10 Apps That Can Help You Control Your Female ADHD Symptoms
Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in girls since it manifests differently than boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of classic adhd symptoms of adhd in an adult (other) or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also tend to develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse that cover up their ADHD symptoms and delay the accurate diagnosis. They are also susceptible to co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression.
Attention
Women with inattentive ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork or jobs. 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. They are also more likely to forget names and dates, and also suffer from memory issues. They also have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time and have trouble staying focused or following directions.
While the impulse control and hyperactivity are more prevalent in boys and men, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also common in women and girls. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80% of all adhd symptoms ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. You must show five symptoms of inattention that last for a period of more than six months to be eligible for a diagnosis.
The inattention-related symptoms of ADHD can be difficult to identify than other forms of ADHD because many people don't see them as a part of a disorder or have different expectations of what a girl should be doing. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than for boys.
In addition, the manner that ADHD affects women can vary during different times of her life because of hormonal fluctuations. Women's symptoms can become more severe during pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal symptoms.
These signs can have a profound effect on women's self-esteem and satisfaction with life. They can trigger feelings of guilt and self-worth devaluation due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women with untreated ADHD can also suffer from depression and anxiety. They may also engage in sexual behaviors which increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it is real or perceived. They may avoid social interactions or avoid social situations because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Impulsivity and hyperactivity can be the first indications of ADHD for girls and women. They might procrastinate more, misplace things or have difficulty concentrating. They may also be overwhelmed by busy environments. They may also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing and are more susceptible to mood fluctuations and anxiety. These signs can cause issues at home, school and in relationships.
Women and girls are often left out of the diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common between males and females. Teachers and healthcare providers don't recommend ADHD evaluations as often for female students as they do male students. This could result in an incorrect assessment and a delay in response to treatment.
Along with the tendency to conceal their problems, this can mean that adults with ADHD suffer more of the condition than generally reported. They might not mention that they are having trouble concentrating at work or feel overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making decisions at the supermarket or have trouble finding the time to sleep or relax.
This could have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies that could include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This can make the problem worse over time and keep the woman from getting help that could change her life dramatically.
Since ADHD-related behavior is more accepted by males and females in social settings It is possible that women and girls may suppress or hide their ADHD-related behaviors out of fear of being disregarded. For example, girls with ADHD may exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behaviors to avoid being shamed because they don't fit in with the norms at school or community.
These issues can lead to an environment of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. It is crucial for family members, friends, and teachers to recognize these struggles in girls and women, since they may be a sign of a disorder that has not been diagnosed and must be treated through therapy and medication management.
Emotional Problems
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their emotions than males. The mood of women with ADHD is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can lead to more severe symptoms like irritability or a feeling of being inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional difficulties may have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
ADHD can be a problem for children and parents alike but it can be especially difficult for women. Women can be embarrassed about ADHD and might not seek help because of this. Women may attempt to mask symptoms with strategies to cope, such as excessive drinking or substance abuse however this could cause more harm. Masking can make it difficult for employers and teachers as well as women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It can also delay the diagnosis.
It's much easier for a woman who suffers from ADHD to hide the signs of ADHD in her teens and early adolescence than when she becomes an adult. The stress of everyday life, combined with societal expectations to excel at work and in relationships, can increase ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women with ADHD feeling like they are a victim of failure, low self-esteem and chronic distress. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a life-changing moment for some women. It can help them understand the cause of their struggles and allow them to accept themselves better.
Many women suffering from rsd adhd symptoms find it difficult to get support at work or school. They may be embarrassed confiding in a professor or supervisor or teacher about their condition, and they might worry that the accommodations they require will be perceived as an indication of weakness or incompetence. However, the majority of instructors and supervisors will make small accommodations to allow people with ADHD to excel in their roles.
In addition to having female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can benefit by joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups give members the opportunities to share experiences and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.
Co-Occurring conditions
As girls and women get older, they may develop coping strategies that cover their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to see. For example the girl may try to dress and act more like her peers to avoid attention from bullying or social rejection. She could also take advantage of impulsive and unorganized behavior by putting in more effort at school or work or using productivity apps to get tasks accomplished. These and other coping strategies can mask the presence of ADHD in a woman and delay her diagnosis as an adult.
A lot of the time, girls and women who have ADHD are often diagnosed with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, before they receive an official diagnosis of the disorder. These other conditions can mask the presence of ADHD, as well as complicate treatment and recovery.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be afflicted by low self-esteem, and coexisting mood disorders. They may be misunderstood or dismissed as being impulsive or overly emotional, which adds to their angst.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely than men to miss birthdays and make mistakes with minor details. This can lead to miscommunication and conflict. They may also struggle to manage household chores, personal finances and daily responsibilities. These challenges can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed which can lead to an internal landscape of dysfunctional beliefs about their capabilities and worth.
In clinical settings, gender bias also affects the number of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in the classroom to read vignettes describing children suffering from ADHD symptoms, and then rate how likely they would be to recommend or seek out services for the child described. The participants were more likely than girls to recommend services.
As with other types of disorders, ADHD can vary in severity for each patient and can worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms can be more apparent during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy or menopausal phase. These changes can cause problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance. They can also lead to feelings of disappointment and despair.