Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. This is due to lingering stereotypes, referral bias and masking 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 can lead both to a delayed diagnosis as well as an incorrect diagnosis.
1. Lack of Focus
Many people with ADHD struggle with being able to focus or stay on task. This can cause problems at work or school like forgetting chores or homework, or avoiding important meetings. It can also cause emotional difficulties, such as mood fluctuations or a lack of self-esteem.
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD are usually less obvious and can be difficult to identify and diagnose. You may seem like you're not paying attention when others are talking (you might zone out 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 completing paperwork.
Regular exercise can improve your ability to concentrate and stay organized. Try taking a walk every day, taking part in a group fitness class, or swimming or cycling. Limiting caffeine can also help reduce the negative effects that certain ADHD medications may cause.
2. Problems in Making Decisions
Women with ADHD are unable to make decisions or executing their actions. They may also struggle with maintaining their calm and avoiding impulsive behaviors that 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. Some women with ADHD might have trouble staying focused or sitting for long periods, or they may forget important dates or lose things.
Women are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed since the signs of ADHD are less evident. A diagnosis of adult ADHD is a life-changing event for women who receive the help they require. A therapist will offer advice and support to manage the disorder. They may suggest a combination therapy such as psychotherapy, medication, or lifestyle changes such as establishing an established sleep schedule and ensuring that you have a healthy sleeping routine.
3. Time Management Problems
Girls with ADHD might find it difficult to manage their relationships and lives as they grow older. They can be difficult to detect particularly when their symptoms are mostly inattention.
They forget important dates, like birthdays or events. They also forget their routines and schedules, making it more difficult to get out of the house on time for work or school. They may even lose or misplace their wallets, keys, or eyeglasses.
ADHD symptoms are not always apparent. They can be exacerbated by stress or mental health issues or physical illness. That's why it's crucial to talk to your doctor about any issues you're having. They may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help you change the way you think about your negative thoughts and actions and develop healthier strategies for coping. Verywell Health notes that gender is a person's internal self-perception, whereas sex is biology.
4. It is difficult to stay organized
Inattention-related symptoms can affect your work and school life with issues such as forgetfulness and difficulties keeping track of tasks. Inattention can also lead you to lose things or miss important events, and create problems 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 to sit and wait your turn in conversations or at work. Insanity can lead to rash decisions, risk-taking or a tendency for interruptions.
Women may feel pressured to be 'perfect' in balancing work and family as well as being punctual and organised, and a range of other demands. This can lead to anxiety and stress that could exacerbate symptoms of ADHD which can cause them to go undiagnosed or under-treated. The symptoms can also become more severe during menopause. This can cause low confidence and relationship problems.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
Women and girls with ADHD may have difficulty concentration. This can cause issues at work or in school, and can even cause difficulties in forming relationships. It can be difficult to keep up with everyday tasks such as dressing up or remembering to take medications and health checks.
Women who suffer from ADHD often develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms so others may not notice that they struggle to stay on track or forgetting things. These coping strategies can include healthy practices like setting up reminders on their phone or sticking to a schedule. They can also include unhealthy behaviors, such as excessive alcohol and substance use.
The severity of ADHD symptoms can vary and it is crucial that those suffering from ADHD discuss their concerns with their physician. According to the CDC there three levels of severity which are: mild (fewer that six symptoms that cause minor impairments in social or workplace settings), moderate, and severe.
6. Multitasking can be difficult.
Women suffering from ADHD often feel pressured to live up to social expectations, including looking after children, maintaining a happy relationship and running a home. It can be difficult to manage when ADHD symptoms make it difficult to be organized, punctual and effective.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity can heighten the frustrations and conflicts between friends, partners and family. They can also affect work or study habits and cause underperformance.
signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults can result in anxiety and low self-esteem which can lead to co-existing mental health conditions like depression. Additionally an undiagnosed ADHD can affect relationships and lead to feeling unfulfilled in both the workplace and at home. Fortunately, the right support can help. You can overcome these issues by using coping strategies like a daily routine or reminders. You can also talk to your school or employer about accommodations that might aid you to manage your symptoms. Joining a women's ADHD support group could help you connect with others who have the disorder and share strategies for managing it.
7. Problems with Controlling Attention
One of the main symptoms of ADHD is an inability to pay attention to small things. This manifests in a variety of ways, from not reading the fine details of a contract to making frequent mistakes at work or in school.
Women who are not attentive ADHD may have trouble following the routine or keeping track of responsibilities. This can lead to issues like not paying their bills or not making appointments. They may also have trouble staying quiet or refraining from interrupting other people.
In addition, women with inattention ADHD may be more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety and have trouble maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships. They are more likely to begin sexual activity 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. Women can have similar problems and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
8. Difficulty Staying Calm
ADHD symptoms can increase feelings of anger and frustration. It's easy for those who aren't aware of the condition to misunderstand these feelings. Women should be aware of the signs and seek help before they become serious emotional problems.
If you are always forgetting appointments or showing up late for meetings at work, it can cause conflict with your coworkers or your employer. This can also cause miscommunications between friends and family. You may find yourself inadvertently uttering words that hurt other people's feelings even if you weren't intending 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 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. Women can also have other symptoms in addition to the inattentive type.
9. Making Friends is difficult
Women with ADHD may find it difficult to maintain and make new acquaintances. Their forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can lead to miscommunications and conflicts with family members and friends. They may also have trouble with emotional dysregulation, which makes it difficult to manage their moods. This symptom can make them feel rejected, misunderstood, or even anxious, and it could have a negative impact on their self-esteem.
People who suffer from ADHD frequently miss social cues such as rolled-eyes and loud grunts. 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 issues since depression can cause more ADHD symptoms. This can make it more difficult for others to see that they are struggling with the disorder, and it can delay the diagnosis. Many people suffering from ADHD report that their quality of life improves after they've been diagnosed.