Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. This is due in part to the lingering stereotypes, referral biases and masking behaviors and 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 an incorrect diagnosis.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to focus or staying focused. This can lead to problems at school or work, such as forgetting homework or chores, or missing important meetings. It can also lead to emotional difficulties, such as mood swings or a lack of self-esteem.
The signs of inattentive-type ADHD are usually less obvious and can be harder to recognize and diagnose. It could appear as if you're not paying attention when other people are talking (you may be unable to focus or have what's referred to as a"thousand-yard stare"). You may find it difficult to complete tasks that require focus, such as writing reports or doing paperwork.
Regular exercise will increase your ability for concentration and organization. Try taking a daily walk, participating in fitness classes for groups or cycling or swimming. It's also an excellent idea to reduce caffeine consumption, as it may cause a rise in the side effects of certain ADHD medications.
2. Difficulty Making Decisions
Women with ADHD are unable to make decisions or executing their actions. They may also have difficulty keeping their cool and avoiding impulse-driven behaviors, which can cause 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. Some women with ADHD might have trouble concentrating or sitting still, or they may forget important dates or lose things.
Because the signs of ADHD are less apparent in women, they're often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. However, the diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a transformative moment for many women, who finally get the help they need. Therapists can offer guidance and assistance to manage the disorder. They might suggest a combination treatment like medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes like establishing regular sleep routines and ensuring good sleep hygiene.
3. Problems with Time Management
As girls with ADHD mature into adults, they may struggle to manage their lives and relationships with no help. Their symptoms are often a bit under the radar, particularly when they're inattention-focused or a mix of both types.
They can forget important dates such as birthdays or meetings. They also forget their schedules and routines, making it difficult to get out the door in time for work or school. They may even misplace or lose their wallets, glasses, or keys.
ADHD symptoms are not always apparent. They can be exacerbated by stress, mental health issues, or physical ailments. This is why it's important to talk with your doctor about any problems you're having. They may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy in order to help you reframe your negative thoughts and behaviors and develop better coping mechanisms. Verywell Health notes that gender is a person's internal self-perception and sex is biological.
4. Trouble Keeping Organized
Inattention can cause issues at work and at school, like inattention and difficulty with tasks. It could also cause 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 could manifest as a failure to wait for your turn in meetings or at work. Impulsivity can lead to impulsive decisions, risk-taking, or a tendency to interrupt others.
Women are often under pressure to be perfect in balancing work and family, being punctual and organised, and a range of other expectations. This can lead to anxiety and stress, which can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD which can cause them to go undiagnosed, or neglected. Symptoms may also worsen during menopause. This can cause feelings of self-doubt and difficulties in relationships.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
Girls and women with ADHD might have trouble focusing. This can lead to issues at school or work and make it difficult to build relationships. It can be difficult to remember to do routine tasks like dressing, taking medication or going to health check-ups.
Women suffering from ADHD have coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. This allows others not to be aware that they are having trouble staying focused or forgetting important things. These strategies for coping can include healthy habits such as setting reminders on their phones or sticking to a schedule. These coping mechanisms could also include unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or use of substances.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary in severity, and it's important for those suffering from ADHD to talk about their concerns with a medical professional. According to the CDC, there are three levels of severity: mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minimal impairment in work or social situations) moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking is difficult
Women with ADHD are often under pressure to fulfill social expectations, including looking after children, maintaining a healthy relationship and running a home. This can be challenging for those whose ADHD symptoms hinder them from being organised punctual, efficient and on time.
The impulsivity and forgetfulness of people can lead to frustrations and misunderstandings between friends, partners and family members. They can also hinder studies or work habits that can cause underachievement and performance issues.
This can lead to low self-esteem and anxiety, which may contribute to co-existing mental health conditions, such as depression. Additionally an undiagnosed ADHD can affect relationships and cause a lack of fulfilment at work and at home. The right support can help. You can overcome these challenges by employing strategies to cope like a routine for your day or reminders. adult male ADHD symptoms can inquire with your school or employer about accommodations that may make it easier to manage your symptoms. You can also connect with other women who have ADHD and learn to manage it by joining an online women's ADHD group.
7. Trouble Controlling Attention
One of the most prominent signs of ADHD is an inability to pay attention to the smallest aspects. This manifests in a variety of ways, from not reading the fine print on a contract to making a lot of blunders at work or school.
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble following the routine or keeping track of their responsibilities. This can lead to issues like not paying their bills or missing appointments. They may also have difficulty to be still or not interrupt others.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to experience depression or anxiety, and may have difficulty maintaining fulfilling, healthy relationships. They are also more likely to be sexually active at an earlier age and are at risk of being pressured 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. Women can experience similar problems and should be assessed by a health professional.
8. It is difficult to remain calm
The symptoms of ADHD can heighten feelings of frustration and anger. People who are not aware of the condition may misunderstand these feelings. It is crucial for women to recognize these symptoms and seek treatment before they escalate into severe emotional issues.
If you're constantly forgetting your appointments or showing up late for meetings at work, it can cause conflict with your co-workers or employer. It could also cause miscommunications with family members and friends members. You may accidentally make comments that hurt the feelings of others even if you didn't mean to.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must show at least six 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. In addition to the inattentive subtype women can also experience a combination of other symptoms.
9. Making Friends isn't easy.
Women with ADHD are often unable to form and keep friends. Their impulsive and forgetfulness can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts with family and friends. They may also have trouble with emotional dysregulation, making it difficult to control their moods. This symptom can make them feel unloved, unappreciated, or anxious, and it can have a negative impact on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD are often unable to discern social cues, such as eyes that roll and uncontrollable tears. This can lead them to believe that their peers do not want to hang out or that they are dissing them.
Women may also have difficulty with interpersonal problems because they are more likely to experience depression, which can worsen their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to see that they are struggling with the disorder, and can delay the diagnosis. However, many people with ADHD discover that once they get diagnosed and treated, their life quality improves.