Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women suffering from ADHD don't receive an diagnosis until they reach adulthood. This is due to lingering stereotypes and referral biases, which cover up the comorbidities, behavior, 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 or an incorrect diagnosis.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people with ADHD struggle with focusing or staying on task. This can lead to problems at work or school, such as forgetting chores or homework, or avoiding important meetings. It can also lead to emotional difficulties, such as mood shifts or a lack self-esteem.
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD are typically more subtle, which can make them difficult to identify and diagnose. You may appear to not be paying to what others are saying (you might zone-out or have a "thousand-yard stare"). You might find it difficult to complete tasks that require concentration, like writing a report or filling out paperwork.
Regular physical activity will improve your concentration and organization. Try taking a walk every day, taking part in an exercise class for a group or going for a swim or cycling. It's also a good idea to limit caffeine, as it can cause a rise in the side effects of certain ADHD medications.
2. Making decisions can be difficult
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 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 with ADHD may have trouble staying still or being able to focus on tasks that require complete attention. Additionally, they might be prone to misplacing things or forgetting important dates.
Women are often misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD are less obvious. The diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing experience for many women who finally receive the help they require. A therapist can provide advice and support to manage the disorder. They may suggest a combination therapy such as medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes like establishing a routine sleep schedule and ensuring good sleep hygiene.
3. Problems with Time Management
As girls with ADHD grow into adults, they may have difficulty to manage their lives and relationships without help. ADHD symptoms adult female may be difficult to detect and, in particular, when their symptoms are mostly inattentive.
They forget important events such as birthdays, meetings, or birthdays. They lose the track of their routines as well as schedules making it difficult to leave on time for work or school. They may even lose or misplace their wallets, keys, or eyeglasses.
ADHD symptoms aren't always obvious. They can be worsened due to stress or mental health issues or physical ailments. This is why it's essential to talk to your doctor about any issues you're having. They may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help you overcome your negative thoughts and actions and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, while gender describes a person's internal sense of self, regardless of whether they're gender male or female from birth, or are intersex or don't fall into the sex binary.
4. It is difficult to stay organized
Inattention can lead to problems at work and in school, like inattention and difficulty with tasks. Inattention can also lead you to lose things or miss important events. It can also cause problems 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). Additionally, they may manifest as a failure to sit and wait your turn during conversations or at work. Impulsivity can lead to rash decisions, risk-taking or a tendency to interrupt.
Women are often pressured to be "perfect" to manage work and family life and be punctual, organised and meet other expectations. This can lead to anxiety and stress that could exacerbate symptoms of ADHD which can cause them to go undiagnosed or under-treated. The symptoms may also get worse when menopausal. This can cause feelings of self-doubt and difficulties in relationships.
5. It is difficult to concentrate
Women and girls with ADHD might have trouble concentration. This can lead to problems at school or work and make it difficult to build relationships. It can also be difficult to manage daily tasks like getting dressed or remembering to take medication and health care checkups.
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently develop strategies to cope to hide their symptoms so others may not notice that they have trouble staying on track or ignoring things. These strategies for coping can include healthy habits such as setting up reminders on their phone or sticking to a schedule. They could also be associated with unhealthy behaviors, such as excessive drinking and drug use.
Symptoms of ADHD can be different in their severity, and it's important for people with ADHD to talk about 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 situations) moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking can be difficult.
Women with ADHD often feel pressure to fulfill social expectations, which includes taking care of children, maintaining a harmonious relationship, and running a home. This can be difficult when their ADHD symptoms prevent them from being organized punctual, efficient and on time.
The inability to remember and impulsivity can result in misunderstandings and frustrations between family members, partners and friends. They can also hinder studies or work habits and result in underachieving.
This can result in anxiety and low self-esteem, which may contribute to co-existing mental health conditions like depression. Additionally, undiagnosed ADHD can affect relationships and cause a lack of fulfilment in both the workplace and at home. A good support system can be helpful. You can overcome these difficulties by employing strategies to cope such as a daily routine or reminders. You can also talk to your employer or educational institution about any accommodations that can make it easier for you to manage your symptoms. You can also network with women who suffer from ADHD and learn how to manage it by joining an women's ADHD group.
7. Attention Management Issues
The inability to pay focus on the particulars is among the most prominent symptoms of ADHD. This can manifest in various ways, from failing to read the fine details of a contract to repeatedly making careless mistakes at school or at work.
Women who are not attentive ADHD may have trouble following the routine or keeping track of their responsibilities. This can cause issues such as not paying their bills or missing appointments. They may also have trouble staying at a distance or not interrupting others.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to experience depression or anxiety and may have difficulty maintaining healthy, happy 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. However, women may experience similar issues and should seek an evaluation from a health healthcare professional.
8. Difficulty staying calm
ADHD symptoms can increase feelings of anger and frustration. It's easy for people who don't know about the condition to misunderstand these feelings. It's crucial for women to recognize these symptoms and seek treatment before they escalate into serious emotional issues.
For instance, if you're always forgetting appointments or being late for work This could cause conflict with your employer or co-workers. This can also lead 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. You must exhibit six or more 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. Women can also have other symptoms as well as the inattention type.
9. Making Friends is not easy.
Women suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to maintain and make new acquaintances. Their forgetfulness and impulsiveness can cause confusion between family and friends. ADHD symptoms adult female might also be struggling with emotional dysregulation, making it difficult to control their moods. This symptom may cause them to feel rejected, misunderstood, or even anxious, and it can have a negative impact on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD can often miss social cues like eyes that roll or uncontrollable smiles. This can cause people to believe that their friends aren't interested in hanging out, or that they are ignoring them.
Women can also struggle with interpersonal problems because they are more likely to suffer from depression, which can worsen their ADHD symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to recognize that the person is suffering from ADHD, and can delay a diagnosis. However, many people who suffer from ADHD find that once they get diagnosed their quality of life improves.