Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach the age of adulthood. This is due in part to the lingering stereotypes, referral biases 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 to a delayed diagnosis as well as a misdiagnosis.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people with ADHD struggle to focus or staying on task. This can lead to problems at work or school like forgetting homework or chores or missing important meetings. This can cause emotional issues, like mood changes or a decline in self-esteem.
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD are typically more subtle and can be difficult to diagnose and recognize. It is possible that you appear to not pay to what others are talking about (you might be unable to focus or display a an "thousand-yard stare"). You might find it difficult to finish tasks that require focus, such as writing a report or filling out paperwork.
Regular exercise can improve your ability to focus and stay organized. Try walking every day or participating in group fitness classes and cycling or swimming. It's also a good idea to limit caffeine, as it can cause the adverse effects of certain ADHD medications.
2. Making decisions can be difficult
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to make decisions or follow through on the actions that result from them. They might also find it hard to stay calm and avoid the impulsive behavior which can lead to 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 ADHD adult symptoms , some women with ADHD may have difficulty being still or paying attention to tasks that require their full attention, and they might be prone to losing things or forgetting important dates.
Because the symptoms of ADHD can be more subtle in women, they are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. However, a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a transformative moment for women who finally receive the assistance they require. A therapist will offer advice and support to manage the condition. They might suggest a combination treatment like medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes such as establishing an established sleep schedule and ensuring good sleep hygiene.
3. Time Management Problems
Girls who suffer from ADHD may 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 prone to forget important dates, like birthdays or appointments. They also forget their schedules and routines, making it harder to get up on time for work or school. They could even lose or misplace their wallets, keys or glasses.
The symptoms of ADHD aren't always clear-cut and can be exacerbated by stress, mental health issues, or physical illness. That's why it's crucial to speak with your doctor about any issues you're experiencing. They might recommend therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to help you overcome negative thoughts and behavior and create better strategies for dealing with them. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, while gender refers to a person's inner sense of self--whether they're assigned male or female at birth, or are intersex or don't belong to the sex binary.
4. Difficulty staying organized
Inattention can lead to issues at work and at school, such as difficulties with completing tasks and forgetfulness. Inattention can also lead you to lose items 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). Additionally, they may manifest as a failure to wait for your turn during conversations or at work. Impulsivity can lead to reckless decisions, taking risks or a tendency for interruptions.
Women are often put under pressure to be "perfect" to be able to balance work and family life and be punctual, organised and also meet other standards. This can cause women to feel stressed and anxious, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, which can cause them to not be recognized or treated. The symptoms can also become more severe during menopause. This can lead to low confidence and relationship problems.
5. It is difficult to concentrate
Women and girls with ADHD may have difficulty being focused. This can cause problems at school or work and can make it difficult to build relationships. It can be difficult to manage daily tasks like getting dressed or remembering to get medication and health care checkups.
Women who suffer from ADHD develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This allows others not to realize that they are having trouble staying focused or forgetting important things. These strategies of coping may include healthy habits like setting reminders on their phone or sticking to a schedule. These coping mechanisms could also include unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or drug use.
The symptoms of ADHD are not always the same and it's crucial for people with ADHD to discuss 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 social or work situations), moderate and severe.
6. Difficulty Multitasking
Women with ADHD often feel pressure to meet societal expectations, including looking after children, maintaining a harmonious family and home. It can be challenging to manage if ADHD symptoms make it difficult to stay organized efficient, punctual and reliable.
Inattention and forgetfulness can cause misunderstandings and frustrations between partners, family members and even friends. They can also affect work or study habits that can cause underachievement and performance problems.
This can cause anxiety and low self-esteem, which can lead to co-existing disorders like depression. In addition an undiagnosed ADHD can affect relationships and result in feeling unfulfilled at work and the home. The right help can make a difference. You can use coping strategies like a daily schedule or reminders, to help overcome these challenges. You can also ask your employer or educational institution for accommodations that could help you to manage your symptoms. You can also connect with women who suffer from ADHD and learn how to manage it by joining a women's ADHD group.
7. Attention Management Issues
One of the primary symptoms of ADHD is an inability to pay attention to small things. It can manifest in a variety of ways, from not being able to read the fine print of a contract or making repeated errors at work or in school.
Women with inattentive ADHD are often unable to follow a routine, or keeping track of their responsibilities. This can lead to issues like not paying their bills or not making appointments. They also have a difficult time remaining at a distance or not interrupting others.
Additionally, women with inattentive ADHD may be more prone to experience depression or anxiety and may have trouble maintaining healthy, satisfying relationships. They are more likely to begin sexual activity at a later 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 may also experience similar issues and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
8. Difficulty staying calm
The symptoms of ADHD can trigger anger and frustration. People who are unaware of the disorder may not understand the emotions. It's crucial for women to recognise these symptoms and seek treatment before they turn into serious emotional issues.
For instance, if you're constantly ignoring appointments or arriving late for work, this can cause conflicts with your boss or colleagues. This can also lead misunderstandings between friends and family. You could make mistakes and say things that hurt others' feelings even if you weren't intending to.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. To be diagnosed with one of these, you need to have six or more symptoms lasting at minimum six months. 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 isn't easy.
Women suffering from ADHD might find it difficult to maintain and make new friends. Their forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can cause misunderstandings and conflict with family members and friends. Someone with a problem with emotional regulation may also struggle to regulate their moods. This symptom may make them feel uneasy, resentful, or not understood. It could also have a negative effect on their self-esteem.
People suffering from ADHD can often miss social cues, such as eyes that roll and suppressed yawns. They may think that their friends aren't interested in spending time with them, or that they don't care about them.
Women are also more likely to suffer from interpersonal difficulties since depression can cause more ADHD symptoms. This can make it harder for others to notice that they are struggling with the disorder, and can delay the diagnosis. However, many who suffer from ADHD find that once they get diagnosed, their quality of life improves.