Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until the age of adulthood. This is due to lingering stereotypes, referral biases 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 can lead both to a delayed diagnosis and an incorrect diagnosis.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people with ADHD struggle to focus or staying on task. This can cause problems at school or work, such as forgetting homework or chores, or missing important meetings. This can cause emotional problems, like mood changes or a loss of self-esteem.
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD are typically more subtle and therefore difficult to diagnose and recognize. It may appear that you're not paying attention when others are talking (you might be unable to concentrate or display what's known as a thousand-yard stare). It can be difficult to finish tasks that require concentration like writing reports or completing paperwork.
Regular exercise can improve your concentration and organization. Try taking an everyday walk, joining a group fitness class or even cycling or swimming. Limiting caffeine can also aid in reducing the side effects that certain ADHD medications may cause.
2. Making decisions can be difficult
Women suffering from ADHD frequently struggle to make decisions or follow through on the actions that result from them. They may also have trouble keeping their cool and avoiding impulse-driven behaviors, which 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 with ADHD might have trouble in sitting or concentrating, or they may forget important dates or lose things.
Since the symptoms of ADHD can be more subtle in women, they're often overlooked or misdiagnosed. However, the diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women who finally receive the assistance they require. Therapists can provide guidance and assistance in managing the disorder, and might suggest a mix of treatments like psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as establishing a regular sleep routine and ensuring good sleep hygiene.
3. Problems with Time Management
As girls with ADHD become adults, they may struggle to manage their lives and relationships without assistance. Their symptoms often fly under the radar, particularly when they're inattention-focused or mixed between both types.
They are unable to remember important events, like meetings or birthdays. They also lose track of their routines and schedules, making it harder to get up in time for work or school. They might also lose or lose their wallets, eyeglasses keys, or wallets.
The symptoms of ADHD aren't always easy to identify and can be caused by stress, mental health issues, or physical illness. It is important to discuss any issues you might be having with your doctor. They might recommend therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to help you change your perspective on negative thoughts and behaviors and create better strategies for dealing with them. Verywell Health notes that gender is a person's internal self-perception and sex is biological.
4. It is difficult to stay organized
Inattention can lead to problems at work and in school, such as inattention and difficulty with tasks. It can also lead to lost items or missing important events, as well as difficulties 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 be accompanied by a lack of patience for your turn during conversations or at work and an inability to understand the boundaries of social interactions. Insanity can lead to quick choices, taking risks, or a tendency to interrupt others.
Women are often pressured to be "perfect" - to balance work and family, be punctual and organised and meet other expectations. This can lead to anxiety and stress that could exacerbate symptoms of ADHD which can cause them to go undiagnosed or under-treated. The symptoms can also become more severe when menopausal. This can cause low confidence and relationship problems.
5. It is difficult to concentrate
Girls and women with ADHD are often challenged to be focused. This can lead to issues at school or work, and even create difficulties in forming relationships. It can also be difficult to manage daily tasks such as dressing up or remembering to get medication and health care checkups.
Women suffering from ADHD develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. This allows others not to be aware that they are having trouble staying focused or avoiding important tasks. These strategies of coping may include healthy habits like creating reminders on their phone or following a set schedule. They may also involve unhealthy habits, like excessive drinking and drug use.
The severity of ADHD symptoms can differ and it is crucial that people with ADHD discuss their concerns with their 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 situations), moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking is difficult
Women with ADHD are often under pressure to live up to societal expectations. This includes taking care of children, maintaining a healthy relationship, and running the household. It can be challenging to manage when ADHD symptoms make it hard to stay organized efficient, punctual and reliable.
Inattention and forgetfulness can result in misunderstandings and frustrations between partners, family members, and even friends. They can also interfere in studies or work habits and result in underachieving.
This can cause anxiety and depression, which may contribute to mental health issues that coexist such as depression. Undiagnosed ADHD can also affect relationships and lead to a decrease of satisfaction at work and home. Fortunately, the right help can be helpful. You can overcome these issues with strategies for coping like a daily routine or reminders. You can also ask your school or employer about accommodations that might make it easier for you to manage your symptoms. Joining women's ADHD support group can also assist you in connecting with other people who suffer from the disorder and share strategies for managing it.
7. Attention Management Issues
One of the main symptoms of ADHD is an inability to pay attention to small things. This can manifest in various ways, from not reading the fine print on a contract to making frequent mistakes at work or in school.
Women with inattentive ADHD can have difficulty following a routine, or keeping track of their responsibilities. This can lead to issues such as not paying their bills or not making appointments. They also have a difficult time remaining at a distance or not interrupting others.
Additionally, women who suffer from inattentive ADHD are more likely to develop anxiety or depression and have trouble maintaining healthy, satisfying relationships. They 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 evaluated by a healthcare professional.
8. Trouble staying calm
ADHD symptoms can trigger feelings of anger and frustration. People who are unaware of the disorder may not understand the emotions. It's crucial for women to recognise these symptoms and seek treatment before they escalate into severe emotional issues.
If you are always forgetting appointments or are late for work meetings, it could cause conflicts with your colleagues or employer. This could also cause misunderstandings between family and friends. You may find yourself making up things that hurt others' feelings even though you didn't intend to do so.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. To be diagnosed with what is adult ADHD symptoms of these, you must exhibit 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. Women may also experience other symptoms as well as the inattention type.
9. Trouble Making Friends
Women with ADHD may have difficulty forming and keep friends. Their forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts with friends and family members. A person with emotional dysregulation can also struggle with controlling their moods. This symptom may make them feel uneasy, resentful, or confused. It could also have a negative impact on their self-esteem.
People suffering from ADHD tend to miss social cues, such as eyes that roll or suppressed tears. This can cause them to believe that their friends aren't interested in spending time with them, or that they don't care about them.
Women are also more likely to experience interpersonal issues since depression can cause more ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to notice that they are struggling with the disorder, and it can delay a diagnosis. Many people who suffer from ADHD claim that their standard of living improves once they're diagnosed.