Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women who live with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood. This is due to persistent stereotypes, referral biases, masking behaviors and 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 can lead to undiagnosed symptoms and delayed treatment.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people with ADHD struggle to concentrate or remain focused. This can cause issues at school or work and can result in a lack of attention to homework or chores, or missing important meetings. It can also cause emotional issues, like mood swings or a lack of self-esteem.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms are often more subtle which makes them harder to identify. You may appear to not pay attention to what others are saying (you might be unable to focus or display a the "thousand-yard stare"). It can be difficult to complete tasks requiring concentration, such as writing a report or filling out paperwork.
Regular exercise can improve your ability to focus and remain organized. Try going for a daily stroll, joining an exercise class with a group, or swimming or cycling. Limiting caffeine can also help reduce the negative effects that certain ADHD medications may cause.
2. Making decisions can be difficult
Women with ADHD have difficulty making decisions or executing their actions. They may also have trouble maintaining their calm and avoiding impulsive behavior, which can lead to problems at work and with 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 concentrating on tasks that require full attention, and they may be susceptible to losing things or forgetting important dates.
Since the symptoms of ADHD can be more subtle in women, they're often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. However, a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a transformative moment for women who finally receive the assistance they need. A therapist will offer advice and help to manage the condition. They may suggest a combination treatment like medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes such as establishing regular sleep routines and practicing good sleeping hygiene.
3. Problems with Time Management
As girls with ADHD grow into adults, they may have difficulty to manage their lives and relationships without assistance. They can be difficult to detect particularly when their symptoms are predominantly inattention.
They are unable to remember important events, like meetings or birthdays. They also forget their routines and schedules making it harder to get up on time for work or school. They might even lose or lose their keys, wallets, or glasses.
The symptoms of ADHD aren't always clear-cut, and they can be exacerbated by stress, other mental health conditions, or physical illness. That's why it's crucial to talk with your doctor about any problems you're having. They may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help you reframe your negative thoughts and actions and develop better coping mechanisms. Verywell Health notes that gender is a person's internal self-perception while sex is a biological fact.
4. It is difficult to stay organized
Inattention can cause issues at work and at school, such as inattention and difficulty with tasks. It could also cause losing important items or events, and also problems 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 be characterized by an inability to wait for your turn during conversations or at work. Insanity can lead to quick decisions, taking risks, or a tendency to interrupt others.
Women can feel under pressure to be perfect in balancing work and family and being punctual and organized and many other demands. This can lead to anxiety and stress that can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD which can cause them to go undiagnosed, or neglected. Additionally, symptoms can get worse during menopausal changes. This can lead to anxiety and relationships problems.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
Girls and women with ADHD may have difficulty concentration. This can cause issues at work or in school, and can even cause difficulties in forming relationships. It can be difficult to remember to complete everyday tasks like getting dressed, taking medication or attending health checks.
Women suffering from ADHD frequently develop strategies to cope to hide their symptoms so others may not notice that they struggle to stay on track or ignoring things. These coping strategies can include healthy habits such as creating reminders on their mobile or following a set schedule. These coping strategies can also include unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or drug use.
The severity of ADHD symptoms can differ and it is essential that those with ADHD discuss their concerns with their physician. According to the CDC there are three severity levels: mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minor impairments in social or workplace environments) moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking is difficult
Women with ADHD often feel pressured to live up to social expectations, which includes taking care of children, maintaining a happy family and home. This can be challenging when their ADHD symptoms prevent them from being organised punctual, efficient and on time.
The impulsivity and forgetfulness of people can lead to the frustrations and conflicts with friends, partners, and family members. They can also affect the way you study or work and lead to underachievement.
This can lead to depression and anxiety, which can cause coexisting conditions like depression. Undiagnosed ADHD can also impact relationships and lead to a decrease in fulfillment at work and home. The right help can make a difference. You can overcome these difficulties by employing strategies to cope like a daily routine or reminders. You can inquire with your school or employer about adjustments that could aid in managing your symptoms. You can also connect with other women with ADHD and learn to manage it by joining a women's ADHD group.
7. Problems with Controlling Attention
One of the most prominent signs of ADHD is an inability to pay attention to the smallest aspects. This can manifest in various ways, from not understanding the fine print on a contract to repeatedly making careless mistakes at school or at work.
Women with inattentive ADHD might have trouble following a routine or keep track of their responsibilities at home or at work, leading to issues like missing appointments or not paying bills. They may also have trouble staying at a distance or not interrupting other people.
Additionally, women who suffer from inattention ADHD may be more likely to develop anxiety or depression and may have trouble maintaining healthy, satisfying relationships. They are more likely to begin sexual activities 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 have similar problems and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
8. Trouble staying calm
Symptoms of ADHD can trigger anger and frustration. It's easy for those who don't have a clear understanding of the condition to confuse these emotions. Women should be aware of these signs and seek assistance before they turn into severe emotional issues.
For instance, if you're always forgetting appointments or being late for work meetings it could lead to conflict with your employer or co-workers. This can also cause miscommunications between family members and friends. You might find yourself accidentally blurting out things that hurt other people's feelings even though you weren't trying to do so.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. To be diagnosed with one of these, you must have 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. In addition to the inattentive subtype, women can experience a mix of other symptoms.
9. Making Friends is not easy.
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty to maintain and make new acquaintances. Their impulsiveness and forgetfulness could result in miscommunications between family and friends. They might also be struggling with emotional dysregulation, which makes it difficult to manage their moods. This can cause them to feel anxious, devalued, or confused. It can also have a negative effect on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD tend to miss social cues, like eyes that roll or suppressed yawns. This can cause them to believe that their peers aren't interested in spending time with them, or that they ignore them.
Women are also more likely to suffer from problems with their relationships since depression can cause more ADHD symptoms. combined ADHD symptoms in adults makes it difficult for others to recognize that they're suffering from the disorder, and it can delay a diagnosis. However, many people who suffer from ADHD discover that once they get diagnosed and treated, their life quality improves.