Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until the age of adulthood. This is due to lingering stereotypes, referral biases and masking behaviors, comorbidities and 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 result in undiagnosed symptoms and delayed treatment.
1. Lack of Focus
Many people with ADHD struggle to concentrate or stay on task. This can lead to issues at school or work, such as not attending important meetings or forgetting to do homework or chores. It can also lead to emotional difficulties, such as mood swings or a lack of self-esteem.
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD are typically more subtle and therefore difficult to identify and diagnose. It could appear as if you're not paying attention when other people are talking (you may be unable to focus or have what's referred to as a"thousand-yard stare"). You may find it difficult to finish tasks that require concentration such as making reports or writing paperwork.
Regular exercise will increase your ability to concentrate and organization. Try walking every day or participating in group fitness classes and cycling or swimming. It's also an excellent idea to reduce caffeine intake, since it can increase the side effects of certain ADHD medications.
2. Difficulty Making Decisions
Women who suffer from ADHD have difficulty making decisions or executing their actions. They may also struggle with maintaining their calm and avoiding impulsive behaviors, which can cause problems at work and with 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 concentrating or sitting still or may forget important dates or misplace items.
Because the symptoms of ADHD can be more subtle in women, they are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. However, a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing moment for many women, who finally receive the help they require. A therapist can provide guidance and assistance to manage the condition. They may suggest a combination therapy such as medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes such as establishing an established sleep schedule and ensuring that you have a healthy sleeping routine.
3. Time Management Problems
As children with ADHD mature into adults, they might struggle to manage their lives and relationships without assistance. Their symptoms are often a bit under the radar, particularly if they're primarily inattentive or an amalgam of both.
They do not remember important dates, like birthdays or events. They also lose track of their schedules and routines, making it harder to get out the door on time for school or work. They might even lose or forget their keys, wallets, or eyeglasses.
Symptoms of ADHD aren't always clear-cut and they may be exacerbated by stress, other mental health conditions or physical illnesses. It is important to discuss any issues you might be having with your doctor. They may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help you change the way you think about your negative thoughts and behaviors, and develop healthier ways of coping. Verywell Health notes that gender is the internal self-perception of a person and sex is biological.
4. Difficulty staying organized
Inattention can cause problems at work and in school, such as difficulties with completing tasks and forgetfulness. It can also result in lost items or missing important events, as well as difficulties 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 could manifest as an inability to sit and wait your turn during conversations or at work. Impulsivity can lead to rash decisions, taking risks or a tendency for interruptions.
Women are often pressured to be "perfect" - to balance work and family be punctual and organized and meet other expectations. This can cause women to feel stressed and anxious and can worsen ADHD symptoms, causing them not to be diagnosed or treated. Additionally, symptoms can get worse during menopausal changes. ADHD symptoms female adults can result in lower confidence and relationship issues.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty being focused. This can lead to problems at school or at work, and even make it hard to form relationships. It isn't easy to remember to do routine tasks like dressing up, taking medications or attending health checks.
Women suffering from ADHD often develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms so others may not notice that they struggle to stay on track or ignoring things. These strategies of coping may include healthy habits like setting reminders on their mobile or sticking to a schedule. These coping mechanisms could also include unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol or substance use.
The symptoms of ADHD can be different in their severity and it's crucial for those suffering from ADHD to talk about their concerns with a physician. 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. Difficulty Multitasking
Women who suffer from ADHD are often under pressure to live up to society's expectations. This includes caring for children, maintaining relationships, and running the household. This can be difficult when their ADHD symptoms prevent them from being organised punctual, efficient and on time.
Inattention and forgetfulness can increase tensions and miscommunications between friends, partners and family. They can also affect studies or work habits that can cause underachievement and performance issues.
This can lead to anxiety and depression, which may contribute to coexisting mental health conditions like depression. Undiagnosed ADHD can also affect relationships and lead to a decrease in fulfillment at home and work. The right support can help. You can overcome these issues by employing strategies to cope like a routine for your day or reminders. You can inquire with your school or employer for accommodations that can help you manage your symptoms. You can also network with other women who have ADHD and learn to manage it by joining a women's ADHD group.
7. Attention Management Issues
The inability to pay close focus on the details is one of the main symptoms of ADHD. This can manifest in various ways, from not reading the fine details of a contract to making a lot of blunders at work or in school.
Women who are not attentive ADHD can have difficulty following the routine or keeping track of responsibilities. This can lead to issues like not paying their bills or ignoring 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 depression or anxiety, and may have difficulty maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships. They are also more likely to be sexually active at a younger age and be at risk of being pushed into unwanted or abusive sexual activity.
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 difficulties and should get an assessment from a health care professional.
8. Trouble in Keeping Calm
The symptoms of ADHD can intensify anger and frustration. People who are unaware of the disorder may not understand these feelings. It is crucial for women to be aware of these symptoms and seek treatment before they become severe emotional issues.
If you are constantly forgetting your appointments or showing up late for work meetings, it can cause conflicts with your colleagues or employer. This can also lead misunderstandings between family members and friends. You might end up inadvertently uttering words that hurt the feelings of others even though you weren't intending to do it.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must show at least six or more signs 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. In addition to the inattentive type, women may experience a combination of the other symptoms.
9. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with and make new friends. Their impulsiveness and forgetfulness could lead to misunderstandings with family members and friends. They might also be struggling with emotional dysregulation, making it hard to regulate their moods. This can cause them to feel anxious, devalued or misunderstood. It can affect negatively on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD are often unable to recognize social cues such as rolled-eyes and stifled grunts. They may think that their friends don't want in having fun with them or that they ignore them.
Women are also more likely to have interpersonal issues because depression can worsen ADHD symptoms. This can make it more difficult for others to recognize that they're suffering from the disorder, and can delay the diagnosis. Many people with ADHD say that their quality of life improves after they're diagnosed.