Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. This is due to persistent stereotypes, referral bias and masking behavior as well as comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations.
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 as well as a misdiagnosis.
1. Insufficient Focus
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to focus or staying on task. This can lead to issues at school or at work like being late for important meetings or failing to complete homework or chores. This can lead to emotional issues, like mood swings or a decrease in self-esteem.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are often subtler which makes them harder to diagnose. It may appear that you're not paying attention when people are talking (you might zone out or display what's known as a thousand-yard stare). It can be difficult to complete tasks that require focus such as making reports or writing paperwork.
Regular exercise will increase your ability to concentrate and organization. Try a daily stroll, joining a group fitness class or even cycling or swimming. It's also an excellent idea to reduce caffeine, as it can cause a rise in the side effects of certain ADHD medications.
2. Making decisions can be difficult
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to make decisions or carry out the actions that result from them. They may also have trouble maintaining their calm and avoiding impulsive behavior, which can lead to issues at work or in 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, some women with ADHD may have trouble staying still or paying attention to tasks that require full attention, and they might be prone to misplacing things or forgetting important dates.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are less apparent in women, they are frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. However, a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women who finally receive the assistance they require. Therapists can provide guidance and support for managing the disorder, and may suggest a combination of treatments such as psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications such as creating an ongoing sleep routine and practicing good sleep hygiene.
3. Time Management Problems
As girls with ADHD become adults, they might struggle to manage their lives and relationships without assistance. They can be difficult to detect, especially when their symptoms are mostly inattention.
They do not remember important dates, such as birthdays or events. They lose the track of their routines and schedules making it difficult to leave on time for school or work. They might even lose or misplace their wallets, keys, or eyeglasses.
The symptoms of ADHD aren't always easy to identify and can be worsened by stress, mental health conditions or physical ailments. That's why it's crucial to speak with your doctor about any issues you're having. They might suggest therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help you overcome negative thoughts and behavior and create better strategies for dealing with them. Verywell Health notes that gender is a person's internal self-perception, whereas sex is biology.
4. Trouble Keeping Organized
The signs of inattention can impact your work and school life such as forgetfulness and difficulty getting things done. Inattention can cause you to lose things or miss important events, and cause problems in 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). They may also manifest as the inability to wait for your turn during conversations or in the workplace, with an inability to recognize the boundaries of social interactions. Insanity can lead to quick decisions, risk-taking, or a tendency to interrupt others.
Women are often pressured to be "perfect" - to balance work and family be punctual and organized and also meet other standards. This can cause anxiety and stress, which can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD, causing them to be undiagnosed or not treated. Additionally, symptoms can get worse during menopausal cycles. This can lead to lower confidence and relationship issues.
5. It is difficult to concentrate
Girls and women with ADHD may have difficulty being capable of focusing. This can lead to problems at school or work and can make it difficult to build relationships. It isn't easy to remember to complete routine 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 are having trouble staying focused or forgetting important things. These strategies for coping may include healthy habits, for example, setting reminders on their phones or sticking to a routine. These coping strategies can also include unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol or substance use.
The severity of ADHD symptoms can be different and it is essential that those suffering from ADHD discuss their concerns with their doctor. According to the CDC there three levels of severity which are: mild (fewer that six symptoms that cause minor impairments in work or social settings) moderate, and severe.
6. Multitasking can be difficult.
Women with ADHD are often pressured to live up to societal expectations. This means taking care of children, maintaining a relationship, and running the household. It can be difficult to manage when ADHD symptoms make it difficult to be organized efficient, punctual and reliable.
Inattention and forgetfulness can lead to frustrations and misunderstandings between partners, family members, and even friends. They can also interfere in the way you study or work and result in underachieving.
This can cause anxiety and low self-esteem which can lead to co-existing disorders like depression. In addition that, undiagnosed ADHD can affect relationships and cause an absence of fulfillment at work and at home. A good support system can be helpful. You can utilize strategies for coping that include an agenda for the day or reminders, to overcome these challenges. You can also inquire with your employer or school about any accommodations that can help you to manage your symptoms. You can also meet other women who have ADHD and learn to manage it by joining a women's ADHD group.
7. Difficulty Controlling Attention
One of the main symptoms of ADHD is an inability to pay attention to minute aspects. This manifests in many ways, from failing to read the fine details of a contract to making a lot of blunders at work or in school.
Women with inattention ADHD are often unable to follow routines, or keeping track of their responsibilities. This can lead to issues such as not paying their bills or missing appointments. They also find it difficult to be quiet or refrain from interrupting others.
symptoms of ADHD in adult women with inattention ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression, and may have trouble maintaining healthy, happy relationships. They are more likely to start sexual activity at a later and risky age.
Women with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are less likely to develop these symptoms, so it is harder for them to be diagnosed. Women may also experience similar issues and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
8. Trouble staying calm
Symptoms of ADHD can intensify anger and frustration. It's easy for those who don't have a clear understanding of the condition to misunderstand these feelings. Women should be aware of the signs and seek assistance before they turn into serious emotional problems.
If you are constantly forgetting your appointments or showing up late for work meetings, it can lead to conflict with your coworkers or your employer. This can also lead misunderstandings between family members and friends. You might end up inadvertently uttering words that hurt the feelings of others, even if you weren't trying to do it.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must exhibit six or more symptoms for at least six months 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. In addition to the inattentive subtype, women can experience a mix of the other symptoms.
9. Making Friends is difficult
Women who have ADHD are often unable to form and keep friends. Their forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can lead to miscommunications and conflict with family and friends. They may also have trouble with emotional dysregulation, which makes it difficult to manage their moods. This condition can cause them to feel rejected, misunderstood, or anxious, and this could have a negative impact on their self-esteem.
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to discern social cues, such as eyes that roll or stifled tears. This can cause people to believe that their peers do not want to hang out, or that they are dissing them.
Women are also more likely to experience interpersonal difficulties since depression can cause more ADHD symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to identify the fact that someone is suffering from ADHD, and can delay a proper diagnosis. Many people with ADHD claim that their standard of life improves once they are diagnosed.