Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until the age of adulthood. This is due lingering stereotypes and referral biases, which cover up the comorbidities, behavior, 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 both to a delayed diagnosis and an incorrect diagnosis.
1. Lack of Focus
Many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty focusing or staying on task. This can lead to problems at work or school and can result in missing important meetings or forgetting to finish homework or other chores. This can cause emotional problems, like mood swings or a decrease in self-esteem.
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD are typically more subtle and can be difficult to identify and diagnose. It may appear that you're not paying attention when people are talking (you might zone out or have what is known as a'thousand-yard stare'). You may find it difficult to complete tasks that require focus like writing reports or doing paperwork.
Regular physical activity can help improve your ability to concentrate and stay organized. Try going for a walk every day, taking part in an exercise class for a group or going for a swim or cycling. Limiting caffeine may help to reduce the side effects that certain ADHD medications can cause.
2. Making decisions can be difficult
Women suffering from ADHD often have difficulty making decisions or carry out the actions that result from them. They may also struggle with staying calm and avoiding 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 instance, women with ADHD might experience trouble staying still or concentrating on tasks that require full attention, and they may be susceptible to losing things or forgetting important dates.
Women are often misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD aren't always obvious. The diagnosis of adult ADHD is a life-changing event for many women who finally receive the assistance they need. Therapists can provide guidance and support for managing the condition, and they might suggest a mix of treatments, such as medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes such as establishing an established routine for sleeping and practicing good sleep hygiene.
3. Time Management Problems
As children with ADHD grow into adults, they may have difficulty to manage their lives and relationships without assistance. They can be difficult to detect, especially when their symptoms are predominantly inattention.
They forget important events such as birthdays, meetings, or birthdays. They also forget their routines and schedules making it more difficult to get out of the house in time for school or work. They might also lose or lose their wallets, eyeglasses keys or wallets.
ADHD symptoms aren't always apparent. They can be worsened due to stress or mental health issues or physical ailments. This is why it's important to talk to your doctor about any issues you're having. They might suggest therapy, including cognitive behavior therapy to help you change your perspective on negative thoughts and behaviors and develop healthier coping strategies. Verywell Health notes that gender is the perception of a person's self while sex is a biological fact.
4. Difficulty staying organized
Symptoms of inattention can affect your school and work life such as forgetfulness and difficulty getting things done. Inattention can also cause 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). In addition, they could manifest as a failure to wait for your turn in meetings or at work. Impulsivity can lead to rash decisions, taking risks or a tendency to interrupt.
Women are often pressured to be "perfect" to be able to balance family and career, be punctual and organised and also meet other standards. This can lead to anxiety and stress, which can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD and cause them to go undiagnosed, or neglected. Additionally, symptoms can become worse during menopause. This can lead to low self-esteem and problems with relationships.
5. Trouble Concentrating
Women and girls with ADHD can struggle with being able to focus. This can cause problems at school or work and make it difficult to build relationships. It is often difficult to remember to do routine tasks like dressing up, taking medications or attending health care checks.
Women with ADHD frequently develop strategies to cope to hide their symptoms so that others don't notice that they struggle to stay on task or forgetting things. These coping strategies can include healthy habits like creating reminders on their phones or following a set schedule. They may also involve unhealthy habits, such as drinking excessively and using substances.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary in severity, and it's important for those suffering from ADHD to talk about their concerns with a physician. According to the CDC there three levels of severity which are: mild (fewer that six symptoms that cause minor difficulties in workplace or social environments), moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking can be difficult.
Women suffering from ADHD are often pressured to live up to societal expectations. This includes caring for children, maintaining relationships, and running the household. This can be a challenge if their ADHD symptoms hinder them from being organized, punctual and efficient.
Inattention and forgetfulness can cause misunderstandings and frustrations between family members, partners, and even between friends. They can also hinder the way you study or work and lead to underachievement.
This can result in low self-esteem and anxiety, which may contribute to mental health issues that coexist, such as depression. Undiagnosed ADHD may also affect relationships and result in a decrease in fulfillment at home and work. A good support system can be helpful. You can overcome these challenges with strategies for coping like a routine for your day or reminders. You can inquire with your employer or school about accommodations that can make it easier to manage your symptoms. You can also meet women who suffer from ADHD and learn to manage it by joining an online women's ADHD group.
7. Trouble managing attention
The inability to pay focus on the particulars is among the primary symptoms of ADHD. It can manifest in many ways, from not understanding the fine print on a contract to making frequent mistakes at work or school.
Women with inattentive ADHD may struggle to follow a routine or keep track of responsibilities at home or at work, which can lead to issues like missing appointments and forgetting to pay bills. They also find it difficult to remain quiet or refrain from interrupting others.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to experience depression or anxiety, and may have trouble maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships. They are more likely to start sexual activities 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 problems and should seek an assessment from a health specialist.
8. Difficulty Staying Calm
ADHD symptoms can cause feelings of anger and frustration. People who are unaware of the disorder may not understand these feelings. Women should recognize these symptoms and seek help before they become severe emotional issues.
For instance, if you're constantly ignoring appointments or arriving late for work, this can cause conflict with your boss or colleagues. It can also lead to misunderstandings with friends and family members. You might end up inadvertently uttering words that hurt other people's feelings even though you weren't trying to do so.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. To be diagnosed with one of these, you must have at least six or more symptoms that last for 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. In addition to the inattentive type, women can experience a mix of the other symptoms.
9. Making Friends is difficult
Women who have ADHD are often unable to form and maintain friendships. ADHD in adults symptoms women and forgetfulness can cause confusion 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 anxious, rejected, or not understood. adult ADHD symptoms can also have a negative impact on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD are often unable to discern social cues like eyes that roll or uncontrollable tears. This can lead them to believe that their peers do not want to hang out, or that they are dissing them.
Women are also more likely to suffer from problems with their relationships due to depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. This can make it more difficult for others to see that they're struggling with the disorder, and it can delay a diagnosis. However, many people with ADHD discover that once they are diagnosed and treated, their life quality improves.