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, masking behaviors, 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 result in being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment.
1. Insufficient Focus
Many people with ADHD struggle to focus or stay on task. This can cause issues at work or school, such as forgetting chores or homework, or avoiding important meetings. It can also lead to emotional issues, like mood fluctuations or a lack of self-esteem.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms are usually less obvious which makes them harder to diagnose. It is possible that you appear to not be paying to what others are saying (you might be unable to focus or display a a "thousand-yard stare"). It can be difficult to complete tasks that require concentration, like writing a report or doing paperwork.
Regular exercise can improve your ability to concentrate and organization. Try taking a walk every day, taking part in an exercise class with a group, or swimming or cycling. Limiting your intake of caffeine can help reduce the negative effects that certain ADHD medications can cause.
2. Problems in Making Decisions
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to make decisions and follow through with the actions that result from them. They may also have trouble staying calm and avoiding impulsive behaviors, which can cause difficulties 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 example, some women with ADHD may have trouble sitting still or being able to focus on tasks that require their full attention, and they might be prone to losing things or forgetting important dates.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are less apparent in women, they are frequently misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. However, ADHD symptoms adults of adult ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women who finally get the help they require. Therapists can provide advice and support for managing the condition. They might suggest a mix of treatments, such as psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes such as establishing an ongoing sleep routine and practicing good sleep hygiene.
3. Problems with Time Management
Girls who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to manage their lives and relationships as they age. They may be difficult to detect and, in particular, when their symptoms are predominantly inattentive.
They are unable to remember important events, like meetings or birthdays. They lose the track of their routines as well as schedules making it difficult to leave on time for school or work. They may even lose or lose their keys, wallets, or glasses.
ADHD symptoms are not always apparent. They can be made worse by stress or mental health issues or physical illnesses. This is why it's important to talk to your doctor about any issues you're experiencing. They might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to help you change the way you think about your negative thoughts and behaviors, and develop healthier strategies for coping. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, while gender is a person's internal identity, whether they're either male or female at birth, are intersex, or don't fit into the gender binary.
4. Difficulty Staying Organized
Symptoms of inattention can affect your work and school life such as forgetfulness and difficulty following through on tasks. 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 can also manifest as an inability to wait for your turn during conversations or in the workplace as well as an inability to understand the boundaries of social interactions. Impulsivity can lead to impulsive decisions, taking risks or a tendency interrupt others.
Women may feel pressured to be perfect in balancing work and family as well as being punctual and organised and many other demands. This can lead to stress and anxiety, which could exacerbate symptoms of ADHD which can cause them to be undiagnosed or not treated. In addition, symptoms may get worse during menopausal cycles. This can lead to low confidence and relationship problems.
5. Trouble Concentrating
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can struggle with being able to focus. This can lead to issues at work or school and create difficulties in forming relationships. It can also be difficult to manage daily chores like dressing or remembering to take medications and health care checkups.
Women suffering from ADHD develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to notice that they have difficulty staying focus or forgetting important details. These strategies for coping can include healthy habits like setting up reminders on their phones or following a set schedule. These coping strategies can also include unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or use of substances.
Symptoms of ADHD are not always the same and it's crucial for those suffering from ADHD to talk about their concerns with a medical professional. According to the CDC, there are three levels of severity which are mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minimal impairment in social or work situations), moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking can be difficult.
Women suffering from ADHD are often under pressure to live up to societal expectations. This means taking care of children, maintaining relationships and running the household. It can be difficult to manage if ADHD symptoms make it hard for them to be organised and punctual. They also have a hard time being effective.
Inattention and forgetfulness can result in misunderstandings and frustrations between family members, partners, and even friends. They can also interfere in studies or work habits and lead to underachievement.
This can cause depression and anxiety, which can contribute to coexisting disorders like depression. Undiagnosed ADHD can also impact relationships and cause a lack of satisfaction at home and at work. Fortunately, the right support can help. You can overcome these difficulties with strategies for coping such as a daily routine or reminders. You can also ask your employer or school about accommodations that might aid you to manage your symptoms. Joining a women's ADHD support group can also aid in connecting with others who have the disorder and share strategies to manage it.
7. Attention Management Issues
One of the main symptoms of ADHD is an inability to pay attention to minute aspects. This can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from not being able to read the fine details of a contract to making repeated errors at work or in school.
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble following the routine or keeping track of responsibilities. This can lead to issues such as not paying their bills or missing appointments. They may also have trouble staying still or avoiding interrupting other people.
Additionally, women with inattention ADHD may be more prone to develop anxiety or depression and may have trouble maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships. They are more likely to begin sexual activities at a younger and more 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 experience similar problems and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
8. Difficulty Staying Calm
ADHD symptoms can trigger feelings of anger and frustration. People who are unaware of the condition may misunderstand the emotions. It is crucial for women to recognise these symptoms and seek treatment before they turn into severe emotional issues.
For example, if you're constantly forgetting appointments or running late for work, this can cause conflicts with your coworkers or employer. It could also cause confusion with family and friends members. You may accidentally make comments that hurt others' feelings even if you weren't intending to.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must have 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 may also experience other symptoms in addition to the inattentive type.
9. Difficulty Making Friends
Women who have ADHD can struggle to make and keep friends. Their forgetfulness and impulsiveness can result in miscommunications with family and friends. They might also be struggling with emotional dysregulation, making it difficult to manage their moods. This symptom may make them feel anxious, devalued or confused. It can affect negatively on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD can often miss social cues like eyes that roll or uncontrollable smiles. This can lead people to believe that their friends don't want to hang out or that they're not paying attention to them.
Women can also struggle with interpersonal issues because they are more likely to suffer from depression, which can increase their ADHD symptoms. This can make it harder for others to notice that they are struggling with the disorder, and can delay a diagnosis. Many people suffering from ADHD claim that their standard of living improves once they're diagnosed.