Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women who live with ADHD are not given an diagnosis until they reach adulthood. This is due in part to the lingering stereotypes, referral bias and 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 a delayed diagnosis or a misdiagnosis.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle with focusing or staying focused. This can lead to problems at work or school, such as forgetting homework or chores or missing important meetings. It can also cause emotional difficulties, such as mood swings or a lack of self-esteem.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are often subtler, making them more difficult to diagnose. It could appear as if you're not paying attention when other people are talking (you may be unable to focus or have what is known as a"thousand-yard stare"). It can be difficult to complete tasks requiring focus, such as writing a report or doing paperwork.
Regular exercise can improve your ability to focus and remain organized. Try going for a daily stroll, joining an exercise class for a group, or swimming or cycling. Limiting your intake of caffeine can help to reduce the side effects that certain ADHD medications can cause.
2. Difficulty Making Decisions
Women suffering from ADHD struggle to make decisions or executing their actions. They may also have trouble staying calm and avoiding impulsive behaviors, which can cause 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. Women who suffer from ADHD might have trouble concentrating or sitting still or forgetting important dates or lose things.
Women are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD aren't always evident. The diagnosis of adult ADHD is a life-changing event for many women who receive the help they require. A therapist can provide guidance and assistance to manage the condition. They may suggest a combination treatment like medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes like establishing regular sleep routines and ensuring that you have a healthy sleeping routine.
3. Problems with Time Management
As girls with ADHD mature into adults, they may struggle to manage their lives and relationships with no help. They may be difficult to identify particularly if their symptoms are primarily inattention.
They forget important dates, like birthdays or meetings. They lose the track of their routines and schedules, which makes it difficult to leave on time for school or work. They may even misplace or lose their wallets, glasses keys, or wallets.
ADHD symptoms aren't always apparent. They can be exacerbated by stress, mental health issues, or physical illness. It is important to discuss any issues you might be experiencing with your doctor. They may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy in order to help you overcome your negative thoughts and behaviors, and develop healthier strategies for coping. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, while gender is a person's internal identity, whether they're gender male or female from birth, are intersex or don't belong to the gender binary.
4. Difficulty staying organized
Inattention-related symptoms can affect your work and school life such as forgetfulness and difficulty getting things done. It can also lead to misplaced items or missing important 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). They can also manifest as the inability to wait for your turn during conversations or at work, with an inability to recognize social boundaries. Impulsivity can lead to impulsive decisions, risk-taking or a tendency to interrupt others.
Women are often put under pressure to be "perfect" to be able to balance work and family life, be punctual and organised and meet other expectations. This can cause stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD which can cause them to be undiagnosed or not treated. The symptoms can also become more severe when menopausal. This can result in lower confidence and relationship issues.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
Girls and women with ADHD may have difficulty focusing. This can lead to issues at school or at work and can create difficulties in forming relationships. It isn't easy to remember to complete everyday tasks like getting dressed, taking medication or attending health care checks.
Women who suffer from ADHD develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This allows others not to realize that they have trouble staying focused or forgetting important things. These coping mechanisms may include healthy habits, for example, setting reminders on their smartphones or adhering to the same routine. They can also include unhealthy behaviors, such as excessive drinking and drug use.
The severity of ADHD symptoms can be different and it is crucial that those with ADHD discuss their concerns with their physician. According to the CDC, there are three levels of severity: mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minimal impairment in work or social settings) moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking is difficult
Women with ADHD are often under pressure to live up to society's expectations. This includes caring for children, maintaining a healthy relationship and managing the household. This can be challenging when their ADHD symptoms hinder them from being organised, punctual and efficient.
The impulsivity and forgetfulness of people can lead to frustrations and misunderstandings between friends, partners and family. They can also hinder work or study habits and lead to underachievement.
This can lead to depression and anxiety, which can cause coexisting conditions like depression. Additionally, undiagnosed ADHD can affect relationships and lead to a lack of fulfilment in both the workplace and at home. A good support system can be helpful. You can overcome these difficulties by using coping strategies like a routine for your day or reminders. You can ask your employer or school about accommodations that can help you manage your symptoms. You can also network with other women with ADHD and learn how to manage it by joining a women's ADHD group.
7. Attention Management Problems
One of the primary symptoms of ADHD is the inability to pay attention to minute aspects. This can manifest in various ways, from not reading the fine text on a contract, to making frequent mistakes at school or at work.
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble following routines, or keeping track of their responsibilities. This can cause issues like not paying their bills or missing appointments. They also have difficulty staying still or avoiding interrupting others.
Additionally, women who suffer from inattention ADHD are more likely to develop anxiety or depression and may have trouble maintaining healthy, satisfying relationships. They are also more likely to be sexually active at a younger age and be susceptible to being pressured into inappropriate or unwelcome sexual activities.
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 assessed by a medical professional.
8. Trouble in Keeping Calm
ADHD symptoms can increase feelings of anger and frustration. People who are unaware of the condition may misunderstand the emotions. It's important for women to recognise these symptoms and seek treatment before they become serious emotional issues.
If you are frequently forgetting appointments or showing up late for work meetings, it can result in conflict with your coworkers or employer. This can also lead misunderstandings between family and friends. symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults could make mistakes and say things that hurt other people's feelings even if you didn't mean to.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. To be diagnosed with one of these, you must have at least six 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 may experience a combination of other symptoms.
9. Making Friends is difficult
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty to keep their relationships and make new acquaintances. Their impulsivity and forgetfulness can cause confusion with family members and friends. Someone with a problem with emotional regulation might also have difficulty regulating their moods. This symptom may make them feel anxious, devalued, or confused. It could also have a negative effect on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD tend to miss social cues like eyes that roll and stifled yawns. This can cause people to believe that their peers aren't interested in hanging out or that they're dissing them.
Women are also more likely to have problems with their relationships due to depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to understand the fact that someone is suffering from ADHD, and can delay the diagnosis. Many people suffering from ADHD report that their quality of living improves once they're diagnosed.