Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. This is due in part to the lingering stereotypes, referral bias and masking behavior, 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 being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people with ADHD have difficulty focusing or staying focused. This can lead to problems at school or at work like not attending important meetings or forgetting to do homework or chores. This can cause emotional problems, such as mood swings or a loss of self-esteem.
The signs of inattentive-type ADHD are typically more subtle, which can make them difficult to identify and diagnose. It is possible that you appear to not be paying attention to what people are talking about (you may be unable to focus or have a an "thousand-yard stare"). You might find it difficult to complete tasks requiring focus, such as writing a report or doing paperwork.
Regular physical activity can help improve your ability to concentrate and stay organized. Try walking on a regular basis, participating in fitness classes with other people or cycling or swimming. Limiting your intake of caffeine can help reduce the negative effects that certain ADHD medications can cause.
2. Making decisions can be difficult
Women suffering from ADHD often have difficulty making decisions or carry out the actions that result from them. They might be unable to stay calm and avoid impulsive behavior, which can cause them 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 with ADHD might experience trouble sitting still or being able to focus on tasks that require full attention, and they may be susceptible to losing things or forgetting important dates.
Women are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed as the symptoms of ADHD aren't as evident. However, the diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a transformative experience for women who finally receive the help they need. Therapists can offer advice and support to manage the disorder. They may suggest a combination of treatments like psychotherapy, medication, or 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 grow into adults, they might struggle to manage their lives and relationships without help. The symptoms of ADHD often go under the radar, especially if they're primarily inattentive or a mix of both types.
They are unable to remember important events, like meetings or birthdays. They also forget their routines and schedules, making it harder to get out the door in time for work or school. They could even lose or forget their keys, wallets, or glasses.
The symptoms of ADHD aren't always obvious and they may be exacerbated by stress, other mental health issues or physical illnesses. It's important to discuss any issues you may be experiencing with your physician. They may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to help you overcome your negative thoughts and actions and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, and gender describes a person's internal sense of self, regardless of whether they're gender male or female from birth, or are intersex or don't fall into the gender binary.
4. Trouble Keeping Organized
Inattention-related symptoms can affect your school and work life with issues such as forgetfulness and difficulties following through on tasks. Inattention can also lead you to misplace items, 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). They can be accompanied by a lack of patience for your turn during conversations or at work and the inability to comprehend the boundaries of social interaction. Impulsivity can lead to rash decisions, risk-taking or a tendency for interruptions.
Women are often under pressure to be perfect to balance work and family, being punctual and organised and meeting a variety of other expectations. This can lead to anxiety and stress that could exacerbate symptoms of ADHD, causing them to go undiagnosed or under-treated. The symptoms can also become more severe during menopause. This can result in lower confidence and relationship issues.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty focusing. This can lead to problems at work or school and make it difficult to build relationships. It can be difficult to manage daily tasks like getting dressed or remembering to get medication and health checkups.
Women who suffer from ADHD develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This allows other people not to realize that they have difficulty staying focused or forgetting important things. These strategies of coping may include healthy habits such as creating reminders on their phone or adhering to a routine. These coping mechanisms can include unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or drug use.
Symptoms of ADHD can be different in their severity and it's crucial for those suffering from ADHD to talk about their concerns with a physician. According to the CDC, there are three levels of severity that are mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minor impairment in work or social settings) moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking is difficult
Women who suffer from ADHD are often under pressure to live up to society's expectations. This means taking care of children, maintaining relationships and managing a household. It can be challenging to manage when ADHD symptoms make it difficult to stay organized and punctual. They also have a hard time being effective.
The impulsivity and forgetfulness of people can lead to frustrations and misunderstandings between friends, partners and family. They can also interfere with the way you study or work, leading to underachievement and performance issues.
This can cause depression and anxiety, which can lead to co-existing conditions like depression. Additionally, undiagnosed ADHD can affect relationships and result in a lack of fulfilment in the workplace as well as the home. Fortunately, the right support can be helpful. You can overcome these difficulties with strategies for coping like a routine for your day or reminders. You can inquire with your school or employer for accommodations that can make it easier to manage your symptoms. You can also network with women who suffer from ADHD and learn to manage it by joining an women's ADHD group.
7. Attention Management Issues
Inability to pay attention focus on the specifics is one of the most prominent symptoms of ADHD. It can manifest in many ways, ranging from failing to read the fine details of a contract to making frequent mistakes at school or work.
Women who are not attentive ADHD can have difficulty following the routine or keeping track of their responsibilities. This can cause issues such as not paying their bills or not making appointments. They may also have difficulty to remain quiet or refrain from interrupting other people.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety or depression, and may have difficulty maintaining fulfilling, healthy relationships. ADHD symptom test for adults are more likely to begin sexual activity 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. Women can experience similar problems and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
8. Difficulty staying calm
The symptoms of ADHD can intensify anger and frustration. It's easy for people who don't have a clear understanding of the condition to confuse these feelings. It is crucial for women to recognise these symptoms and seek help before they become serious emotional problems.
If you're frequently forgetting appointments or showing up late for work meetings, it can lead to conflict with your co-workers or employer. This could also cause misunderstandings between friends and family. You might end up accidentally blurting out things that hurt other people's 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 need to have six or more 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 type, women can also experience a combination of other symptoms.
9. Making Friends is difficult
Women suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to maintain and make new friends. Their impulsive and forgetfulness can lead to miscommunications and conflict with friends and family members. Someone with a problem with emotional regulation may also struggle to regulate their moods. This may cause them to feel rejected, misunderstood, or anxious, and this can have a negative effect on their self-esteem.
People who suffer from ADHD frequently miss social cues such as rolled-eyes and grunts that are stifled. This can cause them to believe that their friends don't want in spending time with them, or that they ignore them.
Women can also have issues with interpersonal problems because they are more likely to experience depression, which can increase their ADHD symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to understand that a person suffers from ADHD, and may delay a proper diagnosis. Many people who suffer from ADHD say that their quality of life improves after they're diagnosed.