ADHD Adult Female Symptoms
ADHD can affect both men and women, but it is more difficult for women to recognize it. That's because females often don't exhibit the same level of hyperactivity or impulsivity as men, so they could be overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step in managing your symptoms. The use of stimulant medication is a typical treatment for adults with ADHD however there are also other options.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Women with ADHD can be distracted by a variety of things, but they're also having difficulty focusing on conversations and tasks, especially if they are experiencing sensory or emotional overload. These issues can become more severe when menstrual cycles are in full swing.
Women with inattentive ADHD suffer from problems with their working memory. This causes them to be unable to remember everyday things like the dates of appointments or events that are coming up. They might forget where they put their car keys or the name of the lady who offered them a ride home after a the spin class. They may also forget important dates and deadlines.
Procrastination, as well as the inability to stick with plans are also symptoms of ADHD among females of adulthood. They're more likely to get distracted by shiny objects or social media, making it difficult to complete their assignments and projects. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed and underperforming in school or at work.
Many women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. They feel guilt and mistakenly attribute their problems as "bad behavior" or "character defects". They are often viewed as if they are a fraud. A diagnosis could be an "lightbulb" moment for them, since it provides them with an external explanation for their challenges and helps them accept themselves better.
Girls and women with untreated ADHD can suffer from a broad range of negative outcomes, including academic problems, behavioral issues, poor family and relationship problems and co-occurring mental health conditions. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan can enhance the lives of those with ADHD at any stage in their lives. Treatment options could include stimulant therapy and medication. *
2. Difficulty Finishing Projects
Women with ADHD often have trouble completing tasks and responsibilities. They might miss important details, have difficulty switching between tasks or responsibilities and have difficulty attempting to meet deadlines. They may also be more susceptible to make erroneous mistakes, have trouble organizing their time efficiently, and overestimate how long it takes to complete their tasks.
The emotional manifestations of ADHD in adults, like mood swings and irritability can be particularly frustrating for women with the condition. Hormonal changes can cause symptoms, including those that occur during menopausal, pregnancy, and during menstruation. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrated and depressed by their performance at workplace or in their relationships.
Women with ADHD struggle with keeping up with daily tasks, such as grocery shopping and chores. They may forget to take out the garbage or shut off the stove, and be easily distracted. They can also struggle with routine tasks, such as folding laundry or washing dishes. Boring or mundane tasks can become unbearable which can lead to impulsive behaviours like excessive conversation or oversharing. Women who suffer from ADHD might also make unruly choices and employ unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or other drugs.
If adult symptoms of ADHD have difficulty finishing tasks, memory issues that cause chronic procrastination or problems with relationships, it is time to consider a professional assessment for ADHD. A correct diagnosis can enhance your quality of life and help you achieve success in both your personal and professional life. It can aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms, and develop strategies to deal with the symptoms. You can minimize lapses of focus and attention by adhering to a set schedule by using a planner or reminder app, taking notes during meetings, and maintaining good sleeping habits. Exercise also helps improve focus by increasing the production of brain neurotransmitters.
3. Difficulty remembering names
It is possible that a trouble remembering names might be associated with other ADHD symptoms, like difficulties following directions or not finishing projects. This is due to the difficulty of organizing and prioritizing tasks, which hinders information retrieval. This problem is more likely to occur when there is a period of fatigue, stress or hormonal changes.
The feeling of forgetting names can be more frustrating if it's accompanied by a feeling of numbness over bigger items like appointments, events or personal reminders. These forgetfulness lapses could be caused by depression and anxiety which are frequent co-occurring disorders with ADHD among women.
ADHD is often not recognized in women due to gender biases and internalized symptoms. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are more subtle than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, making them harder to detect and identify. In the end, they are often not identified and not referred for treatment and diagnosis.
In addition there is discrimination based on gender since the disorder is often be viewed as a disorder that affects boys. Boys with hyperactivity are the ones who are most frequently being referred to clinics and analyzed for treatment. In addition, due to internalized stigma, female symptoms are usually different from those of men. Many doctors are unable to diagnose or treat ADHD in females.
It's becoming more frequent for women to be diagnosed with ADHD as they reach adulthood. A diagnosis can help improve relationships and set you up for success at school and at work and provide the support you need to thrive in your life. If you're seeking diagnosed, speak to an experienced Salience Health provider. We can evaluate your symptoms using tools such as Creyos Cognitive Testing and Brainview Advanced and connect you to a therapist who is right for you.
4. Difficulty Appearing Aloof
Women who suffer from ADHD are often prone to inattention, and their struggles can seem subtle to other people. They may miss appointments, forget to complete chores around the home, or have trouble making notes at work. They may also struggle with impulsivity or difficulty understanding the boundaries of social interaction. This can lead to misinterpretation and misunderstandings in relationships with friends and family and could lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Additionally, women with untreated ADHD often struggle to meet social expectations for them as women. They might struggle with the burden of caring for their children and household chores, and this social pressure can increase their ADHD symptoms and feelings of inadequateness. Many women suffering from untreated ADHD have low self-esteem and turn to unhealthy strategies for coping such as binge eating or television marathons.
The challenges of ADHD for women can be exacerbated by gender bias, both in the way that women and girls are perceived and evaluated by clinicians. There is evidence that suggests that girls and women are more likely to conceal or minimize their ADHD symptoms, and could be less likely to receive treatment and diagnosis than men and boys.
Women with ADHD may also have difficulties understanding their symptoms and could be confused with anxiety disorders or mood disorders. This can contribute to a false diagnosis and delay or ineffective treatment.
Symptoms of ADHD are influenced by hormone changes, and they may be especially evident during the ovulation cycle and during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopausal. These changes can intensify women's anger over their ADHD symptoms, and they can increase the likelihood of being misunderstood or dismissed as moody or overly emotional.
5. Impulsivity
The impulsivity of ADHD affects men and boys differently, women are affected as well. They also may have difficulty controlling their emotions and may be more prone to "foot-in-mouth" moments. These uncontrollable behaviors can have a huge impact on your personal and professional life.
Prefrontal cortex is a part of the brain responsible for controlling reasoning and decision-making. This area can assist people avoid making poor decisions by serving as a check on behavior. ADHD sufferers have a weaker prefrontal cortex. This makes it difficult to resist impulses and stop themselves from doing something reckless. It can also cause an absence of self-esteem. Women's impulsiveness is often manifested as the lack of social boundaries and self-control during conversations (interrupting others, not finishing their sentences, and talking too often).
Women can also experience problems with control of impulses when hormones change. Estrogen fluctuates at different times during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth and menopausal cycle. The use of oral contraception and hormone therapy during perimenopause and menopausal cycles can alter the levels of estrogen as well as other hormones that impact women's ADHD symptoms.
The method by which ADHD symptoms manifest for women and girls may differ from the symptoms of males and females and is one of the reasons why they are frequently not diagnosed. Many people with ADHD are not aware of their condition. The positive side is that identifying and treating ADHD can improve the quality of life for anyone regardless of age. Consult your doctor if you're not sure if you have ADHD. They'll be able to give you guidance. Treatment options include medication, cognitive therapy and couples counseling.