Hazel Hanslow
Blog entry by Hazel Hanslow
Female Symptoms of ADHD
Women and adolescents who suffer from ADHD tend to show inattentive symptoms, as opposed to the hyperactivity and impulsivity which are more common in both men and boys. This makes them more vulnerable to being overlooked and misdiagnosed.
Stereotypes of gender can be a factor caregivers might assume that girls who are quiet or dreamy are just "being girls." Also, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and perimenopause can cause ADHD symptoms to flare up.
1. Hyperactivity
Many people think of ADHD when they see a child who bounces off the walls at school. Although this is one form of ADHD females and girls are also affected by the disorder in this form. ADHD symptoms for women and young girls are often harder to identify than in boys, so the condition is often misdiagnosed or untreated.
Women who suffer from ADHD are prone to impulsive behavior which makes it difficult to think and stop before deciding to act. They may not listen well when other people are talking and they may have difficulty following directions or completing tasks. These difficulties can lead them to frustration and misunderstandings with family friends, romantic partners and friends, as well as coworkers.
Many women with ADHD have sensitivity to rejection which is a heightened emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection. Combined with low self-esteem and a lack of friendships with peers, this can make it hard for a woman to cope with her ADHD symptoms.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can show up at different periods during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. These hormonal fluctuations can trigger irritability and mood swings, as well as difficulty in concentrating.
Exercise, diet and sleeping habits can help women and girls suffering from ADHD control their symptoms. Regular physical activity releases neurotransmitters, which boost concentration and focus. It can also help to reduce anxiety and stress that are common among women with ADHD. Being able to sleep enough and taking breaks can also help ADHD symptoms. Many people who suffer from ADHD can benefit from using tools such as checklists planners, planners, and a post-it notes to track their activities. In some cases the health professional may prescribe medication to manage symptoms.
2. Attention
Even when symptoms are severe, women and girls with inattention ADHD aren't diagnosed. They are often struggling to stay on top at school, their homes can be messy, and they face issues with relationships and performance. They may try to compensate for their symptoms by hiding them or pretending that they are not affected.
Gender bias can be a factor in missed or misdiagnoses. When a boy exhibits hyperactive or impulsive behaviors, he's more likely to be referred for diagnosis and therapy. On the other hand, girls who display inattentive symptoms can be written off as space cases, dreamy or silly.
The inattention symptom of adhd can manifest in many ways: You don't remember appointments, symptoms Of adhd in Adults quiz don't keep promises and have trouble staying focused in meetings or classroom lectures. You have trouble waiting your turn when talking with others and are unable to stop interrupting. You have a weak memory and frequently lose things or forget their location. You are unable to follow simple instructions and tend to avoid tasks that require concentration, such as chores or homework.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can also become more severe due to hormonal changes like menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopausal perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal). It can be difficult to concentrate on at home or at work and can make it difficult to maintain relationships or reach the goals of life.
Regular exercise can help manage your symptoms. It releases brain chemicals like dopamine, which can improve your mood and concentration. Regular exercise can help you burn off extra energy, and ease anxiety or depression symptoms- which are common among women with ADHD.
3. Anxiety
Women and adolescents with ADHD tend to experience more anxiety-related symptoms of main adhd symptoms in adults quiz (find out here now) and mood disorders than impulsivity or hyperactivity. Female gender roles make it difficult for girls to acknowledge that they're struggling, so they tend to disguise ADHD symptoms with other behavior. This can lead girls and women to be misdiagnosed and unable to declare their symptoms of ADHD. 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 the natural reaction to danger and stress. It can be debilitating and overwhelming but it's a great thing. It keeps you aware of danger and helps you react quickly if there is something wrong. Unfortunately, anxiety can trigger a range of physical symptoms of adhd symptoms, including jitteriness and sweating. It can also trigger a rapid heartbeat, or palpitations. People who suffer from frequent, severe, or disabling anxiety could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. An anxiety disorder can include panic disorder (where you have recurring unplanned panic attacks) as well as fear of certain objects or situations (where you what are the symptoms for adhd in adults incredibly terrified of certain things or situations) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (where you are controlled by irrational thoughts and repetitive behavior), and separation anxiety disorder.
Women with ADHD frequently struggle with "time blindness". They might forget important dates and appointments, arrive at the incorrect time or location or get so absorbed by their work that they forget social interactions. This can make them appear distant, uncaring or unfocused to other people. Good sleeping habits can help to prevent time blindness and can make them appear unfocused, so try to adhere to a regular time for bed and do something relaxing before you go to bed, such as reading, listening to music, or meditation.
4. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time being organized. They may struggle to keep on top of their appointments, schedules and possessions. Their office, home, and car may be cluttered and their purses could be filled with receipts, 17 chapsticks or a ticket to the Kings of Leon concert of 2008. Their disorganization and forgetfulness can make it difficult to maintain and develop relationships at work as well as in their personal lives.
Women can also have difficulty speaking their thoughts in social situations. They may be impatient and impulsive, causing them to interrupt others or shout things out without considering the consequences. These struggles with filtering their thoughts can result in miscommunications and hurt feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD are able to change throughout the day due to hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels are lowest during ovulation and during menstrual cycle which can worsen ADHD. These symptoms may be the reason for why many women suffering from adhd disorder symptoms are not diagnosed correctly.
In addition to the differences in brain structure and chemical composition that are associated with ADHD in males and females, there is also a bias against diagnosing women suffering from the disorder. 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 manage their symptoms by using medications and other treatment strategies. They can achieve success in school, work and in their private lives with the right support. Medical treatment can aid in improving concentration and aid in everyday challenges. Therapy for behavior and apps for smartphones can also prove beneficial.
5. Impulsivity
Women suffering from adhd burnout symptoms are more likely to have difficulty controlling their impulses. It's because the part of the brain that makes decisions, and considers consequences, isn't functioning in the same way. This causes them to do or say things without thinking about the possible consequences, which can have negative consequences. For instance, impulsive behavior could lead to financial issues or harm relationships. It can also lead dangerous behaviors like sexual.
A person suffering from ADHD might develop a variety of coping mechanisms to help them overcome their inability to manage their impulses. These might include self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, or using food as a way to relax. A poor diet or not getting enough sleep can also cause issues.
Girls and women with ADHD might also have difficulty to recognize they have a problem with their behavior. They may struggle to explain their symptoms to their teachers or parents, so they try to cover up their problems. This can make it harder for people to recognize their issues and can delay a diagnosis.
In addition women and girls with ADHD tend to display their symptoms differently than males or females. They might be more inattentive and are more likely to be the victim of co-existing anxiety and mood disorders, like depression. These factors may cause women and girls with ADHD are misdiagnosed more frequently than boys or men.
Although awareness of ADHD has improved but it's still a problem that affects millions of people. It is more common in the early years of adulthood and adolescence when students are trying to balance school or work. Parents and teachers should be aware that their daughter or granddaughter may have ADHD to ensure that they get her the help she requires.