Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women with ADHD are not given an diagnosis until they reach adulthood. This is due lingering stereotypes and referral biases that cover up 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 can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
1. Lack of Focus
Many people who suffer from ADHD struggle to focus or stay on task. This can lead to issues at work or school like not attending important meetings or forgetting to do homework or chores. It can also lead to emotional difficulties, such as mood fluctuations or a lack of self-esteem.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are usually less obvious and therefore more difficult to identify. It is possible that you appear to not pay attention to what others are talking about (you might be unable to focus or display a the "thousand-yard stare"). You might find it difficult to complete tasks that require concentration, like writing a report or filling out paperwork.
Regular physical activity can help improve your ability to focus and remain organized. Try walking every day or participating in fitness classes for groups and cycling or swimming. It's also recommended to avoid caffeine intake, since it can cause a rise in the side effects of certain ADHD medications.
2. Difficulty Making Decisions
Women suffering from ADHD are unable to make decisions or following through on their actions. They may also have difficulty staying calm and avoiding impulsive behaviors that 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. For instance, women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty sitting still or paying attention to tasks that require their full attention. They might be prone to misplacing things or forgetting important dates.
Since the symptoms of ADHD can be less obvious in women, they are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. However, a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a transformative moment for women who finally receive the assistance they need. Therapists can provide guidance and assistance in managing the condition. They may suggest a combination of treatments such as medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes like establishing a regular sleep routine and ensuring that you have a good night's sleep.
3. Problems with Time Management
As girls with ADHD mature into adults, they might struggle to manage their lives and relationships with no assistance. They may be difficult to identify particularly when their symptoms are predominantly inattentive.
They do not remember important dates, such as birthdays or events. They also forget their routines and schedules, making it more difficult to get out of the house on time for work or school. They could even lose or misplace their wallets, keys or glasses.
Symptoms of ADHD aren't always easy to identify, and they can be caused by stress, mental health issues or physical ailments. This is why it's essential to talk to your doctor about any issues you're experiencing. They might recommend therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy to help you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors and create better strategies for dealing with them. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, whereas gender describes a person's internal sense of self--whether they're assigned either male or female at birth, or are intersex or don't fall into the gender binary.
4. ADHD in adult men symptoms of staying organized
Inattention-related symptoms can affect your work and school life, including forgetfulness and trouble following through on tasks. It can also lead to lost 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 may also manifest as an inability to wait for your turn during conversations or at work, with the inability to comprehend social boundaries. Impulsivity can lead to reckless decisions, taking risks or a tendency for interruptions.
Women are often pressured to be "perfect" to manage work and family and be punctual, organised and also meet other standards. This can cause women to feel anxious and stressed, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, leading to them to not be diagnosed or treated. In addition, symptoms may get worse during menopausal changes. This can lead to lower confidence and relationship issues.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty concentration. This can lead to issues at work or school, and even make it difficult to build relationships. It isn't easy to remember to do routine tasks like dressing up, taking medications or going to health check-ups.
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently develop strategies to cope to mask their symptoms, so others may not notice that they struggle to stay on track or ignoring things. These strategies for coping could include healthy habits for example, setting reminders on their phones or adhering to the same routine. These coping mechanisms can include unhealthy habits such as excessive drinking or drug use.
The severity of ADHD symptoms can be different, and it is important that those 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 social or work environments) moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking can be difficult.
Women with ADHD are often under pressure to live up to social expectations, including looking after children, maintaining a happy family and home. It can be difficult to manage when ADHD symptoms make it hard to be organized, punctual and effective.
Inattention and forgetfulness can increase frustrations and misunderstandings with friends, partners, and family members. They can also hinder studies or work habits and result in underachieving.
This can cause anxiety and low self-esteem which can lead to co-existing conditions such as depression. In addition, undiagnosed ADHD can affect relationships and lead to feeling unfulfilled in both the workplace and at home. The right support can aid. You can employ strategies to cope like a daily schedule or reminders, to overcome these issues. You can inquire with your school or employer about accommodations that may help you manage your symptoms. You can also connect with other women who have ADHD and learn how to manage it by joining a women's ADHD group.
7. Attention Management Issues
The inability to pay focus on the specifics is one of the most prominent symptoms of ADHD. This can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from failing to read the fine details of a contract to making a lot of errors at work or in school.
Women with inattention ADHD are often unable to follow routines, or keeping track of responsibilities. This can lead to issues like not paying their bills or not making appointments. They also have a difficult time remaining quiet or refraining from interrupting other people.
Additionally, women who suffer from inattentive ADHD may be more prone to develop anxiety or depression and have difficulty maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships. They are also more likely to engage in sexual activity at an earlier age and be at risk of 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 have similar problems and should be evaluated by a health professional.
8. Trouble staying calm
The symptoms of ADHD can intensify feelings of anger and frustration. People who aren't aware of the condition may misunderstand the emotions. Women should be aware of the signs and seek assistance before they turn into serious emotional problems.
For example, if you're constantly forgetting appointments or running late for work, this can cause conflicts with your coworkers or employer. This can also lead misunderstandings between family members and friends. You might make a mistake and make comments that hurt other people's feelings even though you weren't intending to.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must have six or more symptoms for at least 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. Women can also have other symptoms in addition to the inattention type.
9. Making Friends is not easy.
Women who have ADHD are often unable to form and keep friends. Their forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts with family and friends. They might also struggle with emotional dysregulation, which makes it hard to regulate their moods. This can cause them to 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 loud grunts. This can cause them to believe that their friends don't want to hang out, or that they are not paying attention to them.
Women are also more likely to have interpersonal issues since depression can cause more ADHD symptoms. This can make it harder for others to notice that they're suffering from the disorder, and it can delay a diagnosis. Many people who suffer from ADHD claim that their standard of life improves after they've been diagnosed.