ADHD Adult Female Symptoms
ADHD can affect both females and males, but it's more difficult for women to recognize it. This is because women don't exhibit the same level of hyperactivity or indecisiveness as men, and so they could be overlooked or misdiagnosed.
The first step in addressing your symptoms is to receive an accurate diagnosis. Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications but there are other options.
1. Trouble focusing
Women suffering from ADHD are prone to being distracted by a myriad of things, but they have difficulty staying focused on tasks and conversations especially when they are suffering from emotional or sensory overload. These problems can be made worse during menstrual cycles.
Women with inattention ADHD also have trouble with their working memory, making it hard to remember simple things like appointments or upcoming events. They might forget where they put their car keys, the name of the lady who took them to home from spin class or even important dates and deadlines.
Other symptoms of ADHD in females of adulthood include procrastination and difficulty following through on plans. They are more likely to be distracted by shiny objects or social media, which makes it difficult to complete their projects and assignments. This can result in feeling overwhelmed and underperforming at school or at work.
Many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. In turn, they experience shame and mistakenly classify their struggles as "bad behaviours" or "character defects". They are often viewed as if they are a fraud. A diagnosis can be a "lightbulb" moment for them, because it provides them with an external explanation of their struggles and allows them to accept themselves more fully.
Untreated ADHD in girls and women can result in a myriad of negative effects, such as problems with academics, behavioral issues as well as family and relationship issues and co-existing mental health issues. However, a correct diagnosis and treatment plan can dramatically improve the quality of life for those suffering from this condition at any stage of life. Treatment options include stimulant medication and therapy. *
2. Difficulty Finishing Projects
Women suffering from ADHD are unable to complete tasks or obligations. They can miss important details, have difficulty switching between tasks or responsibilities, and have difficulty attempting to meet deadlines. They could also be more likely to make careless errors, have difficulty organizing and managing their schedule and underestimate the amount of time it takes to complete tasks.
Women suffering from ADHD may find the emotional symptoms of ADHD like mood swings or irritability, particularly difficult. Symptoms can be exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may be frustrated and unhappy with their performance at work and in their relationships.
Some women who suffer from ADHD struggle with managing daily tasks like grocery shopping and household chores. They might not remember to empty the garbage or turn off the stove, and can be easily distracted. They may also have difficulty with routine tasks, such as washing dishes or folding laundry. Boring or mundane chores can become unbearable which can lead to impulsive behavior like excessive talking or sharing. Women who suffer from ADHD may also make unruly choices and employ unhealthy strategies to cope, such as alcohol or other drugs.
If you're having difficulty finishing tasks, have memory problems, procrastinate chronically, or face relationship challenges it is essential to seek out professional help for ADHD. Getting a proper diagnosis can enhance your living quality and set you up for success in both your professional and personal lives. It will help you better manage your ADHD symptoms and devise strategies to manage them effectively. To prevent lapses in attention and focus it is recommended to stick to a regular schedule, use an app for planning or reminders and take notes during meetings, and practice good sleep hygiene (avoid screens an hour before bedtime). Exercise can also improve focus because it increases the neurotransmitter levels in your brain.
3. Trouble remembering names
It is possible that a difficulty in remembering names could be coupled with other ADHD symptoms, like difficulty following directions or completing projects. The root cause of the difficulties is a lack of ability to prioritize and organize tasks that affects the efficiency of information retrieval. This problem is more likely to occur during times of fatigue, stress or hormonal changes.
Forgetting names can feel even more frustrating when it's accompanied by a feeling of numbness over bigger items, such as appointments or events or personal reminders. These lapses can also be exacerbated by anxiety or depression which are frequently associated with ADHD in women.
Due to gender perceptions and internalized symptoms ADHD is often misdiagnosed by women. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are more subtle than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, making them harder to detect and identify. As a result, they are often not identified and not referred for treatment and diagnosis.
Additionally, gender-based bias exists because the disorder is largely perceived as a problem for males and boys with hyperactivity being the ones most referred to clinics for evaluation and treatment. Coupled with internalized stigmas and the fact that women's symptoms often look different than men's as well, a lot of professionals fail to diagnose or treat ADHD in women.
It's becoming more common for women to receive an ADHD diagnosis in their adulthood. A diagnosis can improve your relationships and set you up for success at school and work, and provide the support you require to succeed in your daily life. Speak to a Salience Health provider if you're looking to be diagnosed. We'll be able to assess your symptoms using tools such as Creyos cognitive testing and Brainview Advanced, and connect you with a therapist suitable for you.
4. The difficulty appears in the roof
Women who suffer from ADHD might exhibit subtle signs of inattention. They may skip appointments, neglect to complete chores around the house, or have difficulty taking notes at work. They might also have problems with impulsivity or difficulty understanding the boundaries of social interaction. This can lead to misinterpretations and confusions with family and friends and could lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also have trouble meeting the expectations of society regarding them as women. This can lead to feeling inadequate and ADHD symptoms when they are faced with the responsibility of taking care of children and household chores. If left untreated, ADHD can cause low self-esteem among women. They may turn to unhealthy ways of coping such as binge-eating and watching marathons on TV.
The challenges of ADHD in women are exacerbated by gender bias, both in the way women and girls are perceived and assessed by healthcare professionals. Some research suggests that girls and women tend to conceal their ADHD symptoms or compensate for them, and are less likely than males and females to be referred to a specialist to a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
Women with ADHD may also have trouble understanding their symptoms and could be confused with mood disorders or anxiety disorders. This could lead to false diagnosis or delayed treatment.
These changes can cause women to be more frustrated with her ADHD symptoms. adult ADHD symptoms in men may also increase the chance that she will be viewed or dismissed as moody or overly emotional. These changes can make a woman more unhappy with her ADHD symptoms and increase the likelihood of being viewed as a naive, or dismissed as moody or emotional.
5. Impulsivity
The impulsivity of ADHD affects men and boys differently, women are affected similarly. They can also experience trouble controlling their emotions and could be prone to experiencing "foot-in-mouth" moments. These uncontrollable behaviors can have a major impact on your personal and professional life.
The part of the brain that regulates the process of decision-making and reasoning is known as the prefrontal cortex. This brain area can help people avoid making poor decisions by providing a nudge on behavior. The people who suffer from ADHD have a less functional prefrontal cortex. This can make it difficult for them to resist their urges or prevent themselves from engaging in reckless or harmful behavior. It can also lead to an inability to respect themselves. Women's impulsiveness can be seen as a lack of social boundaries and self-control during conversation (interrupting others, finishing their sentences, and talking too often).
Women may also struggle with impulse control due to the various hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives. Estrogen is naturally fluctuates at various times throughout the menstrual cycle, and also during childbirth, pregnancy and menopausal. Oral contraception and hormone therapy that is used during menopausal or perimenopausal periods can further alter estrogen levels as well as other hormones, which can impact the woman's ADHD.
ADHD symptoms in women and girls can differ from those in males and boys. This is why they are often not properly diagnosed. Many adults suffering from ADHD are not aware of their health issues. The good news is, the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD at any age can enhance the quality of life for an individual. Consult your doctor if you're not sure whether you're suffering from ADHD. They can offer you guidance. Treatment options include medication, cognitive behavior therapy and couples counseling.