Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. This is due to persistent stereotypes, referral biases 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 lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
1. Lack of Focus
Many people with ADHD struggle with being able to focus or remain focused. This can lead to issues at work or school like missing important meetings or forgetting to finish homework or other chores. This can lead to emotional problems, like mood changes or a loss of self-esteem.
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD are usually more subtle, which can make them harder to recognize and diagnose. You may seem like you're not paying attention when people are talking (you might be unable to concentrate or display what's known as a thousand-yard stare). You may find it difficult to complete tasks requiring concentration, like writing a report or completing paperwork.
Regular exercise can improve your ability to concentrate and remain organized. Try going for an everyday walk, joining a group fitness class or even cycling or swimming. Limiting your intake of caffeine can aid in reducing the side effects that certain ADHD medications can cause.
2. Problems in Making Decisions
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to make decisions or follow through on the actions that result from them. They may also find it hard to maintain a calm disposition and avoid impulsive behavior, which can cause them 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, some women with ADHD may have trouble staying still or concentrating on tasks that require their full attention, and they might be prone to losing things or forgetting important dates.
Women are often misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed since the signs of ADHD aren't always evident. However, a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing moment for many women, who finally receive the help they need. A therapist can offer advice and assistance in managing the condition. They may suggest a combination of treatments such as medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes such as establishing an ongoing sleep routine and ensuring that you have a good night's sleep.
3. Problems with Time Management
As children with ADHD become adults, they may struggle to manage their lives and relationships with no assistance. They can be difficult to identify particularly when their symptoms are mostly inattention.
They forget important events, like meetings or birthdays. They lose the track of their routines as well as schedules, which makes it difficult to leave on time for work or school. They might even lose or lose their wallets, eyeglasses, or keys.
The symptoms of ADHD aren't always obvious and they may be exacerbated by stress, other mental health issues or physical ailments. That's why it's crucial to talk with your doctor about any issues you're experiencing. They might recommend therapy, including cognitive behavior therapy to help you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors and develop better strategies for coping. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, while gender refers to a person's inner sense of self--whether they're assigned gender male or female from birth, are intersex, or don't fall into the gender binary.
4. Difficulty staying organized
Inattention can lead to problems at work or in school, including forgetfulness and difficulty completing tasks. Inattention can also cause you to misplace 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 a lack of patience for your turn in conversations or at work and an inability to understand the boundaries of social interaction. Impulsivity can lead to rash choices, risk-taking, or a tendency for interruptions.
Women are often pressured to be "perfect" to be able to balance work and family, be punctual and organised and also meet other standards. This can lead women to feel anxious and stressed and may exacerbate ADHD symptoms, which can cause them not to be diagnosed or treated. The symptoms may also get worse during menopausal. This can cause anxiety and relationships problems.
5. It is difficult to concentrate
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty focus. This can lead to problems at school or work and hinder the formation of relationships. It can be difficult to manage daily tasks such as dressing up or remembering to take medication and health checkups.
Women who suffer from ADHD have coping strategies to mask their symptoms. This allows other people 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 mobile or adhering to a routine. These coping strategies can also include unhealthy habits such as excessive drinking or drug use.
The symptoms of ADHD can be different in their severity and it's crucial for those suffering from ADHD to discuss their concerns with a physician. 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. Multitasking is difficult
Women with ADHD are often under pressure to live up to society's expectations. This includes caring for children, maintaining a healthy relationship and running a household. This can be difficult if their ADHD symptoms prevent them from being organised punctual, efficient and on time.
The impulsivity and forgetfulness of people can lead to tensions and miscommunications with friends, partners, and family members. They can also hinder studies or work habits that can cause underachievement and performance problems.
This can result in anxiety and low self-esteem which can lead to co-existing mental health conditions like depression. Undiagnosed ADHD can also impact relationships and lead to a decrease of fulfillment at home and work. Fortunately, the right help can aid. You can overcome these difficulties by employing strategies to cope such as a daily routine or reminders. symptoms of add and ADHD in adults can ask your school or employer about accommodations that can make it easier to manage your symptoms. You can also network with women who suffer from ADHD and learn how to manage it by joining a women's ADHD group.
7. Attention Management Problems
One of the primary symptoms of ADHD is the inability to pay attention to small aspects. This manifests itself in many ways, from not understanding the fine details of a contract to making repeated mistakes at work or school.
Women with inattention ADHD may struggle to follow an orderly schedule or keep track of responsibilities at home or at work, which can lead to problems such as missing appointments and forgetting to pay bills. They may also have difficulty to stay still or not interrupt others.
Additionally, women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to develop anxiety or depression and may have trouble maintaining healthy, satisfying relationships. They are also more likely to engage in sexual activity at a younger age and be at risk of being pushed into inappropriate or unwelcome sexual activities.
Women with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are less likely to develop these symptoms, so it is harder for them to be diagnosed. Still, women can experience similar difficulties and should get an assessment from a health specialist.
8. It is difficult to remain calm
Symptoms of ADHD can intensify feelings of anger and frustration. People who aren't aware of the condition might not be able to comprehend these feelings. Women should recognize these symptoms and seek assistance before they become grave emotional issues.
For example, if you're constantly forgetting appointments or running late for work it could lead to conflicts with your employer or co-workers. This can also lead misunderstandings between family and friends. You could make mistakes and make comments that hurt other people's feelings even though 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 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. Women may also experience other symptoms in addition to the inattentive type.
9. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with ADHD might find it difficult to keep up with and make new acquaintances. Their impulsiveness and forgetfulness could lead to misunderstandings with family and friends. People with emotional dysregulation might also have difficulty regulating their moods. This symptom may cause them to feel secluded, misunderstood or anxious, and this could have a negative impact on their self-esteem.
People who suffer from ADHD frequently miss social cues, such as rolled eyes and grunts that are stifled. They may think that their friends don't want in hanging out with them or that they aren't interested in them.
Women can also struggle dealing with interpersonal issues since they are more likely to suffer from depression, which can exacerbate their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to identify that a person suffers from ADHD, and may delay a proper diagnosis. Many people suffering from ADHD claim that their standard of life improves after they are diagnosed.