Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach 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 can lead to a delayed diagnosis and a misdiagnosis.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to focus or staying on task. This can cause issues at work or school like forgetting homework or chores or missing important meetings. This can lead to emotional problems, like mood changes or a decrease in self-esteem.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are often more subtle which makes them harder to recognize. You might appear to not pay to what others are talking about (you may be unable to focus or have a the "thousand-yard stare"). It can be difficult to finish tasks that require concentration, such as making reports or writing paperwork.
Regular physical activity will improve your ability to concentrate and organization. Try taking a daily walk, participating in group fitness classes, or going cycling or swimming. Limiting caffeine can also help to reduce the side effects that certain ADHD medications can cause.
2. Making the right decision can be difficult.
Women with ADHD often struggle to make decisions and follow through with the actions that result from them. They might also have difficulty to remain calm and avoid impulsive behavior, which can lead to problems 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 instance, women with ADHD may have trouble sitting still or being able to focus on tasks that require their complete attention. Additionally, they might be prone to losing things or forgetting important dates.
Women are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD aren't as evident. However, the diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing moment for women who finally get the help they need. A therapist will offer advice and help to manage the condition. They might suggest a combination treatment like psychotherapy, medication, or lifestyle changes like establishing an established sleep schedule and ensuring that you have a healthy sleeping routine.
3. Problems with Time Management
As children with ADHD grow into adults, they may have difficulty to manage their lives and relationships with no assistance. They can be difficult to detect and, in particular, when their symptoms are mostly inattention.
They forget important dates, such as birthdays or meetings. They lose track of their routines and schedules making it difficult to get up on time for work or school. They might also lose or lose their wallets, eyeglasses keys or wallets.
ADHD symptoms aren't always apparent. They can be made worse by stress, mental health issues, or physical illness. It's crucial to discuss any issues you may be having with your doctor. They may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy in order to help you reframe your negative thoughts and behaviors, and develop healthier ways of coping. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, while gender describes a person's internal sense of self, regardless of whether they're gender male or female from birth, or are intersex or don't fall into the gender binary.
4. Difficulty staying organized
Inattention can lead to problems at work or in school, like difficulties with completing tasks and forgetfulness. Inattention can cause you to misplace items or miss important events, and create 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). They can also manifest as a lack of patience for your turn during conversations or at work as well as the inability to comprehend the boundaries of social interactions. Insanity can lead to quick decisions, risk-taking, or a tendency to interrupt others.
Women are often under pressure to be "perfect" - to balance family and career be punctual and organized and also meet other standards. This can lead to anxiety and stress, which could exacerbate symptoms of ADHD, causing them to be undiagnosed or not treated. Additionally, symptoms can become worse during menopause. This can result in low self-esteem and problems with relationships.
5. Trouble Concentrating
Women and girls with ADHD may have difficulty focus. ADHD adult symptoms can lead to issues at school or work and make it difficult to build relationships. It isn't easy to remember to complete everyday tasks like getting dressed, taking medication or going to health check-ups.
Women with ADHD develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to notice that they are having trouble staying focused or avoiding important tasks. These strategies of coping may include healthy habits like creating reminders on their phones or following a set schedule. These coping mechanisms can include unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol or substance use.
The symptoms of ADHD can be different in their severity, and it's important for people with ADHD to discuss their concerns with a physician. According to the CDC There are three levels of severity: mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minimal impairment in work or social settings) moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking is difficult
Women who suffer from ADHD are often under pressure to live up to society's expectations. This includes taking care of children, maintaining a healthy relationship and managing a household. It can be challenging to manage if ADHD symptoms make it difficult to be organized, punctual and effective.
Inattention and forgetfulness can lead to frustrations and misunderstandings between family members, partners, and even friends. They can also hinder studies or work habits and lead to underachievement.
This can cause depression and anxiety, which can contribute to coexisting conditions like depression. Additionally an undiagnosed ADHD can impact relationships and lead to a lack of fulfilment at work and at home. A good support system can be helpful. You can utilize coping strategies like a daily schedule or reminders, to help overcome these difficulties. You can also ask your employer or school about any accommodations that can make it easier for you to manage your symptoms. You can also connect with other women with ADHD and learn to manage it by joining an online women's ADHD group.
7. Trouble Managing Attention
One of the most prominent signs of ADHD is an inability to pay attention to the smallest things. It can manifest in a variety of ways, from not understanding the fine text on a contract, to making frequent mistakes at work or in school.
Women with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty following the routine or manage their responsibilities at home or at work, leading to problems such as missing appointments and forgetting to pay bills. They also have a difficult time remaining quiet or refraining from interrupting others.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression, and may have trouble maintaining healthy, happy relationships. They are also more likely to become sexually active at an earlier age and are at risk of being pushed to engage in sexually abusive or unwanted activity.
Women with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are less likely to develop these symptoms, so it is harder for them to be diagnosed. However, women may experience similar difficulties and should get an evaluation from a medical healthcare professional.
8. Trouble in Keeping Calm
ADHD symptoms can cause feelings of anger and frustration. It's easy for those who don't know about the condition to misunderstand the emotions. It's important for women to be aware of these symptoms and seek treatment before they turn into severe emotional issues.
For instance, if constantly forgetting appointments or running late for work it could lead to conflicts with your boss or colleagues. It can also lead to confusion with family and friends members. You might end up accidentally blurting out things that hurt other people's feelings, even if you weren't trying to do so.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must have 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 in addition to the inattention type.
9. Making Friends is not easy.
Women suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with and make new acquaintances. Their impulsive and forgetfulness can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts with friends and family members. They might also struggle with emotional dysregulation, making it difficult to control their moods. This condition can cause them to feel secluded, misunderstood or anxious, and this can have a negative effect on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD are often unable to discern social cues like rolled eyes and stifled smiles. This can cause them to believe that their peers don't want to hang out or that they are not paying attention to them.
Women are also more likely to suffer from interpersonal issues due to depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. This can make it more difficult for others to recognize that they're struggling with the disorder, and it can delay the diagnosis. Many people suffering from ADHD claim that their standard of living improves once they're diagnosed.