Female ADHD Symptoms

Females who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed as children because the disorder appears differently in girls than it does in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

These individuals also tend to develop unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and substance abuse, which mask their ADHD symptoms and delays the accurate diagnosis. They are also susceptible to co-existing disorders like depression and anxiety.

Inattention

Women who aren't attentive ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They may skip appointments or leave their home unattended. adult adhd symptoms have trouble keeping track of their finances, household chores and record-keeping. These women are also more likely to forget names and dates, and have memory issues. They also have difficulty staying still for long periods of time, and they have trouble staying focused or following directions.

While impulse control and hyperactivity are more common in males and females, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also seen for women and girls. As high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are categorized as inattentive. To be able to receive a diagnosis, you must have at least five continuous inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months.

Inattention ADHD symptoms can be difficult to spot because they don't see the symptoms as a problem, or have different expectations of how girls should act. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to suggest ADHD testing for girls than for boys.

In addition, the way that ADHD affects women's lives can vary during different times of her life because of hormonal changes. For example the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may become more severe during her menstrual cycle, while she's pregnant, or when she enters menopausal.


These issues can affect women's self-esteem as well as their satisfaction with life. They can lead to feelings of self-doubt and shame due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD are also susceptible to depression and anxiety. They could also engage in sexual activities that increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They may also be afflicted by sensitization to rejection because they have difficulty accepting real or perceived negative reactions from others. As a result, they might avoid social situations and avoid social situations.

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

In many cases the two are the first symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. They might procrastinate more than usual, lose items or have difficulty concentrating. They may also be overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They may also have difficulties sleeping or relaxing, and may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxiety. These signs can cause problems at school, home and in relationships.

Women and girls are often left out of the diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common for both genders. Healthcare professionals and teachers don't suggest ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do male ones. This can lead to an inaccurate assessment and a delayed response to treatment.

Combined with a tendency to hide their struggles, this can mean that adults with ADHD have a more severe impact of the condition than generally reported. They may not even mention that they have difficulty concentrating at work or feel overwhelmed by household chores. They may struggle to make decisions at the grocery shop or struggle to relax or sleep.

This could negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they may develop unhealthy coping strategies, which could include substance addiction or eating habits that are unhealthy. This can cause more problems over time, and prevent the woman from receiving the assistance she needs.

It is also possible that because ADHD-related behaviors are more popular with males and females, they may be suppressed or concealed by girls and women who are concerned about being ostracized. For instance, 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.

In the end, these issues can result in a cycle of frustration and confusion for women suffering from ADHD. Families and friends, as well as educators must be aware of the struggles because they could be indicators of an undiagnosed disorder. This condition is treatable with medication and therapy.

Emotional Troubles

Women with ADHD have a difficult time controlling their emotions than men. The moods of women with ADHD are more likely to fluctuate due to hormone fluctuations throughout the day, which may cause symptoms like anger and feelings of feeling inadequate. Women who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of anxiety and depression. These emotional issues could have serious implications for career and relationships.

Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a challenge for parents as well as children, but it's especially difficult for women. Women may feel shy about ADHD and may not seek help due to this. Women may attempt to cover up their symptoms by using methods of coping such as excessive drinking or drug use, but this can 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 easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal her symptoms during her adolescence and youth than when she becomes an adult. Stress from daily life and pressures from society to perform well in both relationships and work can intensify ADHD symptoms. These struggles can leave many women with ADHD feeling like they are a victim of being insecure, self-esteem issues and a constant sense of anxiety. For some, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be like a lightbulb moment that helps them to understand the root of their challenges and giving them the chance to accept their own uniqueness.

Many women with ADHD struggle to get support at work or school. They may feel embarrassed telling a professor or supervisor, and they may worry that the accommodation they need is seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, most instructors and supervisors are willing to make small accommodations to allow people with ADHD to excel in their jobs.

In addition to having supportive peers, women with ADHD can also benefit by joining online support groups for adults with ADHD. These groups provide a an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.

Co-Occurring Conditions

As girls and women get older, they may develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to detect. For example, a girl might try to dress and behave like her peers in order to avoid the attention of bullies or social rejection. She may compensate for her impulsive, disorganized behavior by putting more effort into school or at work or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other strategies for coping could disguise the presence of ADHD in females and delay the diagnosis for her in adulthood.

Women and girls with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before they receive an official diagnosis. These other disorders can disguise the presence of ADHD, as well as make it difficult to treat and recover.

Women and girls with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, as well as coexisting mood disorders. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being temperamental or excessively emotional, which increases their frustration.

ADHD symptoms can cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. They are more likely to miss birthdays or err on minor details which can cause conflicts and miscommunication. They may also struggle to keep up with household chores, personal finances and other daily responsibilities. These difficulties can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can create an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their worth and capability.

In clinical settings, gender bias also 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 about children suffering from ADHD symptoms, and then rate the likelihood they'd be to recommend or seek services for the child described. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services to boys than girls.

As with other types of conditions, ADHD can vary in intensity for individuals and can worsen at different times. For instance, symptoms might be more severe during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy or menopause. These changes can cause issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and also result in feelings of anger and failure.