Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood. This is due to persistent stereotypes, referral bias and masking behaviors as well as 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 lead to a delayed diagnosis or an incorrect diagnosis.
1. severe ADHD symptoms in adults who suffer from ADHD struggle to focus or stay on task. This can cause problems at work or school like forgetting homework or chores or missing important meetings. This can lead to emotional problems, like mood changes or a loss of self-esteem.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are usually less obvious, making them more difficult to identify. You might appear to be not paying to what others are saying (you may be unable to focus or have a the "thousand-yard stare"). You might find it difficult to complete tasks requiring focus, such as writing a report or filling out paperwork.
Regular physical activity will improve your ability for concentration and organization. Try going for a daily stroll, joining an exercise class with a group or going for a swim or cycling. It's also a good idea to limit caffeine, as it can cause the adverse effects of certain ADHD medications.
2. Making decisions can be difficult
Women with ADHD are unable to make decisions or executing their actions. They may also have difficulty staying calm and avoiding impulsive behaviors that 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. Women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty staying focused or sitting for long periods or may forget important dates or misplace items.
Women are often misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD aren't as obvious. However, a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a transformative experience for women who finally receive the help they need. A therapist can offer advice and assistance in managing the condition, and they may suggest a combination of treatments like medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes like establishing an established routine for sleeping and ensuring good sleep hygiene.
3. Problems with Time Management
As children with ADHD become adults, they might struggle to manage their lives and relationships without assistance. They can be difficult to identify particularly if their symptoms are primarily inattention.
They do not remember important dates, like birthdays or appointments. They also lose track of their routines and schedules, making it difficult to get out of the house in time for school or work. They may even misplace or lose their wallets, eyeglasses, or keys.
Symptoms of ADHD aren't always easy to identify, and they can be exacerbated by stress, other mental health conditions or physical illnesses. It is important to discuss any issues you may be experiencing with your physician. They may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help you overcome your negative thoughts and actions and develop healthier strategies for coping. Verywell Health notes that gender is a person's internal self-perception, whereas sex is biology.
4. Trouble Keeping Organized
Inattention can cause issues at work and at school, including difficulties with completing tasks and forgetfulness. Inattention can also cause you to lose things, miss important events and 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 be characterized by an inability for you to wait your turn during conversations or at work. Impulsivity can result in hasty choices, taking risks or a tendency to interrupt others.
Women are often pressured to be "perfect" - to balance work and family life and be punctual, organised and also meet other standards. This can lead to anxiety and stress that may exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD, causing them to be undiagnosed or not treated. The symptoms may also get worse during menopause. This can result in feelings of self-doubt and difficulties in relationships.
5. It is difficult to concentrate
Women and girls with ADHD may have difficulty being capable of focusing. This can cause problems at school or work and make it difficult to form relationships. It can be difficult to remember everyday tasks like dressing, taking medication or attending health checks.
ADHD symptoms in adults females suffering from ADHD often develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, so that people don't realize that they have trouble staying on track or ignoring things. These coping strategies can include healthy habits, such as setting reminders on their phones or sticking to a routine. These coping strategies can also include unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or drug use.
The severity of ADHD symptoms can differ and it is essential that people with ADHD discuss their concerns with their doctor. 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 settings) moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking can be difficult.
Women who suffer from ADHD are often pressured to live up to societal expectations. This can mean taking care of children, maintaining a relationship and running a household. It can be challenging to manage when ADHD symptoms make it difficult for them to be organised and punctual. They also have a hard time being effective.
The inability to remember and impulsivity can lead to frustrations and misunderstandings between partners, family members and even between friends. They can also affect work or study habits and cause underperformance.
This can cause anxiety and low self-esteem which can cause coexisting disorders like depression. In addition an undiagnosed ADHD can impact relationships and cause a lack of fulfilment in both the workplace and the home. The right support can help. You can overcome these difficulties with strategies for coping such as a daily routine or reminders. You can inquire with your employer or school about adjustments that could make it easier to manage your symptoms. Using women's ADHD support group can aid in connecting with others who have the disorder and share strategies to manage it.
7. Difficulty Managing Attention
One of the primary symptoms of ADHD is the inability to pay attention to minute details. This manifests in various ways, from not understanding the fine text on a contract, to repeatedly making careless mistakes at work or in school.
Women with inattention ADHD are often unable to follow a routine, or keeping track of their responsibilities. This can cause problems like forgetting to pay their bills or ignoring appointments. They may also have difficulty to remain quiet or refrain from interrupting others.
Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to experience depression or anxiety and may have difficulty maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships. They are more likely to start sexual activities at a younger and risky age.
Women with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are less likely to develop these symptoms, so it is harder for them to be diagnosed. Yet, women can face similar issues and should seek an assessment from a health care professional.
8. It is difficult to remain calm
ADHD symptoms can cause feelings of frustration and rage. It's easy for those who don't have a clear understanding of the condition to misunderstand these emotions. It's important for women to be aware of these symptoms and seek help before they escalate into serious emotional issues.
If you're always forgetting appointments or being late to work meetings, it could result in conflict with your co-workers or your employer. It can also lead to misunderstandings with friends and family members. You might find yourself making up things that hurt others' feelings, even if you didn't intend to do so.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. To be diagnosed with one of these, you must have at least six or more symptoms that last for at minimum 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 the other symptoms.
9. Making Friends is difficult
Women with ADHD can struggle to make and keep friendships. Their forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can lead to miscommunications and conflict with family and friends. Someone with a problem with emotional regulation may also struggle to regulate their moods. This condition can make them feel rejected, misunderstood, or even anxious, and it can have a negative impact on their self-esteem.
People suffering from ADHD tend to miss social cues like eyes that roll or uncontrollable tears. This can cause them to believe that their friends don't want in hanging out with them or that they ignore them.
Women are also more likely to suffer from interpersonal difficulties since depression can cause more ADHD symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to identify that a person suffers from ADHD, and can delay a proper diagnosis. Many people with ADHD claim that their standard of life improves after they are diagnosed.