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Female ADHD Symptoms ADHD is often misdiagnosed among girls because it presents differently than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. They also develop unhealthy strategies for coping, like excessive drinking and substance abuse, which can mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. Other conditions that coexist, like anxiety and depression, are also common in these people. Attention Women with inattention ADHD typically have a difficult time to keep up with their work, schoolwork and daily routines. They may miss appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They have trouble keeping their finances in order as well as household chores and record-keeping. 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 difficulty staying focused or following the directions. While hyperactivity and impulse control are more common in boys and men however, the inattentive ADHD subtype is also common in women and girls. In fact, it's believed that as high as 80 percent of ADHD sufferers aren't attentive. To be eligible for a diagnosis, you must have at least five continuous inattentive symptoms lasting more than six months. Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be harder for people to identify because they don't perceive them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how girls should behave. Teachers and parents are therefore less likely to recommend ADHD testing for girls than for boys. A woman's ADHD symptoms can change as time passes due to hormonal changes. For example, a woman's symptoms may get worse during the menstrual cycle, if she is pregnant or when she enters menopause. These symptoms can have a profound effect on women's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. They can trigger feelings of shame and low self-worth due to the fact that they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD can also suffer from depression and anxiety. They could also engage in sexual activities which increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other health issues. They might also be unable to accept rejection from others, regardless of whether it's real or not. They may avoid social interactions or avoid social situations as a result. Hyperactivity/Impulsivity In many cases, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD in women and girls. They might procrastinate more than usual, lose items or have trouble focusing. They may also become overwhelmed by the demands of their surroundings. They may also have difficulty sleeping or relaxing, and are more prone to mood swings and anxieties. These symptoms can lead to problems at school, at home and in their relationships. Since symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in boys and men however, girls and women may be omitted from a diagnosis. Teachers and healthcare providers don't recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do for male ones. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis as well as delays in treatment. Combined with a tendency to hide their struggles, this can result in adults suffering from ADHD experience a greater impact from the condition than usually reported. For instance, they may not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making choices at the shop or struggle to relax or sleep. This can affect their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root issue, they might develop unhealthy ways to cope. This could include substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits. This could make the issue worse over time, and hinder the woman from getting help that could improve her life significantly. Since ADHD-related behavior is more acceptable to boys and men socially, it is possible that women and girls may hide or suppress them out of fear of being judged. For instance, girls who have ADHD may exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behaviors to avoid being shamed because they aren't in line with the norms of their school or in the community. In the end, these triggers can result in a cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends and teachers to notice these struggles for women and girls, since they may be an indication of an undiagnosed disorder that needs to be addressed with medication management and therapy. Emotional Problems Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle more than men to manage their emotions. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can lead to more severe symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of being inadequate. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional difficulties can have serious implications for relationships and job prospects. Having ADHD can be a struggle for parents and children alike, but it's especially difficult for women. Women can be shy about ADHD and might not seek help because of this. They may even attempt to hide their symptoms by implementing coping strategies such as drinking excessively or drug abuse, which could make the situation worse. Masking can make it harder for employers and teachers to detect ADHD symptoms in women, and it can lead to delays in diagnosis. A woman with ADHD may be able effectively hide her symptoms in her adolescence and youth however, it can be more difficult as an adult. Stress from daily life and pressures from society to perform well in relationships and work can cause more ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause ongoing stress. The diagnosis of ADHD could be a life-changing moment for some women. It can help them understand the cause of their difficulties and help them to feel more comfortable with themselves. Many women suffering from ADHD have difficulty finding support at school or at work. They might be embarrassed to tell an instructor or supervisor and fear that their accommodations will be seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. The majority of teachers and supervisors are willing to make minor modifications to help individuals who suffer from ADHD succeed in their work. In addition to locating female friends who are supportive, women with ADHD can benefit from joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups can provide an opportunity to share experiences and discuss the particular difficulties of being a woman with ADHD as a woman. Co-Occurring conditions As women and girls become teenagers, they develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms and make it harder for others to notice. For example girls may make an effort to dress and behave like her peers in order to avoid being a target for bullying or social rejection. She may compensate for her impulsive, unorganized behavior by putting more effort into school or at work or using productivity apps to complete her tasks. These and other coping mechanisms can disguise the presence of ADHD in a woman and delay the diagnosis until she is an adult. symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder of the time, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed with mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, before they receive a diagnosis for the disorder. These other conditions may conceal the presence and signs of ADHD. They may cause complications in treatment. Girls and females with ADHD are also at a higher chance of having low self-esteem and are more likely to be affected by coexisting mood disorders than men or boys. They may be misunderstood and dismissed as being too emotional or temperamental, which contributes to their feelings of discontent. symptoms of adult add can also cause women to have issues in their relationships. They are more likely than men to miss birthdays and make mistakes with minor details. This can cause miscommunication and conflict. Additionally, they might struggle to manage household chores as well as personal finances and everyday responsibilities. These issues can cause them to feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which can fuel an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their worth and capability. Gender bias in clinical settings can also affect the rate at which girls and women are recommended to an ADHD evaluation. 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. Like other conditions, ADHD can vary in severity for each patient and may worsen at various times. For instance, symptoms might be more pronounced during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal or pregnancy. These changes can cause problems with relationships, social functioning and academic performance. They may also contribute to feelings of failure and frustration.