Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood. This is due to lingering stereotypes, referral biases, masking behaviors, comorbidities and hormonal changes.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults female may be harder to detect than those in men and boys because women's symptoms are more likely to be inattentive rather than hyperactive/impulsive. This can lead both to a delayed diagnosis and an incorrect diagnosis.
1. Lack of Focus
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle with focusing or staying on task. This can cause problems at work or school like forgetting homework or chores or missing important meetings. It can also lead to emotional problems, such as mood swings or a lack of self-esteem.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are often more subtle and therefore more difficult to identify. You may seem like you're not paying attention when people are talking (you might zone out or have what's referred to as a"thousand-yard stare"). You may find it difficult to finish tasks that require concentration like writing reports or completing paperwork.
Regular exercise can improve your concentration and organization. Try taking an everyday walk, joining an exercise class with a group, or swimming or cycling. It's also recommended to avoid caffeine intake, since it can cause a rise in the side effects of certain ADHD medications.
2. Making the right decision can be difficult.
Women with ADHD are unable to make decisions or following through on their actions. They may also struggle with keeping their cool and avoiding impulse-driven behaviors that can cause problems at work and with relationships.
The inattentive subtype of ADHD has nine symptoms that must last for at least six months to be diagnosed, while the hyperactive/impulsive and mixed subtypes each have their own set of symptoms. For instance, women suffering from ADHD might experience trouble being still or concentrating on tasks that require full attention, and they may be susceptible to losing things or forgetting important dates.
Women are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed since the signs of ADHD are less evident. However, a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a transformative moment for women who finally receive the assistance they require. Therapists can provide guidance and assistance in managing the disorder, and might suggest a mix of treatments like medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes such as establishing an established routine for sleeping and practicing good sleep hygiene.
3. Time Management Problems
As children with ADHD grow into adults, they might struggle to manage their lives and relationships with no assistance. Their symptoms are often a bit under the radar, especially when they're inattention-focused or an amalgam of both.
They can forget important dates, like meetings or birthdays. They lose the track of their routines as well as schedules and find it difficult to leave on time for school or work. They may even lose or forget their keys, wallets, or eyeglasses.
ADHD symptoms aren't always obvious. They can be exacerbated due to stress, mental health issues, or physical illness. This is why it's important to speak with your doctor about any issues you're experiencing. They may recommend therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to help you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors and develop healthier coping strategies. Verywell Health notes that gender is the internal self-perception of a person, whereas sex is biology.
4. It is difficult to stay organized
Inattention can lead to problems at work and in school, including inattention and difficulty with tasks. It can also result in losing important items or events, and difficulties with your relationships.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms can include difficulty sitting still (fidgeting, tapping your foot, or talking excessively) and restlessness (being unable to enjoy quiet activities). Additionally, they may be characterized by an inability for you to wait your turn in conversations or at work. Impulsivity can lead to rash choices, risk-taking, or a tendency to interrupt.
Women may feel pressured to be 'perfect' - balancing family and career, being punctual and organised, and a range of other expectations. This can lead to anxiety and stress, which may exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD, causing them to be undiagnosed or not treated. Additionally, symptoms can get worse during menopausal cycles. This can cause feelings of self-doubt and difficulties in relationships.
5. Trouble Concentrating
Girls and women with ADHD can struggle with being focused. This can cause issues at school or work and make it difficult to form relationships. It isn't easy to remember to complete everyday tasks like dressing up, taking medications or attending health checks.
Women with ADHD have coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to notice that they have trouble staying focus or forgetting important details. These coping strategies can include healthy habits like creating reminders on their phone or sticking to a schedule. They can also include unhealthy habits, like excessive alcohol and substance use.
The symptoms of ADHD are not always the same, and it's important for those suffering from ADHD to discuss their concerns with a medical professional. According to the CDC, there are three levels of severity that are mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minimal impairment in social or work situations), moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking is difficult
Women who suffer from ADHD are often under pressure to live up to social expectations, which includes taking care of children, maintaining a happy family and home. This can be challenging for those whose ADHD symptoms hinder them from being organised punctual, punctual and efficient.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity can heighten the frustrations and conflicts between friends, partners and family. They can also affect the way you study or work and lead to underachievement.
This can result in anxiety and low self-esteem which can contribute to coexisting mental health conditions like depression. Undiagnosed ADHD can also impact relationships and lead to a decrease of fulfillment at home and at work. The right support can help. You can overcome these issues with strategies for coping like a daily routine or reminders. You can also ask your school or employer about any accommodations that can aid you to manage your symptoms. You can also network with women who suffer from ADHD and learn how to manage it by joining a women's ADHD group.
7. Trouble managing attention
One of the most prominent signs of ADHD is an inability to pay attention to small aspects. This manifests itself in a variety of ways, from not being able to read the fine text of a contract, to making a lot of mistakes at work or school.
Women who have inattention ADHD may have difficulty following the routine or keep track of their responsibilities at home or at work, which can lead to problems such as missing appointments or not paying bills. They may also have trouble staying still or avoiding interrupting other people.
Additionally, women with inattentive ADHD may be more likely to experience depression or anxiety and have difficulty maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships. They are more likely to start sexual activities at a younger and risky age.
Women with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are less likely to develop these symptoms, so it is harder for them to be diagnosed. Still, women can experience similar issues and should seek an assessment from a health healthcare professional.
8. Difficulty staying calm
ADHD symptoms can cause feelings of anger and frustration. People who are not aware of the disorder may not understand the emotions. Women should be aware of the signs and seek help before they become severe emotional issues.
For instance, if you're constantly ignoring appointments or arriving late for work meetings, this can cause conflict with your employer or co-workers. It can also lead to confusion with family and friends members. You might find yourself inadvertently uttering words that hurt other people's feelings even if you didn't intend to do it.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must exhibit at least six or more signs for at least six month to be diagnosed. Women are less likely to have the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed symptoms than men, but these can still occur in some cases. Women can also have other symptoms in addition to the inattention type.
9. Making Friends isn't easy.
ADHD symptoms adults male who have ADHD can struggle to make and keep friends. Their forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can lead to misunderstandings and conflict with family and friends. Someone with a problem with emotional regulation can also struggle with controlling their moods. This condition can cause them to feel rejected, misunderstood, or even anxious, and it could have a negative impact on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD frequently miss social cues, such as rolled eyes and grunts that are stifled. This can lead them to believe that their friends do not want to hang out or that they are not paying attention to them.
Women can also have issues with interpersonal problems because they are more likely to develop depression, which can exacerbate their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to see that they are struggling with the disorder, and it can delay a diagnosis. Many people who suffer from ADHD claim that their standard of life improves once they're diagnosed.