Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach the age of adulthood. This is due to stereotypes that persist and referral biases that cover up behaviors, comorbidities, as well as 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 both to a delayed diagnosis and a misdiagnosis.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle with focusing or staying focused. This can lead to problems at work or school, such as missing important meetings or forgetting to do homework or chores. This can lead to emotional issues, like mood changes or a decrease in self-esteem.
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD are usually less obvious and therefore difficult to diagnose and recognize. You might appear to not pay to what others are talking about (you might zone-out or have the "thousand-yard stare"). It can be difficult to complete tasks requiring concentration, like writing a report or doing paperwork.
Regular physical activity can help improve your ability to concentrate and remain organized. Try going for a walk every day, taking part in a group fitness class or even cycling or swimming. It's also a good idea to limit caffeine, as it can increase the side effects of certain ADHD medications.
2. Making the right decision can be difficult.
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to make decisions and follow through with the actions that result from them. They may also have difficulty to maintain a calm disposition and avoid the impulsive behavior which can cause them 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 in sitting or concentrating, or they may forget important dates or lose things.
Women are often misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD are less apparent. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing experience for many women who receive the assistance they need. Therapists can provide advice and support for managing the condition, and they may suggest a combination of treatments, such as psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications such as creating an established routine for sleeping and practicing good sleep hygiene.
3. Time Management Problems
Girls who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty to manage their relationships and lives as they grow older. They can be difficult to spot and, in particular, when their symptoms are mostly inattentive.
They are unable to remember important events such as birthdays or meetings. They also forget their routines and schedules making it more difficult to get out the door in time for work or school. They might even lose or lose their wallets, eyeglasses keys or wallets.
The signs of ADHD aren't always easy to identify and can be exacerbated by stress, other mental health issues, or physical illness. This is why it's important to speak with your doctor about any issues you're experiencing. They may recommend therapy, including cognitive behavior therapy to help you change your perspective on negative thoughts and behaviors and develop better strategies for coping. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, and gender describes a person's internal identity, whether they're male or female at birth, are intersex or don't fall into the gender binary.
4. Difficulty Staying Organized
Inattention can lead to problems at work and in school, such as forgetfulness and difficulty completing tasks. It can also lead to lost items or missing important events, as well as difficulties 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). In addition, they can manifest as a failure to sit and wait your turn during conversations or at work. Impulsivity can result in hasty decisions, risk-taking, or a tendency to interrupt others.
Women are often put under pressure to be "perfect" to be able to balance family and career and be punctual, organised and meet other expectations. This can cause stress and anxiety, which may exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD and cause them to go undiagnosed, or neglected. Additionally, symptoms can get worse during menopausal cycles. This can cause lower self-esteem and issues with relationships.
5. It is difficult to concentrate
Women and girls with ADHD might have trouble focus. This can cause problems at work or in school and make it difficult to form relationships. It can be difficult to keep up with everyday chores like dressing or remembering to get medication and health checks.
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently develop strategies to cope to hide their symptoms so that people don't realize that they struggle to stay on track or forgetting things. These strategies of coping may include healthy practices like setting up reminders on their phones or following a set schedule. They can also include unhealthy habits, such as excessive alcohol and substance use.
The severity of ADHD symptoms can be different, and it is important that people with ADHD discuss their concerns with their doctor. According to the CDC there are three levels of severity: mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minimal impairment in social or work situations), moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking is difficult
Women with ADHD are often under pressure to fulfill social expectations, which includes taking care of children, maintaining a harmonious relationship, and running a home. This can be a challenge for those whose ADHD symptoms prevent them from being organized, punctual and efficient.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity can heighten the frustrations and conflicts with friends, partners, and family. They can also affect the way you study or work and result in underachieving.
This can lead to low self-esteem and anxiety which can lead to co-existing mental health conditions like depression. In addition that, undiagnosed ADHD can impact relationships and result in a lack of fulfilment in both the workplace and at home. The right support can help. You can use strategies to cope, such as a daily schedule or reminders, to conquer these challenges. You can also ask your employer or educational institution about any accommodations that can aid you to manage your symptoms. You can also connect with other women who have ADHD and learn how to manage it by joining an online women's ADHD group.
7. Trouble Managing Attention
One of the main symptoms of ADHD is an inability to pay attention to the smallest details. It can manifest in many ways, from not understanding the fine text of a contract, to making a lot of errors at work or in school.
Women who have inattention ADHD might have trouble following an orderly schedule 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 have difficulty staying still or avoiding interrupting other people.
In addition, women with inattention ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety and have trouble maintaining healthy, fulfilling 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. However, women may experience similar problems and should seek an assessment from a health care professional.
8. Difficulty Staying Calm
ADHD symptoms can cause feelings of frustration and rage. It's easy for people who don't have a clear understanding of the condition to misunderstand these emotions. It is crucial for women to recognise these symptoms and seek help before they become severe emotional issues.
If you're always forgetting appointments or showing up late for work meetings, it can lead to conflict with your co-workers or your employer. It could also cause misunderstandings with friends and family members. You could make mistakes and say things that hurt the feelings of others, even when you didn't mean to.
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 may also experience other symptoms in addition to the inattention type.
9. Making Friends is difficult
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty to keep their relationships and make new friends. Their impulsive and forgetfulness can lead to miscommunications and conflict with family and friends. People with emotional dysregulation might also have difficulty regulating their moods. signs and symptoms of add and ADHD in adults may make them feel anxious, devalued or not understood. It can affect negatively on their self-esteem.
People suffering from ADHD can often miss social cues, such as eyes that roll and stifled yawns. This can make them think that their peers aren't interested in hanging out with them or that they ignore them.
Women can also struggle dealing with interpersonal issues since they are more likely to experience depression, which can exacerbate their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to recognize that a person suffers from ADHD and delay the diagnosis. However, many people with ADHD discover that once they are diagnosed, their quality of life improves.