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 the comorbidities, behavior, and hormonal fluctuations.
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 a misdiagnosis.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people with ADHD struggle with focusing or staying focused. This can lead to problems at school or at work and can result in being late for important meetings or failing to do homework or chores. It can also lead to emotional problems, such as mood fluctuations or a lack of self-esteem.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms are usually less obvious which makes them harder to recognize. You may appear to not pay attention to what people are saying (you may be unable to focus or have a a "thousand-yard stare"). It can be difficult to complete tasks that require focus such as writing reports or completing paperwork.
Regular physical activity can help improve your ability to focus and stay organized. Try walking every day, participating in group fitness classes or swimming or cycling. It's also an excellent idea to reduce caffeine, as it can increase the side effects of certain ADHD medications.
2. Difficulty Making Decisions
Women who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty making decisions or carry out the actions that result from them. They may also have difficulty maintaining their calm and avoiding impulsive behaviors, which can cause difficulties 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. Some women with ADHD may have difficulty concentrating or sitting still or forgetting important dates or lose things.
Women are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed since the signs of ADHD aren't always evident. However, the diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women who finally receive the assistance they need. Therapists can provide advice and support for managing the condition. They may suggest a combination of treatments, such as psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications such as creating an established routine for sleeping and ensuring that you have a good night's sleep.
3. Time Management Problems
As children with ADHD mature into adults, they might struggle to manage their lives and relationships without help. They can be difficult to identify, especially when their symptoms are mostly inattention.
They forget important dates, such as birthdays or meetings. They lose track of their routines and schedules and find it difficult to leave on time for school or work. They might even lose or lose their keys, wallets, or glasses.
ADHD symptoms aren't always obvious. They can be made worse due to stress or mental health issues or physical illnesses. It is important to discuss any issues you may be experiencing with your doctor. They might recommend therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help you reframe negative thoughts and behaviors and develop better strategies for coping. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, while gender is a person's internal sense of self--whether they're assigned gender male or female from birth, are intersex, or don't fall into the sex binary.
4. It is difficult to stay organized
Inattention-related symptoms can affect your school and work such as forgetfulness and difficulty getting things done. It can also lead to lost items or missing important 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). In addition, they can manifest as an inability to wait for your turn in meetings or at work. Impulsivity can lead to rash decisions, risk-taking or a tendency to interrupt.
Women are often pressured to be "perfect" - to balance work and family life be punctual and organized and also meet other standards. This can lead to anxiety and stress that can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD and cause them to go undiagnosed, or neglected. Symptoms may also worsen when menopausal. This can result in low confidence and relationship problems.
5. Trouble Concentrating
Women and girls with ADHD may have difficulty focus. This can cause problems at work or school and create difficulties in forming relationships. It can be difficult to keep up with daily chores like dressing or remembering to take medications and health checks.
Women suffering from ADHD often develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms so that others don't notice that they have trouble staying on task or forgetting things. These coping strategies can include healthy habits, for example, setting reminders on their phones or sticking to the same routine. These coping strategies can also include unhealthy habits such as excessive drinking or drug use.
The severity of ADHD symptoms can differ, and it is important that those with ADHD discuss their concerns with their physician. According to the CDC, there are three levels of severity which are mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minor impairment in work or social situations), moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking is difficult
Women with ADHD are often under pressure to live up to societal expectations. This can mean taking care of children, maintaining relationships and running the household. It can be difficult to manage when ADHD symptoms make it difficult to stay organized efficient, punctual and reliable.
Inattention and forgetfulness can increase frustrations and misunderstandings between friends, partners and family. They can also interfere with the way you study or work that can cause underachievement and performance issues.
This can lead to low self-esteem and anxiety which can lead to co-existing mental health conditions such as depression. what are ADHD symptoms in adults may also affect relationships and result in a decrease of satisfaction at home and work. The right support can help. You can overcome these difficulties by using coping strategies like a routine for your day or reminders. You can also talk to your employer or educational institution about any accommodations that can aid you to manage your symptoms. Joining women's ADHD support group can help you connect with others who suffer from the condition and share advice for managing it.
7. Attention Management Problems
The inability to pay attention to details is one of the primary symptoms of ADHD. This can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from not understanding the fine details of a contract to making a lot of mistakes at school or work.
Women who are not attentive ADHD may have trouble following the routine or keeping track of responsibilities. This can cause problems like forgetting to pay their bills or not making appointments. They may also have difficulty to be at a distance or refrain from interrupting others.
In addition, women with inattention ADHD are more likely to experience depression or anxiety and have difficulty maintaining healthy, fulfilling 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. Still, women can experience similar difficulties and should get an evaluation from a medical healthcare professional.
8. It is difficult to remain calm
The symptoms of ADHD can trigger feelings of anger and frustration. It's easy for people who don't have a clear understanding of the condition to confuse the emotions. Women should be aware of the signs and seek help before they become grave emotional issues.
If you're constantly forgetting your appointments or being late to work meetings, it could cause conflict with your co-workers or employer. This can also lead misunderstandings between friends and family. You could make mistakes and say things that hurt the feelings of others even though you didn't mean to.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must have six or more symptoms for a minimum of six months 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. In addition to the inattentive type, women can also experience a combination of the other symptoms.
9. Making Friends isn't easy.
Women with ADHD are often unable to form and keep friendships. Their impulsivity and forgetfulness can cause confusion with family and friends. They might also struggle with emotional dysregulation, making it hard to regulate their moods. This symptom may cause them to feel rejected, misunderstood, or anxious, and it can have a negative effect on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD often miss social cues such as rolled-eyes and stifled grunts. This can cause people to believe that their peers aren't interested in hanging out, or that they are not paying attention to them.
Women are also more likely to suffer from interpersonal difficulties due to depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to identify the fact that someone is suffering from ADHD and delay a diagnosis. Many people suffering from ADHD say that their quality of life improves after they're diagnosed.