues as often as they do for males. This can result in an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment.
This, in conjunction with the tendency to conceal their struggles can make it clear that people with adhd symptoms in 11 year olds have a more significant impact than is typically reported. For instance, they might not report having difficulty focusing at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make decisions at the grocery shop or struggle to relax or sleep.
This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they could develop unhealthy ways to cope. This could include substance abuse and poor eating habits. This could make the problem worse over time, and may prevent the woman getting the help she requires.
It is also possible ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable in the social context of males and girls, they may be suppressed or hid by women and girls who are worried about being rejected. For example, a girl with ADHD might display excessive and impulsive behavior in order to avoid being judged for not conforming to the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
These causes can create an environment of confusion and frustration for women suffering from ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators must be aware of these issues, as they may be signs of a disorder that has not been diagnosed. This condition can be treated with medication and therapy.
Emotional Difficulties
Women with ADHD tend to find it more difficult than men to control their emotions. Their moods are more likely to fluctuate throughout the day due to hormonal changes. This can cause symptoms like irritability or a feeling of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more prone to depression and anxiety. These emotional difficulties can have a serious impact on relationships and career opportunities.
ADHD can be a problem for both children and parents however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can be shy about ADHD and may not seek help because of this. They may also try to mask their symptoms by implementing strategies to cope, such as excessive alcohol or drug use, which can cause the problem to get worse. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers, as well as women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It may delay diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able to effectively hide her symptoms in the adolescent years and in her youth, but it's more challenging when she's an adult. Stress from daily life and societal pressures to excel in relationships and work can cause more ADHD symptoms. These challenges can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling a sense of failure, low self-esteem and chronic distress. The diagnosis of ADHD could be a life-changing moment for some women. It can help them understand the cause of their issues and allow them to be more accepting of themselves.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty finding support at school or at work. They may feel embarrassed about telling a supervisor or professor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the accommodation they need could be perceived as an indication of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make small modifications to help individuals with ADHD succeed in their jobs.
In addition to finding female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can also benefit from joining online support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups give members the an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
Co-Occurring Conditions
As girls and women mature they can develop strategies to deal with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for others to detect. Girls may dress and behave like her peers in order to avoid being criticized or bullied by others. She may compensate for her impulsive, disorganized behavior by working harder at school or at work, or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other coping mechanisms can mask the presence of ADHD in women and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
Often, women and girls who have ADHD are often diagnosed with other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, prior to the time they receive a diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can obscure the presence of ADHD, as well as make it difficult to treat and recover.
Girls and women with ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem and other mood disorders. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being impulsive or overly emotional, which increases their anger.
Additionally many women experience difficulties in their relationships because of ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to miss birthdays and to make mistakes with small details. This can lead to miscommunication and conflict. They may also struggle to keep up with housework, personal finances and other responsibilities of daily life. These challenges can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can create an unhealthy internal landscape of their beliefs about their worth.
Gender bias in clinical settings also influences the rate at which girls and women are being referred to an ADHD evaluation. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in a classroom to read vignettes about children who had ADHD symptoms, and rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or find services for the child described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
ADHD as with other conditions that are similar to other conditions, can be different in severity and worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms can be more evident during a woman's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or the menopause. These changes can lead to difficulties with relationships, social functioning and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of failure and frustration.