Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women who live with ADHD do not receive an diagnosis until they reach adulthood. This is due to stereotypes that persist and referral biases, which cover up behavior, 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 could lead to a delayed diagnosis as well as an incorrect diagnosis.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle with focusing or staying focused. This can lead to problems at work or school like forgetting homework or chores, or missing important meetings. It can also cause emotional difficulties, such as mood swings or a lack of self-esteem.
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD are typically more subtle and can be harder to recognize and diagnose. It could appear as if you're not paying attention when other people are talking (you might be unable to concentrate or have what's referred to as a'thousand-yard stare'). It can be difficult to complete tasks requiring concentration, such as writing a report or filling out paperwork.
Regular exercise can improve your concentration and organization. Try taking an everyday walk, joining an exercise class for a group or going for a swim or cycling. Limiting caffeine can also help to reduce the side effects that certain ADHD medications can cause.
2. Making the right decision can be difficult.
Women with ADHD often have difficulty making decisions or follow through on the actions that result from them. They may also have difficulty maintaining their calm and avoiding impulsive behaviors, which can cause 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 example, some women suffering from ADHD may have trouble being still or paying attention to tasks that require complete attention. Additionally, they might be prone to losing things or forgetting important dates.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are less apparent in women, they're often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. However, the diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a transformative experience for women who finally receive the assistance they need. Therapists can offer advice and help to manage the disorder. ADHD symptoms in adults females may suggest a combination of treatments like psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes like establishing an established sleep schedule and ensuring that you have a healthy sleeping routine.
3. Problems with Time Management
Girls with ADHD might find it difficult to manage their relationships and lives as they get older. Their symptoms are often a bit under the radar, especially when they're mostly inattentive or mixed between both types.
They are prone to forget important dates, like birthdays or appointments. They lose the track of their routines as well as schedules and find it difficult to leave on time for school or work. They might even lose or forget their keys, wallets or glasses.
The signs of ADHD aren't always easy to identify, and they can be worsened by stress, mental health conditions or physical illnesses. It's important to discuss any issues you may be experiencing with your physician. They may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help you change the way you think about your negative thoughts and actions and develop healthier ways of coping. Verywell Health notes that gender is the internal self-perception of a person and sex is biological.
4. It is difficult to stay organized
Inattention can lead to problems at work and in school, like inattention and difficulty with tasks. Inattention can also cause you to lose things or miss important events. It can also cause issues 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 can be accompanied by an inability to wait for your turn during conversations or in the workplace and the inability to comprehend the boundaries of social interactions. Impulsivity can lead to rash decisions, risk-taking or a tendency to interrupt.
Women are often pressured to be "perfect" - to balance work and family life be punctual and organized and meet the demands of others. This can lead to anxiety and stress, which may exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD and cause them to go undiagnosed, or neglected. Symptoms may also worsen when menopausal. This can cause low confidence and relationship problems.
5. Trouble Concentrating
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can struggle with being focused. This can cause issues at work or school, and can even hinder the formation of relationships. It isn't easy to remember to complete everyday tasks like dressing, taking medication or attending health checks.
Women who suffer from ADHD have coping strategies to mask their symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to realize that they have trouble staying focused or avoiding important tasks. These coping mechanisms may include healthy habits, for example, setting reminders on their smartphones or adhering to the same routine. These coping mechanisms can include unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or drug use.
The severity of ADHD symptoms can be different, and it is important that people with ADHD discuss their concerns with their doctor. According to the CDC there are three levels of severity that are mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minor impairment in work or social settings), moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking can be difficult.
Women with ADHD are often pressured to meet social expectations. This includes caring for children, maintaining relationships, and running a household. This can be a challenge if their ADHD symptoms prevent them from being organized punctual, punctual and efficient.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity may result in misunderstandings and frustrations between partners, family members and even friends. They can also hinder the way you study or work and cause underperformance.
This can cause anxiety and low self-esteem which can cause coexisting conditions like depression. Undiagnosed ADHD can also affect relationships and result in a decrease of fulfillment at home and work. The right support can help. You can use strategies for coping, such as a daily schedule or reminders, to help overcome these issues. You can also inquire with your school or employer for accommodations that could aid you to manage your symptoms. Utilizing women's ADHD support group could aid in connecting with others who suffer from the disorder and share strategies to manage it.
7. Attention Management Problems
Inability to pay attention to the finer specifics is one of the most prominent symptoms of ADHD. This manifests in a variety of ways, from not understanding the fine details of a contract to making a lot of blunders at work or school.
Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble following routines, or keeping track of their responsibilities. This can cause issues like not paying their bills or not making appointments. They also have difficulty staying at a distance or not interrupting others.
Additionally, women who suffer from inattentive ADHD are more likely to experience depression or anxiety and have trouble maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships. They are more likely to begin 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. However, women may experience similar issues and should seek an evaluation from a medical specialist.
8. Difficulty Staying Calm
ADHD symptoms can cause feelings of anger and frustration. People who are not aware of the condition may misunderstand the emotions. Women should recognize these symptoms and seek assistance before they turn into severe emotional issues.
For example, if you're constantly ignoring appointments or arriving late for work it could lead to conflict with your boss or colleagues. It could also cause misunderstandings with friends and family members. You might make a mistake and make comments that hurt the feelings of others even if you weren't intending to.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. To be diagnosed with one of these, you need to have at least six or more symptoms that last for at minimum six months. 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 type, women can also experience a combination of the other symptoms.
9. Trouble Making Friends
Women who have ADHD are often unable to form and keep friends. Their impulsiveness and forgetfulness could cause confusion with family and friends. They might also be struggling with emotional dysregulation, making it difficult to control their moods. This condition can make them feel anxious, devalued, or confused. It could affect negatively on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD often miss social cues, such as rolled eyes and loud grunts. This can make them think that their friends aren't interested in having fun with them or that they ignore them.
Women are also more likely to experience problems with their relationships due to depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. This can make it harder for others to notice that they're suffering from the disorder, and can delay the diagnosis. Many people who suffer from ADHD say that their quality of living improves once they've been diagnosed.