Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women who live with ADHD are not given an diagnosis until they reach adulthood. This is due to persistent stereotypes, referral biases, masking behaviors, comorbidities 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 could result in being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people who suffer from ADHD struggle to concentrate or stay focused. This can cause issues at work or school like forgetting chores or homework, or avoiding important meetings. This can lead to emotional problems, like mood changes or a decline in self-esteem.
The signs of inattentive-type ADHD are usually more subtle, which can make them difficult to diagnose and recognize. You may appear to not be paying attention to what people are saying (you may be unable to focus or have a an "thousand-yard stare"). It can be difficult to complete tasks that require focus like writing reports or doing paperwork.
Regular physical activity can help increase your ability to concentrate and stay organized. Try walking every day, participating in fitness classes for groups, or going cycling or swimming. It's also a good idea to limit caffeine intake, since it can cause a rise in the side effects of certain ADHD medications.
2. Problems in Making Decisions
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to make decisions or carry out the actions that result from them. They may be unable to remain calm and avoid impulsive behavior, which can cause 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 instance, some women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty being still or being able to focus on tasks that require their full attention. They might be prone to losing things or forgetting important dates.
Women are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD are less obvious. symptoms of ADHD in adults women of adult ADHD is a major life-changing event for many women who receive the assistance they need. Therapists can provide guidance and help in managing the condition, and they might suggest a mix of treatments, such as psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes like establishing a regular sleep routine and ensuring good sleep hygiene.
3. Time Management Problems
As children with ADHD mature into adults, they may struggle to manage their lives and relationships without help. They can be difficult to detect particularly when their symptoms are mostly inattentive.
They forget important dates, such as birthdays or appointments. They also lose track of their routines and schedules, making it more difficult to get up on time for work or school. They might even lose or lose their keys, wallets, or eyeglasses.
Symptoms of ADHD aren't always clear-cut and they may be caused by stress, other mental health issues, or physical illness. It's crucial to discuss any issues you might be experiencing with your physician. They might recommend therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to help you reframe negative beliefs and behaviors and to develop healthier coping strategies. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, whereas gender refers to a person's inner identity, whether they're either male or female at birth, or are intersex or don't fit into the sex binary.
4. Trouble Keeping Organized
Inattention can lead to problems at work or in school, such as difficulties with completing tasks and forgetfulness. Inattention can also lead you to lose things or miss important events. It can also cause issues 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). They may also manifest as a lack of patience for your turn during conversations or in the workplace as well as the inability to comprehend the boundaries of social interaction. Insanity can lead to quick decisions, risk-taking or a tendency to interrupt others.
Women are often under pressure to be 'perfect' to balance work and family and being punctual and organized and many other demands. This can cause women to feel stressed and anxious and can worsen ADHD symptoms, causing them to not be diagnosed or treated. Additionally, symptoms can become worse during menopause. This can cause lower self-esteem and issues with relationships.
5. Trouble Concentrating
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty focusing. This can cause issues at work or in school, and can even make it difficult to form relationships. It is often difficult to remember to do everyday tasks like dressing, taking medication or attending health care checks.
Women suffering from ADHD often develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, so that people don't realize that they struggle to stay on task or forgetting things. These coping mechanisms could include healthy habits such as setting reminders on their phones or adhering to a routine. These coping mechanisms can include unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking or use of substances.
The symptoms of ADHD can be different in their severity and it's essential for those suffering from ADHD to discuss their concerns with a physician. According to the CDC there three levels of severity: mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minor difficulties in workplace or social environments), moderate, and severe.
6. Multitasking can be difficult.
Women with ADHD are often pressured to live up to societal expectations. This means taking care of children, maintaining a healthy relationship and managing the household. This can be challenging for those whose ADHD symptoms hinder them from being organized punctual, efficient and on time.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity may lead to frustrations and misunderstandings between family members, partners, and friends. They can also interfere with work or study habits that can cause underachievement and performance issues.
This can lead to depression and anxiety, which can lead to co-existing disorders like depression. Undiagnosed ADHD may also affect relationships and lead to a decrease in fulfillment at home and at work. A good support system can be helpful. You can use coping strategies that include a daily schedule or reminders, to help overcome these difficulties. You can ask your school or employer about accommodations that may aid in managing your symptoms. You can also connect with other women who have ADHD and learn how to manage it by joining an online women's ADHD group.
7. Problems with Managing Attention
One of the most prominent signs of ADHD is an inability to pay attention to minute details. This can manifest in many ways, from not understanding the fine details of a contract to making a lot of blunders at work or school.
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble following routines, or keeping track of their responsibilities. This can lead to issues such as not paying their bills or ignoring appointments. They also find it difficult to remain quiet or refrain from interrupting other people.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety, and may struggle to maintain fulfilling, healthy relationships. They are also more likely to engage in sexual activity at an earlier age and are at risk of being pressured into unwanted or abusive 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 health professional.
8. Difficulty Staying Calm
ADHD symptoms can increase feelings of frustration and rage. It's easy for people who aren't aware of the condition to confuse these feelings. It is crucial for women to be aware of these signs and seek assistance before they turn into serious emotional issues.
For example, if you're always forgetting appointments or being late for work meetings it could lead to conflict with your coworkers or employer. This could also cause misunderstandings between family members and friends. You could make mistakes and make comments that hurt others' feelings even though you weren't intending to.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must show at least six or more signs 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 in addition to the inattentive type.
9. Problems in Making Friends
Women with ADHD may have difficulty forming and keep friends. Their impulsiveness and forgetfulness could cause confusion between family and friends. Someone with a problem with emotional regulation might also have difficulty regulating their moods. This can make them feel secluded, misunderstood or anxious, and it can have a negative effect on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD are often unable to recognize social cues, such as rolled eyes and stifled grunts. This can cause them to believe that their friends aren't interested in hanging out or that they are ignoring them.
Women are also more likely to have problems with their relationships since depression can cause more ADHD symptoms. This can make it harder for others to recognize that they are struggling with the condition, and could delay a diagnosis. Many people who suffer from ADHD claim that their standard of life improves once they are diagnosed.