Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women who live with ADHD don't receive an diagnosis until they reach adulthood. This is due to lingering stereotypes and referral biases that cover up the comorbidities, behavior, 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 undiagnosed symptoms and delayed treatment.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people who suffer from ADHD struggle to focus and stay focused. This can cause problems at work or school like being late for important meetings or failing to finish homework or other chores. This can cause emotional issues, like mood changes or a decrease in self-esteem.
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD are typically more subtle and therefore difficult to identify and diagnose. You might appear to be not paying attention to what people are saying (you may be unable to focus or have a a "thousand-yard stare"). You may find it difficult to complete tasks that require focus like writing reports or doing paperwork.
Regular exercise can improve your concentration and organization. Try a daily stroll, joining an exercise class with a group, or swimming or cycling. It's also recommended to avoid caffeine intake, since it can increase the side effects of certain ADHD medications.
2. Trouble Making Decisions
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to make decisions or following through on their actions. They may also struggle with staying 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. Women with ADHD may have difficulty concentrating or sitting still, or they may forget important dates or misplace items.
Since the symptoms of ADHD can be less obvious in women, they are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed. The diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing experience for many women who receive the assistance they need. A therapist can provide advice and help to manage the disorder. They might suggest a combination of treatments like psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes like establishing a routine sleep schedule and ensuring good sleep hygiene.
3. Time Management Problems
As girls with ADHD grow into adults, they might struggle to manage their lives and relationships without assistance. The symptoms of ADHD often go under the radar, particularly if they're primarily inattentive or mixed between both types.
They do not remember important dates, like birthdays or meetings. They also forget their routines and schedules making it difficult to get out the door in time for work or school. They may even misplace or lose their wallets, eyeglasses keys or wallets.
The symptoms of ADHD aren't always clear-cut and they may be exacerbated by stress, other mental health conditions, or physical illness. It is important to discuss any issues you may be having with your doctor. They may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to help you reframe your negative thoughts and actions, and develop healthier strategies for coping. Verywell Health notes that gender is a person's internal self-perception while sex is a biological fact.
4. It is difficult to stay organized
Inattention can lead to problems at work and in school, such as forgetfulness and difficulty completing tasks. It can also lead to lost items or missing important events, and also 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). In addition, they can manifest as a failure for you to wait your turn in conversations or at work. Impulsivity can result in hasty decisions, taking risks or a tendency interrupt others.
Women are often pressured to be "perfect" to be able to balance family and career, be punctual and organised and also meet other standards. This can cause anxiety and stress that can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD and cause them to go undiagnosed, or neglected. In addition, symptoms could get worse during menopausal cycles. This can lead to lower confidence and relationship issues.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
Women and girls with ADHD might have trouble concentration. This can lead to problems at school or at work and can make it hard to form relationships. It is often difficult to remember to do daily tasks such as dressing, taking medication or attending health checks.
Women with ADHD often develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, so that people don't realize that they have trouble staying on track or forgetting things. These coping mechanisms could include healthy habits such as setting reminders on their phones or adhering to the same routine. These coping strategies can also include unhealthy habits such as excessive drinking or use of substances.
Symptoms of ADHD are not always the same, and it's important for people with ADHD to talk about their concerns with a doctor. According to the CDC, there are three levels of severity which are mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minor impairment in work or social settings) moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking is difficult
Women with ADHD are often under pressure to meet social expectations. This includes taking care of children, maintaining a relationship and running the household. This can be a challenge if their ADHD symptoms hinder them from being organised, punctual and efficient.
Inattention and forgetfulness can increase frustrations and misunderstandings with friends, partners, and family. They can also interfere in the way you study or work and result in underachieving.
This can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem which can cause coexisting disorders like depression. Undiagnosed ADHD can also impact relationships and result in a decrease of satisfaction at work and home. A good support system can be helpful. You can overcome these issues by using coping strategies such as a daily routine or reminders. You can also inquire with your employer or school about any accommodations that can make it easier for you to manage your symptoms. Utilizing an women's ADHD support group could assist you in connecting with other people who suffer from the condition and share advice for managing it.
7. Attention Management Problems
The inability to pay close attention to particulars is among the most prominent symptoms of ADHD. This manifests itself in a variety of ways, from failing to read the fine details of a contract to making a lot of mistakes at work or school.
Women with inattention ADHD might have trouble following an orderly schedule or keep track of their responsibilities at home or at work, which can lead to issues such as a lack of appointments and forgetting to pay bills. They also have a difficult time remaining at a distance or not interrupting other people.
Additionally, women with inattention ADHD are more likely to experience depression or anxiety and may have trouble maintaining healthy, satisfying relationships. severe ADHD symptoms adults are more likely to start sexual activities 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. Still, women can experience similar issues and should seek an evaluation from a medical care professional.
8. Difficulty staying calm
The symptoms of ADHD can intensify feelings of anger and frustration. It's easy for those who don't know about the condition to confuse these feelings. It's important for women to be aware of these symptoms and seek treatment before they turn into serious emotional problems.
If you're constantly forgetting your appointments or are late for meetings at work, it can cause conflict with your coworkers or employer. This could also cause misunderstandings between family members and friends. You might find yourself accidentally blurting out things that hurt other people's feelings even though you weren't trying to do so.
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 as well as the inattention type.
9. Making Friends is difficult
Women with ADHD can struggle to make and keep friendships. Their impulsiveness and forgetfulness could lead to misunderstandings with family and friends. Someone with a problem with emotional regulation may also struggle to regulate their moods. This can cause them to feel uneasy, resentful, or misunderstood. It can also have a negative effect on their self-esteem.
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to discern social cues, such as eyes that roll and suppressed yawns. This can lead people to believe that their friends aren't interested in hanging out or that they're not paying attention to them.
Women may also have difficulty with interpersonal problems because they are more likely to suffer from depression, which can exacerbate their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to see that they're struggling with the disorder, and can delay the diagnosis. Many people suffering from ADHD say that their quality of life improves once they are diagnosed.