Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women who live with ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood. This is due in part to the lingering stereotypes, referral bias and masking behaviors as well as 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 underdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people who suffer from ADHD struggle with being able to focus and remain focused. This can cause issues at school or work like forgetting homework or chores, or missing important meetings. This can cause emotional issues, like mood swings or a decrease in self-esteem.
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD are usually more subtle, which can make them harder to recognize and diagnose. ADHD symptoms in adults males may appear that you're not paying attention when others are talking (you might be unable to concentrate or have what's referred to as a'thousand-yard stare'). You may find it difficult to finish 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 taking a daily walk, participating in fitness classes with other people and swimming or cycling. It's also a good idea to limit caffeine, as it can cause a rise in the side effects of certain ADHD medications.
2. Making decisions can be difficult
Women with ADHD are unable to make decisions or following through on their actions. They may also have difficulty maintaining their 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. Some women with ADHD may have difficulty staying focused or sitting for long periods, or they may forget important dates or lose things.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are less apparent in women, they are frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. However, the diagnosis of adult ADHD could be a life-changing experience for women who finally get the help they require. A therapist can offer advice and assistance in managing the condition, and they might suggest a mix of treatments such as medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes such as establishing a regular sleep routine and ensuring good sleep hygiene.
3. Time Management Problems
Girls with ADHD might have difficulty to manage their relationships and lives as they age. The symptoms of ADHD often go under the radar, especially if they're primarily inattentive or a mix of both types.
They do not remember important dates, like birthdays or meetings. They lose the track of their routines as well as schedules and find it difficult to leave on time for work or school. They may even lose or forget their keys, wallets, or glasses.
The signs of ADHD aren't always clear-cut and can be exacerbated by stress, mental health conditions or physical ailments. It is important to discuss any issues you may be experiencing with your doctor. They might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to help you overcome your negative thoughts and actions, and develop healthier strategies for coping. Verywell Health notes that gender is the perception of a person's self, whereas sex is biology.
4. It is difficult to stay organized
Inattention can cause problems at work or in school, like inattention and difficulty with tasks. Inattention can cause you to lose items or miss important events. It can also cause issues 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 in conversations or in the workplace, with the inability to comprehend social boundaries. Impulsivity can result in hasty decisions, risk-taking or a tendency interrupt others.
Women are often under pressure to be perfect - balancing family and career and being punctual and organized and many other expectations. This can cause anxiety and stress, which could exacerbate symptoms of ADHD which can cause them to go undiagnosed or under-treated. The symptoms may also get worse when menopausal. This can lead to lower confidence and relationship issues.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
Women and girls with ADHD may have difficulty focus. This can cause problems at school or work and make it difficult to form relationships. It can be difficult to keep up with daily tasks such as dressing up or remembering to get medication and health checkups.
Women suffering from ADHD often develop strategies for coping to disguise their symptoms, so others may not notice that they have trouble staying on task or forgetting things. These strategies of coping may include healthy practices like setting reminders on their phones or following a set schedule. These coping mechanisms can include unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or drug use.
Symptoms of ADHD can be different in their severity and it's essential for people with ADHD to discuss their concerns with a physician. According to the CDC there are three severity levels which are: mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minor impairments in work or social situations) moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking is difficult
Women with ADHD are often pressured to live up to societal expectations. This means taking care of children, maintaining a healthy relationship and running a household. It can be challenging to manage if ADHD symptoms make it difficult for them to be organised, punctual and effective.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity may lead to frustrations and misunderstandings between partners, family members and even friends. They can also affect studies or work habits and cause underperformance.
This can lead to anxiety and depression, which may contribute to coexisting mental health conditions, such as depression. In addition, undiagnosed ADHD can affect relationships and result in feeling unfulfilled at work and at home. The right help can make a difference. You can employ strategies for coping, such as an agenda for the day or reminders, to conquer these challenges. You can talk to your employer or school about accommodations that can aid in managing your symptoms. You can also meet other women who have ADHD and learn to manage it by joining an women's ADHD group.
7. Problems with managing attention
Inability to pay attention to the finer details is one of the main symptoms of ADHD. This manifests in a variety of ways, from not reading the fine details of a contract to repeatedly making careless mistakes at work or school.
Women with inattentive ADHD may struggle to follow the routine 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 may also have trouble staying still or avoiding interrupting others.
Additionally, women who suffer from inattentive ADHD are more likely to develop anxiety or depression and have difficulty maintaining healthy, satisfying relationships. They are more likely to begin sexual activity 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. Yet, women can face similar issues and should seek an evaluation from a health care professional.
8. Trouble in Keeping Calm
ADHD symptoms can increase feelings of frustration and rage. It's easy for those who aren't aware of the condition to confuse the emotions. It's crucial for women to recognise these symptoms and seek treatment before they escalate into serious emotional issues.
For instance, if always forgetting appointments or being late for work meetings, this can cause conflicts with your employer or co-workers. It can also cause confusion with family and friends members. You might make a mistake and say things that hurt other people's feelings, even when you weren't intending to.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must exhibit six or more symptoms for at least 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. In addition to the inattentive subtype, women can experience a mix of other symptoms.
9. Making Friends is not easy.
Women with ADHD may have difficulty forming and keep friends. Their forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can cause misunderstandings and conflict with family members and friends. People with emotional dysregulation might also have difficulty regulating their moods. This symptom may make them feel anxious, rejected, or confused. It can also have a negative impact on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD are often unable to recognize social cues such as rolled-eyes and stifled grunts. This can make them think that their friends don't want in hanging out with them or that they aren't interested in them.
Women are also more likely to suffer from interpersonal issues because depression can worsen ADHD symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to understand the fact that someone is suffering from ADHD and delay a proper diagnosis. However, many people who suffer from ADHD find that once diagnosed their quality of life improves.