Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach the age of adulthood. This is due lingering stereotypes and referral biases, which cover up behaviors, comorbidities, as well as 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 could lead to a delayed diagnosis or an incorrect diagnosis.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people with ADHD struggle with focusing or staying focused. This can cause issues at work or school and can result in a lack of attention to chores or homework, or avoiding important meetings. This can lead to emotional issues, like mood changes or a decrease in self-esteem.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are usually less obvious which makes them harder to recognize. You might appear to not be paying attention to what people are talking about (you might zone-out or have an "thousand-yard stare"). You might find it difficult to complete tasks requiring concentration, such as writing a report or doing paperwork.
Regular exercise will increase your ability for concentration and organization. Try going for a walk every day, taking part in an exercise class for a group, or swimming or cycling. Limiting your intake of caffeine can help reduce the negative effects that certain ADHD medications may cause.
2. Problems in Making Decisions
Women with ADHD often have difficulty making decisions or follow through on the actions that result from them. They might also find it hard to remain calm 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 might have trouble in sitting or concentrating or may forget important dates or lose things.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are less apparent in women, they are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. However, the diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing moment for women who finally receive the help they need. A therapist can offer advice and assistance in managing the disorder, and might suggest a mix of treatments, such as medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications such as creating an established routine for sleeping and practicing good sleep hygiene.
3. Problems with Time Management
Girls who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to manage their relationships and lives as they grow older. Their symptoms often fly under the radar, especially when they're inattention-focused or a mix of both types.
They are prone to forget important dates, like birthdays or meetings. They lose track of their routines and schedules, which makes it difficult to get up on time for work or school. They might even lose or lose their wallets, glasses, or keys.
Symptoms of ADHD aren't always obvious and they may be worsened by stress, other mental health issues or physical ailments. It's important to discuss any issues you may be experiencing with your doctor. They might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help you change the way you think about your negative thoughts and actions, and develop healthier strategies for coping. Verywell Health notes that gender is the internal self-perception of a person while sex is a biological fact.
4. It is difficult to stay organized
Inattention can cause problems at work or in school, like inattention and difficulty with tasks. Inattention can also lead you to lose things 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 an inability to wait for your turn in conversations or at work as well as an inability to recognize the boundaries of social interaction. Insanity can lead to rash decisions, taking risks or a tendency to interrupt.
Women are often pressured to be "perfect" - to balance work and family life, be punctual and organised and also meet other standards. This can lead to stress and anxiety, which may exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD, causing them to go undiagnosed or under-treated. Additionally, symptoms can get worse during menopausal changes. This can lead to lower confidence and relationship issues.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
Women and girls with ADHD can struggle with being able to focus. This can lead to issues at school or at work and make it difficult to build relationships. It can be difficult to remember to do daily tasks such as dressing, taking medication or going to health check-ups.
Women suffering from ADHD often develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms so that others don't notice that they struggle to stay on task or forgetting things. These strategies for coping may include healthy habits, like setting reminders on their phones or adhering to a routine. They may also involve unhealthy behaviors, 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 severity levels: mild (fewer that six symptoms that cause minor difficulties in workplace or social settings) moderate, and severe.
6. Multitasking is difficult
Women with ADHD often feel pressure to fulfill social expectations, such as taking care of children, maintaining a harmonious family and home. It can be challenging to manage when ADHD symptoms make it hard for them to be organised efficient, punctual and reliable.
Inattention and forgetfulness can cause misunderstandings and frustrations between family members, partners and friends. They can also affect the way you study or work and lead to underachievement.
This can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem which can contribute to coexisting conditions such as depression. In addition, undiagnosed ADHD can affect relationships and cause feeling unfulfilled in the workplace as well as at home. The right help can make a difference. You can use strategies for coping that include a daily schedule or reminders, to conquer these issues. You can talk to your school or employer about accommodations that may make it easier to manage your symptoms. Joining women's ADHD support group can aid in connecting with others who have the condition and share tips for managing it.
7. Difficulty Controlling Attention
One of the primary symptoms of ADHD is the inability to pay attention to the smallest details. This can manifest in various ways, from not reading the fine print on a contract to making frequent mistakes at work or school.
Women with inattentive ADHD are often unable to follow the routine or keeping track of their responsibilities. This can lead to issues such as not paying their bills or missing appointments. They also have a difficult time remaining still or avoiding interrupting others.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to experience depression or anxiety, and may have trouble maintaining healthy, fulfilling 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 can experience similar problems and should be evaluated by a health professional.
8. Trouble in Keeping Calm
Symptoms of ADHD can heighten feelings of anger and frustration. People who are not aware of the disorder may not understand these feelings. It's crucial for women to recognise these symptoms and seek treatment before they escalate into severe emotional issues.
For instance, if you're constantly forgetting appointments or running late for work meetings, this can cause conflict with your employer or co-workers. This could also cause misunderstandings between friends and family. You may accidentally make comments that hurt the feelings of others even if you weren't intending to.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. To be diagnosed with one of these, you need to have at least six or more symptoms that last for at minimum six months. 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 may experience a combination of other symptoms.
9. Making Friends isn't easy.
Women with ADHD may have difficulty forming and keep friendships. Their impulsive and forgetfulness can cause misunderstandings and conflicts with family and friends. People with emotional dysregulation can also struggle with controlling their moods. This condition can cause them to feel unloved, unappreciated, or anxious, and it can have a negative impact on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD can often miss social cues, such as eyes that roll and suppressed yawns. combined ADHD symptoms in adults can cause people to believe that their friends don't want to hang out or that they're dissing them.
Women may also have difficulty dealing with interpersonal issues since they are more likely to develop depression, which can increase their ADHD symptoms. This can make it harder for others to see that they are struggling with the disorder, and can delay the diagnosis. However, many people with ADHD find that once diagnosed and treated, their life quality improves.