Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood. This is due to stereotypes that persist and referral biases that cover up behaviors, comorbidities, as well as 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 could lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
1. Insufficient Focus
Many people with ADHD struggle to focus or staying on task. This can cause issues at work or school, such as forgetting homework or chores or missing important meetings. It can also cause emotional problems, such as mood fluctuations or a lack of self-esteem.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms are usually less obvious which makes them harder to diagnose. You may seem like you're not paying attention when others are talking (you may be unable to focus or have what is known as a'thousand-yard stare'). You may find it difficult to finish tasks that require concentration such as writing reports or doing paperwork.
Regular exercise will increase your ability to concentrate and organization. Try taking a daily walk, participating in group fitness classes, or going 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 the right decision can be difficult.
Women suffering from ADHD are unable to make decisions or following through on their actions. They may be unable to remain calm and avoid impulsive behavior which can lead to problems at work and 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, women with ADHD may have difficulty being still or being able to focus on tasks that require their complete attention. Additionally, they might be prone to losing things or forgetting important dates.
Because the signs of ADHD can be more subtle in women, they're often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. A diagnosis of adult ADHD is a major life-changing event for many women who finally receive the help they require. A therapist can provide guidance and assistance to manage the condition. They might suggest a combination treatment like medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes, such as setting a routine sleep schedule and ensuring good sleep hygiene.
3. Problems with Time Management
Girls who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty to manage their lives and relationships as they get older. The symptoms of ADHD often go under the radar, particularly when they're mostly inattentive or an amalgam of both.
They are prone to forget important dates, such as birthdays or meetings. They lose the track of their routines as well as schedules, which makes it difficult to get up on time for school or work. They may even lose or forget their keys, wallets, or glasses.
ADHD symptoms aren't always apparent. They can be exacerbated due to stress, mental health issues, or physical ailments. This is why it's important to talk to your doctor about any issues you're experiencing. They might suggest therapy, including cognitive behavior therapy to help you change your perspective on negative thoughts and behaviors and develop better strategies for coping. Verywell Health notes that gender is the internal self-perception of a person while sex is a biological fact.
4. Difficulty Staying Organized
Inattention-related symptoms can affect your school and work with issues such as forgetfulness and difficulties keeping track of tasks. Inattention can cause you to misplace items 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 can be accompanied by the inability to wait for your turn in conversations or at work, with the inability to comprehend the boundaries of social interactions. Impulsivity can lead to impulsive decisions, taking risks, or a tendency to interrupt others.
Women are often under pressure to be perfect to balance work and family as well as being punctual and organised, and a range of other demands. This can lead to anxiety and stress, which can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD and cause them to go undiagnosed, or neglected. The symptoms can also become more severe during menopausal. ADHD symptoms in adults females can cause lower confidence and relationship issues.
5. Trouble Concentrating
Girls and women with ADHD might have trouble focusing. This can cause issues at work or school, and can even hinder the formation of relationships. It isn't easy to remember to complete daily tasks such as dressing, taking medication or going to health check-ups.
Women with ADHD have coping strategies to mask their symptoms. This allows others not to notice that they are having trouble staying focused or avoiding important tasks. These strategies for coping can include healthy habits, for example, setting reminders on their smartphones or adhering to a routine. These coping strategies can also include unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or use of substances.
The severity of ADHD symptoms can be different, and it is important that those with ADHD discuss their concerns with their doctor. According to the CDC there three levels of severity: mild (fewer than six symptoms) that cause minor difficulties in workplace or social settings) moderate, and severe.
6. Multitasking is difficult
Women with ADHD are often pressured to live up to societal expectations. This can mean taking care of children, maintaining relationships, and running a household. It can be difficult to manage if ADHD symptoms make it difficult for them to be organised efficient, punctual and reliable.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity can heighten the frustrations and conflicts between friends, partners and family. They can also hinder studies or work habits, leading to underachievement and performance problems.
This can cause anxiety and low self-esteem which can contribute to mental health issues that coexist, such as depression. In addition that, undiagnosed ADHD can affect relationships and cause feeling unfulfilled at work and the home. A good support system can be helpful. You can use strategies to cope like an agenda for the day or reminders, to help overcome these issues. You can inquire with your school or employer for adjustments that could help you manage your symptoms. Using a women's ADHD support group can also help you connect with others who suffer from the condition and share tips to manage it.
7. Attention Management Problems
One of the most prominent signs of ADHD is an inability to pay attention to the smallest aspects. It can manifest in many ways, from not being able to read the fine print of a contract or making frequent mistakes at work or school.
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble following a routine, or keeping track of their responsibilities. This can cause issues such as not paying their bills or missing appointments. They may also have trouble staying at a distance or not interrupting others.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression, and may have difficulty maintaining healthy, happy relationships. They are also more likely to engage in sexual activity at a younger age and be at risk of being pushed into unwanted or abusive sexual behavior.
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 assessed by a healthcare professional.
8. Trouble staying calm
The symptoms of ADHD can heighten feelings of anger and frustration. People who aren't aware of the condition may misunderstand these feelings. It's important for women to recognise these symptoms and seek treatment before they escalate into serious emotional problems.
If you are frequently forgetting appointments or being late to work meetings, it could result in conflicts with your colleagues or employer. This could also cause misunderstandings between family and friends. You may accidentally say things that hurt the feelings of others even if you didn't mean to.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must exhibit six or more symptoms 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. Problems in Making Friends
Women with ADHD might have difficulty to keep their relationships and make new acquaintances. Their forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can cause misunderstandings and conflicts with family and friends. They might also be struggling with emotional dysregulation, making it hard to regulate their moods. This may cause them to feel secluded, misunderstood or anxious, and this can have a negative impact on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD tend to miss social cues like eyes that roll and uncontrollable tears. This can cause them to believe that their friends aren't interested in hanging out with them or that they don't care about them.
Women may also have difficulty with interpersonal problems because they are more likely to experience depression, which can increase their ADHD symptoms. This can make it harder for others to recognize that they're struggling with the condition, and could delay a diagnosis. However, many people who suffer from ADHD find that once they are diagnosed their quality of life improves.