Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women who live with ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood. This is due lingering stereotypes and referral biases, which cover up 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 result in underdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
1. Lack of Focus
Many people who suffer from ADHD struggle to concentrate or remain focused. This can cause issues at school or work, such as forgetting homework or chores, or missing important meetings. It can also lead to emotional difficulties, such as mood swings or a lack of self-esteem.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are usually less obvious, making them more difficult to diagnose. You might appear to not be paying attention to what others are saying (you might be unable to focus or display a a "thousand-yard stare"). It can be difficult to complete tasks requiring concentration, such as writing a report or completing paperwork.
Regular exercise can improve your concentration and organization. Try a walk every day, taking part in a group fitness class or going for a swim or cycling. Limiting caffeine may help reduce the negative effects that certain ADHD medications may cause.
2. Problems in Making Decisions
Women suffering from ADHD struggle to make decisions or following through on their actions. They may also have trouble 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. Women with ADHD might have trouble staying focused or sitting for long periods or may forget important dates or lose things.
Because the symptoms of ADHD are less apparent in women, they are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed. However, the diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a transformative experience for women who finally receive the help they need. Therapists can offer guidance and assistance to manage the condition. They may suggest a combination treatment like medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes such as establishing a routine sleep schedule and ensuring that you have a healthy sleeping routine.
3. Time Management Problems
Girls who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to manage their lives and relationships as they grow older. The symptoms of ADHD often go under the radar, particularly when they're mostly inattentive or mixed between both types.
They forget important dates, like birthdays or meetings. They lose track of their routines and schedules making it difficult to get up on time for work or school. They may even misplace or lose their wallets, eyeglasses, or keys.
The signs of ADHD aren't always obvious and they may be worsened by stress, mental health conditions or physical ailments. It's important to discuss any issues you might be experiencing with your physician. They may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help you reframe your negative thoughts and actions and develop healthier strategies for coping. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, whereas gender refers to a person's inner sense of self, regardless of whether they're gender male or female from birth, are intersex or don't fit into the sex binary.
4. It is difficult to stay 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 cause you to lose items, 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). They can also manifest as an inability to wait for your turn in conversations or at work and an inability to recognize social boundaries. Impulsivity can lead to reckless decisions, taking risks or a tendency for interruptions.
Women may feel pressured to be 'perfect' - balancing family and career, being punctual and organised and many other expectations. This can lead to anxiety and stress that may exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD, causing them to go undiagnosed, or neglected. In addition, symptoms could get worse during menopausal changes. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and difficulties in relationships.
5. Trouble Concentrating
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty being focused. This can cause problems at work or school and may hinder the formation of relationships. It can also be difficult to keep up with daily tasks such as dressing up or remembering to take medication and health care checkups.
Women with ADHD develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to realize that they are having trouble staying focus or forgetting important details. These coping strategies could include healthy habits for example, setting reminders on their smartphones or adhering to a routine. They could also be associated with unhealthy habits, like excessive drinking and drug use.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary in severity, and it's important for those suffering from ADHD to discuss their concerns with a physician. According to the CDC there are three levels of severity: mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minimal impairment in social or work settings), moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking can be difficult.
Women suffering from ADHD are often pressured to live up to society's expectations. This includes taking care of children, maintaining a healthy relationship and running a household. This can be challenging for those whose ADHD symptoms prevent them from being organized punctual, efficient and on time.
Inattention and forgetfulness can result in misunderstandings and frustrations between partners, family members, and friends. They can also hinder work or study habits and cause underperformance.
This can result in anxiety and low self-esteem, which may contribute to mental health issues that coexist such as depression. Undiagnosed ADHD can also impact relationships and result in a decrease of satisfaction at work and home. A good support system can be helpful. You can employ coping strategies that include an agenda for the day or reminders, to overcome these difficulties. You can talk to your school or employer about accommodations that may aid in managing your symptoms. Joining women's ADHD support group can also help you connect with others who are living with the condition and share tips for managing it.
7. Difficulty managing attention
The inability to pay close attention to particulars is among the primary symptoms of ADHD. This can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from failing to read the fine print of a contract or making a lot of mistakes at school or work.
inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms who are not attentive ADHD may have trouble following the routine or keeping track of their responsibilities. This can cause problems like forgetting to pay their bills or missing appointments. They may also have trouble staying quiet or refraining from interrupting other people.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to experience depression or anxiety, and may have trouble 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. Women can have similar problems and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
8. It is difficult to remain calm
Symptoms of ADHD can heighten feelings of anger and frustration. It's easy for those who don't have a clear understanding of the condition to misunderstand the emotions. Women should be aware of these signs and seek help before they escalate to severe emotional issues.
If you are always forgetting appointments or showing up late for work meetings, it could result in conflict with your co-workers or your employer. This could also cause misunderstandings between family members and friends. You might make a mistake and say things that hurt others' feelings even if you didn't mean to.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must exhibit six or more symptoms 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 subtype, women may experience a combination of the other symptoms.
9. Problems in Making Friends
Women suffering from ADHD might find it difficult to maintain and make new acquaintances. Their impulsiveness and forgetfulness could lead to misunderstandings between family and friends. A person with emotional dysregulation may also struggle to regulate their moods. This can cause them to feel anxious, rejected, or confused. It can affect negatively 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 aren't interested in hanging out or that they're dissing them.
Women are also more likely to have problems with their relationships due to depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to understand that the person is suffering from ADHD and delay a proper diagnosis. Many people who suffer from ADHD say that their quality of life improves after they are diagnosed.