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 persistent stereotypes, referral biases and 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 can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people with ADHD have difficulty focusing or staying focused. This can lead to problems at school or work and can result in being late for important meetings or failing to finish homework or other chores. This can cause emotional issues, like mood swings or a decline in self-esteem.
The signs of inattentive-type ADHD are usually less obvious and can be difficult to identify and diagnose. It could appear as if you're not paying attention when people are talking (you might zone out or have what is known as a'thousand-yard stare'). You might find it difficult to complete tasks that require focus, such as writing a report or doing paperwork.
Regular physical activity can help improve your ability to concentrate and remain organized. Try going for a walk every day, taking part in a group fitness class or even cycling or swimming. Limiting caffeine can also help reduce the negative effects that certain ADHD medications can cause.
2. Trouble Making Decisions
Women with ADHD are unable 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. For instance, some women with ADHD might experience trouble being still or being able to focus on tasks that require full attention. They might be prone to losing things or forgetting important dates.
Women are often misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed as the symptoms of ADHD aren't as evident. However, the diagnosis of adult ADHD could be a life-changing moment for many women, who finally receive the help they require. Therapists can provide advice and help in managing the condition. They might suggest a mix of treatments like psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as establishing a regular sleep routine and practicing good sleep hygiene.
3. Time Management Problems
As children with ADHD become adults, they might struggle to manage their lives and relationships without help. They can be difficult to identify, especially when their symptoms are predominantly inattention.
They are prone to forget important dates, such as birthdays or events. They lose the track of their routines as well as schedules making it difficult to get up on time for work or school. They might even lose or lose their wallets, eyeglasses keys, or wallets.
The symptoms of ADHD aren't always obvious, and they can be worsened by stress, other mental health issues or physical ailments. It's crucial to discuss any issues you might be experiencing with your doctor. They may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy in order to help you overcome your negative thoughts and actions and develop healthier ways of coping. Verywell Health notes that gender is the perception of a person's self while sex is a biological fact.
4. Difficulty Staying Organized
Inattention can cause problems at work or in school, like forgetfulness and difficulty completing tasks. It can also lead to misplaced 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 could be characterized by an inability to wait for your turn in meetings or at work. Impulsivity can lead to impulsive decisions, taking risks, or a tendency to interrupt others.
Women can feel under pressure to perform flawlessly in balancing work and family, being punctual and organised and many other expectations. This can lead to anxiety and stress that could exacerbate symptoms of ADHD which can cause them to go undiagnosed, or neglected. In addition, symptoms may become worse during menopause. This can cause lower confidence and relationship issues.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
Women and girls with ADHD are often challenged to be capable of focusing. This can lead to problems at school or at work, and even make it hard to form relationships. It can be difficult to manage daily tasks such as dressing up or remembering to take medications and 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 ignoring things. These coping strategies could include healthy habits like setting reminders on their phones or adhering to a routine. These coping strategies can also include unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or use of substances.
The severity of ADHD symptoms can be different and it is crucial that those suffering from ADHD discuss their concerns with their doctor. According to the CDC there are three severity levels which are: mild (fewer that six symptoms that cause minor difficulties in workplace or social environments), 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 a healthy relationship, and running a household. It can be challenging to manage if ADHD symptoms make it difficult to be organized efficient, punctual and reliable.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity can heighten tensions and miscommunications with partners, friends, and family. They can also interfere in the way you study or work and lead to underachievement.
This can cause anxiety and depression which can lead to mental health issues that coexist like depression. In addition that, undiagnosed ADHD can affect relationships and result in feeling unfulfilled at work and the home. Fortunately, the right help can aid. You can use strategies to cope like a daily schedule or reminders, to help overcome these difficulties. You can also inquire with your employer or educational institution for accommodations that could help you to manage your symptoms. You can also network with other women who have ADHD and learn how to manage it by joining an women's ADHD group.
7. Attention Management Problems
One of the primary symptoms of ADHD is an inability to pay attention to the smallest things. This can manifest in various ways, from not reading the fine text on a contract, to making frequent mistakes at work or in school.
signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults with inattentive ADHD may have trouble following routines, or keeping track of responsibilities. This can lead to problems like forgetting to pay their bills or ignoring appointments. They may also find it difficult to remain still or not interrupt other people.
In addition, women with inattention ADHD may be more prone to experience depression or anxiety and may have trouble maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships. They are also more likely to be sexually active at an earlier 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. Women can have similar problems and should be evaluated by a health professional.
8. Difficulty staying calm
ADHD symptoms can cause feelings of anger and frustration. People who are not aware of the disorder may not understand the emotions. Women should be aware of the signs and seek help before they escalate to grave emotional issues.
If you're frequently forgetting appointments or showing up late for meetings at work, it can cause conflicts with your colleagues or your employer. This could also cause misunderstandings between family members and friends. You could make mistakes and say things that hurt other people's feelings even if you didn't mean to.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must have at least six or more signs for a minimum of 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 may also experience other symptoms in addition to the inattentive type.
9. Trouble Making Friends
Women who have ADHD can struggle to make and keep friends. Their impulsivity and forgetfulness can cause confusion between family and friends. People with emotional dysregulation may also struggle to regulate their moods. This symptom may cause them to feel unloved, unappreciated, or anxious, and it can have a negative effect on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD tend to miss social cues, like eyes that roll and stifled yawns. This can cause people to believe that their friends do not want to hang out or that they're ignoring them.
Women may also have difficulty with interpersonal problems because they are more likely to experience depression, which can worsen their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to see that they're struggling with the disorder, and can delay a diagnosis. However, many people with ADHD find that once they get diagnosed their quality of life improves.