Signs & Symptoms Of Adhd In Females

By Author: Anna Lynch
Total Articles: 2
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Many people think ADHD only applies to children. However, many adults have ADHD and were never diagnosed. Women are especially underdiagnosed. When an individual is not diagnosed with ADHD, their symptoms go untreated. 
Symptoms of ADHD:

Impulsiveness.
Disorganization 
Difficulty prioritizing tasks.
Poor time management skills.
Problems focusing on a task.
Trouble multitasking.
Excessive activity or restlessness.
Poor planning.
Low frustration tolerance.
Drug addiction.
Short attention span: difficulty listening or focusing on the task at hand
Impulsive Behaviors: Interrupting others, acting before considering the outcome.
Hyperactive Behavior: Unable to sit still, incessantly talking, inability to self-regulate their behavior

 
Women with ADHD usually appear inattentive and have less hyperactive behaviors, resulting in being underdiagnosed. Attention Deficit Disorder reveals itself differently in females and males due to biology, societal norms, and other factors. There is no clinical research to ...
... support the differences, which is another reason females are underdiagnosed.
 
What Clinical Criteria Lacks for Women with ADHD
When a boy is constantly calling out during class, fidgeting in his seat, or being the class clown distraction to his classmates, all signs point to ADHD. His signs and symptoms would check the appropriate boxes on a DSM-5 to diagnose ADHD. 
 
However, the boy in this stereotypical scenario does not represent every individual with ADHD or the variety of ways the signs and symptoms of ADHD can affect individuals. ADHD does not present itself the same way in females. The research on females with ADHD is still lacking.
 
We know that females, in general, are not usually impulsive or display hyperactive behaviors– two out of three symptom categories for ADHD are included in the DSM-5. Women are more likely to exhibit symptoms in only one category: inattention. 
 
ADHD Symptoms Experienced by Females 
There is much more to ADHD than the vague categories assigned. Since we already know it presents itself differently in males and females, and no two individuals are alike, we know all signs and symptoms can also be unique. Something as such as being disorganized can be a sign of ADHD.
 
In young girls, ADHD may present itself as a girl who talks incessantly or daydreams, or has trouble paying attention in class but always goes above and beyond on every assignment and gets excellent grades.
 
Signs of ADHD are also there in adolescents who seem to be on top of their game in middle and high school, but once they reach college, they experience self-doubt, anxiety, fear of failure, being overwhelmed, and struggle to stay on task.  
 
These signs are often misinterpreted as an adjustment period, laziness, typical teenage behavior, or being irresponsible. Parents even ignore these signs as potential ADHD. For example, they might reprimand their daughter for forgetting to do an assignment or having laundry sprawled across her bedroom, viewing both as clear signs of laziness — instead of symptoms of ADHD.
 
How Women Are Impacted When ADHD is Undiagnosed 
 
When symptoms of ADHD in females go undiagnosed, it can impact an individual's overall self-esteem. They become embarrassed when they fail to complete things that others consider simple tasks and when the criticisms mount, their self-esteem deteriorates. 
 
A Missing ADHD Diagnosis Can be a Barrier to Independent Success in Education and Career
Females with ADHD struggle with inattention, making it highly challenging to concentrate during school and work. While women are not calling out or disrupting other people around them, ADHD still prevents them from accomplishing tasks. Since no one has pointed out that what they are experiencing might be signs of ADHD, they trudge on.
 
Most assume they are procrastinators and eventually fall behind or stop challenging themselves. Others might attempt to compensate for their deficits by creating to-do lists, eliminating distractions, or planning out their tasks. However, even being proactive still might not be enough. 
 
Destructive Relationships
 
Navigating social situations can be difficult for individuals with ADHD. Individuals with ADHD have an attention span that drifts off during conversations. They may lose sight of what was said, often taking things out of context or responding aggressively. Women with undiagnosed ADHD strive to be good friends, siblings, children, mothers, and spouses; however, they can not help how their undiagnosed disorder impacts them.
 
ADHD is a Common Contributor to Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues
Women with undiagnosed ADHD often have persistent feelings of failure and lower esteem, making them more susceptible to other mental health issues. The constant stress over trying not to repeat the same mistakes leads to anxiety, depression, mood swings, suicidal thoughts, and other potential self-harm behaviors.
 
The individual has likely expressed symptoms of one of these co-occurring mental health conditions for years when an ADHD diagnosis is finally made.
 
Change Needs to Happen for Women with ADHD
 
While ADHD might be diagnosed primarily in males, it is not specifically a male disorder. We need to start recognizing the signs and symptoms of females with ADHD to provide everyone with the resources they need to manage and succeed with attention-deficit disorder. Parents, teachers, and caregivers need to look at any symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in females.
 
If a female is struggling academically, signs may appear to align with ADHD, even if you feel it's a long shot. Seek medical advice and get the child tested. 
 
Better Late Than Never
 
An ADHD diagnosis in elementary years is ideal, but a diagnosis can be life-changing at any stage of life. Once a diagnosis is in place, resources, treatments, prescription drugs, behavioral therapy, and support systems can aid in the management of ADHD. Adderall is one prescription stimulant drug that is commonly prescribed to treat ADHD. 
 
Adderall Addiction Detox
 
If you are a female that has been diagnosed with ADHD and developed an addiction to Adderall, please reach out to our team to discuss the best way to detox from Adderall. Avatar Residential Detox Center provides Adderall withdrawal treatment programs, detox programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, individual counseling, and treatment for the co-occurring disorder. Contact us today at 973-774-7222 to begin your journey to recovery.

Anna Lynch is an expert in Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Center in New Jersey. She has good experience in Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment. She is focused on her work and helps every patient to get better and healthy life from addiction.