Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women with ADHD are not given a diagnosis until the age of adulthood. This is due to lingering stereotypes, referral bias and masking behavior, comorbidities 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 both to a delayed diagnosis or an incorrect diagnosis.
1. Lack of Focus
Many people with ADHD struggle to concentrate or stay focused. This can cause problems at school or at work like missing important meetings or forgetting to complete homework or chores. This can cause emotional problems, such as mood changes or a decrease in self-esteem.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are usually less obvious and therefore more difficult to recognize. You may seem like you're not paying attention when others are talking (you might zone out or have what is known as a thousand-yard stare). You may find it difficult to finish tasks that require concentration such as making reports or writing paperwork.
Regular exercise will increase your concentration and organization. Try walking every day or participating in group fitness classes, or going swimming or cycling. It's also a good idea to limit caffeine intake, since it can cause the adverse effects of certain ADHD medications.
2. Trouble Making Decisions
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently struggle to make decisions or follow through on the actions that result from them. They may also have difficulty staying calm and avoiding impulsive behavior, which can lead to 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. For example, some women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty staying still or being able to focus on tasks that require their full attention, and they might be prone to misplacing things or forgetting important dates.
Since the symptoms of ADHD are less apparent in women, they are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. However, a diagnosis of adult ADHD could be a life-changing experience for women who finally receive the help they need. A therapist will offer advice and help to manage the disorder. They might suggest a combination therapy such as psychotherapy, medication, or lifestyle changes, such as setting regular sleep routines and ensuring that you have a healthy sleeping routine.
3. Problems with Time Management
Girls with ADHD may find it difficult to manage their lives and relationships as they age. The symptoms of ADHD often go under the radar, particularly when they're mostly inattentive or an amalgam of both.
They do not remember important dates, like birthdays or meetings. They lose track of their routines and schedules, which makes it difficult to leave on time for work or school. They may even lose or forget their keys, wallets, or glasses.
Symptoms of ADHD aren't always obvious, and they can be caused by stress, mental health issues or physical illnesses. This is why it's important to talk with your doctor about any problems you're experiencing. They might suggest therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to help you change your perspective on negative beliefs and behaviors and to develop better strategies for coping. Verywell Health notes that gender is the internal self-perception of a person and sex is biological.
4. It is difficult to stay organized
Inattention can cause problems at work and in school, like difficulties with completing tasks and forgetfulness. Inattention can also lead you to lose items or miss important events, and create 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). In addition, they can manifest as a failure to wait for your turn in meetings or at work. Impulsivity can lead to reckless choices, risk-taking, or a tendency to interrupt.
Women are often under pressure to be 'perfect' - balancing family and career as well as being punctual and organised, and a range of other demands. This can cause stress and anxiety, which could exacerbate symptoms of ADHD which can cause them to go undiagnosed, or neglected. Additionally, symptoms can become worse during menopause. This can result in low confidence and relationship problems.
5. It is difficult to concentrate
Women and girls with ADHD may have difficulty focus. This can cause problems at work or in school and may make it difficult to form relationships. It isn't easy to remember everyday tasks like dressing, taking medication or attending health care checks.
Women with ADHD often develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, so others may not notice that they have trouble staying on task or forgetting things. ADHD symptoms female adults for coping can include healthy habits, such as setting reminders on their phones or adhering to a routine. They may also involve unhealthy habits, like excessive alcohol and substance 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 three levels of severity: mild (fewer than six symptoms) that cause minor impairments in work or social environments) moderate, and severe.
6. Difficulty Multitasking
Women with ADHD are often under pressure to live up to society's expectations. This includes taking care of children, maintaining relationships, and running a household. This can be a challenge if their ADHD symptoms prevent them from being organized, punctual and efficient.
The impulsivity and forgetfulness of people can lead to the frustrations and conflicts with partners, friends, and family. They can also interfere with work or study habits, leading to underachievement and performance problems.
This can result in anxiety and depression which can lead to mental health issues that coexist like depression. In addition an undiagnosed ADHD can affect relationships and cause a lack of fulfilment in the workplace as well as the home. The right support can be helpful. You can employ strategies for coping like an agenda for the day or reminders, to help overcome these challenges. You can also ask your employer or educational institution for accommodations that could aid you to manage your symptoms. Utilizing a women's ADHD support group could aid in connecting with others who suffer from the condition and share tips for managing it.
7. Difficulty Controlling Attention
One of the main symptoms of ADHD is the inability to pay attention to the smallest aspects. This manifests in many ways, from failing to read the fine print on a contract to repeatedly making careless mistakes at work or in school.
Women with inattentive ADHD can have difficulty following a routine, or keeping track of their responsibilities. This can cause problems like forgetting to pay their bills or ignoring appointments. They may also find it difficult to stay still or not interrupt other people.
Additionally, women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety and have trouble maintaining healthy, satisfying 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. Yet, women can face similar issues and should seek an evaluation from a medical care professional.
8. Trouble in Keeping Calm
Symptoms of ADHD can heighten anger and frustration. It's easy for those who don't know about the condition to confuse the emotions. It's crucial for women to recognise these symptoms and seek help before they escalate into serious emotional issues.
For instance, if constantly forgetting appointments or running late for work meetings it could lead to conflict with your boss or colleagues. It can also cause confusion with family and friends members. You might end up inadvertently uttering words that hurt the feelings of others even if you weren't trying to do so.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must have at least six or more signs 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. Difficulty Making Friends
Women who have ADHD can struggle to make and keep friends. Their forgetfulness and impulsiveness can cause confusion between family and friends. They might also be struggling with emotional dysregulation, which causes them to be hard to regulate their moods. This symptom can make them feel unloved, unappreciated, or anxious, and this can have a negative effect on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD tend to miss social cues, like eyes that roll or uncontrollable yawns. This can cause people to believe that their friends do not want to hang out or that they are dissing them.
Women are also more likely to suffer from problems with their relationships due to depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to identify the fact that someone is suffering from ADHD, and may delay a diagnosis. Many people suffering from ADHD report that their quality of life improves once they are diagnosed.