Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. This is due to lingering stereotypes and referral bias, masking behavior, comorbidities, 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 to a delayed diagnosis and a misdiagnosis.
1. 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 being late for important meetings or failing to finish homework or other chores. This can lead to emotional issues, like mood changes or a decline in self-esteem.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms are often more subtle which makes them harder to diagnose. You may appear to be not paying to what others are saying (you might be unable to focus or display a a "thousand-yard stare"). It can be difficult to finish tasks that require concentration like writing reports or doing paperwork.
Regular exercise can improve your ability to concentrate and remain organized. Try taking an everyday walk, joining an exercise class with a group, or swimming or cycling. Limiting your intake of caffeine can help to reduce the side effects that certain ADHD medications can cause.
2. Making the right decision can be difficult.
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to make decisions or carry out the actions that result from them. They might also have difficulty to stay calm 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 example, some women suffering from ADHD might experience trouble being still or paying attention to tasks that require their full attention, and they may be susceptible to losing things or forgetting important dates.
Because the signs of ADHD can be less obvious in women, they are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. However, a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a transformative moment for women who finally get the help they need. A therapist can provide guidance and assistance to manage the condition. They may suggest a combination therapy such as psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as establishing regular sleep routines and ensuring good sleep hygiene.
3. Time Management Problems
Girls with ADHD may find it difficult to manage their relationships and lives as they grow older. Their symptoms are often a bit under the radar, especially if they're primarily inattentive or mixed between both types.
They forget important events such as birthdays or meetings. They also forget their routines and schedules, making it difficult to get up in time for work or school. They may even misplace or lose their wallets, eyeglasses keys or wallets.
The symptoms of ADHD aren't always clear-cut, and they can be caused by stress, other mental health issues or physical illnesses. It is important to discuss any issues you may be experiencing with your doctor. They may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help you change the way you think about your negative thoughts and behaviors and develop better strategies for coping. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, while gender describes a person's internal sense of self--whether they're assigned male or female at birth, are intersex or don't belong to the sex binary.
4. Trouble Keeping Organized
Inattention can cause issues at work and at school, like forgetfulness and difficulty completing tasks. It can also result in losing important items or 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). They may also manifest as a lack of patience for your turn during conversations or at work, with the inability to comprehend social boundaries. Impulsivity can lead to rash choices, risk-taking, or a tendency for interruptions.
Women can feel under pressure to perform flawlessly to balance work and family as well as being punctual and organised, and a range of other expectations. This can cause women to feel anxious and stressed and can worsen ADHD symptoms, causing them to not be recognized or treated. In addition, symptoms may get worse during menopausal cycles. ADHD in adults symptoms women can result in feelings of self-doubt and difficulties in relationships.
5. Trouble Concentrating
Women and girls with ADHD might have trouble focusing. This can lead to problems at school or at work and can create difficulties in forming relationships. It can be difficult to remember to do routine tasks like getting dressed, taking medication or attending health care checks.
Women with ADHD have coping strategies to mask their symptoms. This allows other people not to be aware that they have difficulty staying focused or forgetting important things. These strategies for coping can include healthy habits like setting reminders on their phone or adhering to a routine. These coping mechanisms could also include unhealthy habits such as excessive alcohol or substance use.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary in severity, and it's important for people with ADHD to talk about their concerns with a medical professional. 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 environments), moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking is difficult
Women suffering from ADHD often feel pressure to fulfill social expectations, which includes taking care of children, maintaining a happy relationship, and running a home. This can be challenging when their ADHD symptoms hinder them from being organised, punctual and efficient.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity may lead to frustrations and misunderstandings between family members, partners and friends. They can also hinder the way you study or work, leading to underachievement and performance issues.
This can cause anxiety and low self-esteem which can contribute to co-existing mental health conditions, such as depression. In addition, undiagnosed ADHD can affect relationships and lead to feeling unfulfilled in both the workplace and at home. Fortunately, the right support can help. You can utilize strategies to cope, such as an agenda for the day or reminders, to help overcome these issues. You can also talk to your employer or school about any accommodations that can aid you to manage your symptoms. Utilizing an women's ADHD support group can help you connect with others who suffer from the condition and share tips for managing it.
7. Attention Management Issues
One of the most prominent signs of ADHD is the inability to pay attention to minute things. This can manifest in various ways, from not understanding the fine text on a contract, to making frequent mistakes at work or in school.
Women who are not attentive 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 also have a difficult time remaining at a distance or not interrupting others.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression, and may struggle to maintain healthy, happy relationships. They are more likely to begin sexual activity at a later 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 can experience similar problems and should be assessed by a medical professional.
8. Difficulty staying calm
Symptoms of ADHD can heighten anger and frustration. It's easy for those who don't have a clear understanding of the condition to misunderstand these feelings. It is crucial for women to be aware of these symptoms and seek help before they turn into serious emotional problems.
If you are constantly forgetting your appointments or showing up late for work meetings, it could lead to conflict with your co-workers or employer. It could also cause miscommunications with family members and friends members. You might end up making up things that hurt others' feelings even though you weren't trying to do it.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. To be diagnosed with one of these, you must exhibit six or more symptoms lasting at least six months. 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. Trouble Making Friends
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty to keep their relationships and make new acquaintances. Their impulsivity and forgetfulness can result in miscommunications with family members and friends. A person with emotional dysregulation may also struggle to regulate their moods. This symptom may cause them to feel secluded, misunderstood or anxious, and it can have a negative effect on their self-esteem.
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to discern social cues like rolled eyes and uncontrollable tears. This can make them think that their friends don't want in hanging out with them or that they ignore them.
Women may also have difficulty with interpersonal problems because they are more likely to develop depression, which can worsen their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to identify that the person is suffering from ADHD, and may delay the diagnosis. However, many people who suffer from ADHD discover that once they are diagnosed their quality of life improves.