Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach the age of adulthood. This is due to lingering stereotypes, referral bias 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 to being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment.
1. ADHD and adults symptoms with ADHD struggle with being able to concentrate or stay on task. This can lead to issues at school or work, such as being late for important meetings or failing to complete homework or chores. This can cause emotional problems, like mood swings or a loss of self-esteem.
Symptoms of inattentive-type ADHD are usually less obvious and therefore difficult to identify and diagnose. It is possible that you appear to not be paying attention to what people are talking about (you might be unable to focus or display a the "thousand-yard stare"). You might find it difficult to finish tasks that require focus, such as writing a report or filling out paperwork.
Regular exercise can improve your ability to concentrate and organization. Try an everyday walk, joining a group fitness class, or swimming or cycling. Limiting your intake of caffeine can aid in reducing the side effects that certain ADHD medications can cause.
2. Problems in Making Decisions
Women suffering from ADHD are unable to make decisions or executing their actions. They may also have difficulty maintaining their calm and avoiding impulsive behaviors that 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. Women who suffer from ADHD might have trouble staying focused or sitting for long periods or may forget important dates or misplace things.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are less apparent in women, they are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. A diagnosis of adult ADHD is a life-changing event for many women who receive the assistance they need. A therapist will offer guidance and assistance to manage the condition. They might suggest a combination therapy such as psychotherapy, medication, or lifestyle changes such as establishing an established sleep schedule and ensuring that you have a healthy sleeping routine.
3. Time Management Problems
As girls with ADHD become adults, they may have difficulty to manage their lives and relationships without assistance. They can be difficult to detect, especially if their symptoms are primarily inattention.
They can forget important dates such as birthdays or meetings. They lose the track of their routines as well as schedules, which makes it difficult to get up on time for school or work. They might even lose or misplace their wallets, keys or eyeglasses.
The symptoms of ADHD aren't always obvious, and they can be worsened by stress, other mental health conditions or physical illnesses. It's crucial to discuss any issues you may be experiencing with your physician. They might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to help you change the way you think about your negative thoughts and behaviors, and develop healthier ways of coping. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, while gender refers to a person's inner sense of self, regardless of whether they're either male or female at birth, or are intersex or don't fit into the gender binary.
4. Trouble Keeping Organized
Inattention can lead to problems at work and in school, like difficulties with completing tasks and forgetfulness. It can also result in misplaced items or missing important events, and 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). They may be accompanied by the inability to wait for your turn in conversations or at work, with an inability to recognize social boundaries. Impulsivity can result in hasty choices, taking risks or a tendency interrupt others.
Women are often under pressure to be 'perfect' to balance work and family, being punctual and organised and meeting a variety of other expectations. This can cause stress and anxiety, which may exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD which can cause them to go undiagnosed, or neglected. In addition, symptoms could get worse during menopausal changes. This can result in low self-esteem and problems with relationships.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
Girls and women with ADHD are often challenged to be able to focus. This can lead to problems at school or work and make it hard to form relationships. It is often difficult to remember daily tasks such as getting dressed, taking medication or attending health care checks.
Women with ADHD often develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, so that people don't realize that they have trouble staying on task or forgetting things. These coping strategies can include healthy practices like creating reminders on their mobile or following a set schedule. They could also be associated with unhealthy behaviors, such as excessive drinking and drug use.
The symptoms of ADHD can be different in their severity, and it's important for people suffering from ADHD to discuss their concerns with a physician. According to the CDC there are three levels of severity that are mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minor impairment in work or social settings) moderate and severe.
6. Difficulty Multitasking
Women suffering from ADHD are often under pressure to live up to society's expectations. This can mean taking care of children, maintaining relationships and managing a household. This can be difficult for those whose ADHD symptoms hinder them from being organised punctual, efficient and on time.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity can heighten tensions and miscommunications with friends, partners, and family. They can also hinder the way you study or work, leading to underachievement and performance problems.
This can cause depression and anxiety, which can cause coexisting disorders like depression. Undiagnosed ADHD can also impact relationships and cause a lack of fulfillment at home and at work. The right support can help. You can overcome these challenges by employing strategies to cope like a routine for your day or reminders. You can also ask your employer or school about any accommodations that can aid you to manage your symptoms. You can also meet other women with ADHD and learn to manage it by joining a women's ADHD group.
7. Attention Management Issues
The inability to pay attention to specifics is one of the main symptoms of ADHD. It can manifest in a variety of ways, from not being able to read the fine details of a contract to making a lot of mistakes at work or school.
Women with inattention ADHD may have difficulty following a routine or keep track of their responsibilities at home or at work, leading to issues such as a lack of appointments or forgetting to pay bills. They may also have trouble staying at a distance or not interrupting other people.
Additionally, women who suffer from inattentive ADHD may be more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety and have difficulty maintaining healthy, satisfying relationships. They are more likely to start sexual activity at a younger and more risky age.
Women with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are less likely to develop these symptoms, so it is harder for them to be diagnosed. Women may also experience similar issues and should be assessed by a health professional.
8. It is difficult to remain calm
ADHD symptoms can increase feelings of anger and frustration. People who are unaware of the condition may misunderstand the emotions. Women should recognize these symptoms and seek assistance before they become grave emotional issues.
For instance, if you're constantly forgetting appointments or running late for work meetings This could cause conflicts with your boss or colleagues. This could also cause misunderstandings between family members and friends. You could make mistakes and say things that hurt the feelings of others, even when you weren't intending 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 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 isn't easy.
Women with ADHD might find it difficult to keep their relationships and make new acquaintances. Their impulsive and forgetfulness can lead to miscommunications and conflict with family members and friends. They might also struggle with emotional dysregulation, which makes it difficult to control their moods. This can cause them to feel uneasy, resentful or confused. It can also have a negative impact on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD tend to miss social cues, such as rolled eyes and stifled tears. This can make them think that their friends aren't interested in spending time with them, or that they don't care about them.
Women are also more likely to experience interpersonal issues because depression can worsen ADHD symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to identify that a person suffers from ADHD and delay a proper diagnosis. Many people with ADHD say that their quality of living improves once they are diagnosed.