ADHD Adult Female Symptoms
ADHD can affect people of all genders and ages, but it is more difficult for women to diagnose. It's because women rarely exhibit the same levels of hyperactivity and the same impulsivity as men, which means they may be missed or misdiagnosed.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis is the first step towards managing your symptoms. Adults suffering from ADHD are often treated with stimulant medications however, there are other options.
1. Trouble focusing
Everyone gets distracted from time to time women with ADHD have trouble putting their focus on conversations and tasks, especially when they're experiencing emotional or sensory overload. ADHD symptom test for adults can be made worse when menstrual cycles are in full swing.
Women with inattention ADHD also have issues with their working memory, which makes it difficult to remember basic things like appointments or upcoming events. They might forget where they left their car keys or the name of the lady who gave them a ride home after a spinning class. They may forget important dates or deadlines.
Other symptoms of ADHD in females of adulthood include procrastination, as well as difficulty following through with plans. They are more likely to be distracted by shiny objects or social media, making it difficult to finish their assignments and projects. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed and underperforming at school or at work.
Due to the societal perceptions of gender, many women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed. In the end, they are embarrassed and mistakenly label their issues as "bad habits" or "character flaws." They also often report feeling like an impostor. A diagnosis could be a "lightbulb" moment for them, as it provides them with an external explanation for their challenges and helps them accept themselves better.
Girls and women with untreated ADHD can experience a wide range of negative consequences such as academic issues and behavioral issues, bad family and relationship problems, and co-occurring mental health problems. A well-constructed diagnosis and treatment plan will enhance the lives of those with ADHD at any stage in their lives. Treatment options include stimulant medication and therapy. *
2. Difficulty Finishing Projects
Women with ADHD often have trouble completing tasks and responsibilities. They may be unable to remember important details, have trouble switching between tasks or responsibilities and are unable to meet deadlines. They might also be more prone to making careless mistakes or having difficulty managing their time efficiently and underestimate the amount of time it takes to finish their work.
The emotional symptoms of ADHD in adults, like mood swings and irritability, can be especially frustrating for women suffering from the condition. Hormonal changes can exacerbate symptoms, such as those that occur in pregnancy, menopause and during menstrual cycles. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may feel frustrated and disappointed about their performance at work and in their relationships.
Women with ADHD have a difficult time managing daily tasks, such as grocery shopping and chores. They may have a hard finding the time to remember to empty the garbage or turn off the stove and they can be easily distracted by the smallest objects around them. They may also have difficulty doing repetitive tasks, such as folding the laundry or washing dishes. The monotonous or repetitive chores can become exhausting, resulting in impulsive behaviors like excessive talking or sharing. Women who suffer from ADHD might also make unruly decisions and resort to unhealthy coping strategies, like alcohol or other drugs.
If you're having trouble working through tasks, suffer from memory problems, procrastinate chronically or are experiencing relationship issues, it is important to seek out professional help for ADHD. Getting a proper diagnosis can enhance your living quality and help you achieve success in your personal and professional lives. It will help you better manage your ADHD symptoms and devise strategies to deal with them effectively. To avoid lapses of focus and attention it is recommended to keep a consistent schedule using planners or reminder apps, take notes at meetings, and maintain good sleeping habits (avoid screens at least an hour prior to the time you go to bed). Exercise can also help you focus as it increases the levels of brain neurotransmitters.
3. Difficulty remembering names
Difficulty remembering names can go hand-in-hand with other ADHD symptoms like difficulty following directions and trouble finishing projects. This is due to a lack of organizing and prioritizing tasks, which hinders information retrieval. This symptom also tends to get worse during times of stress, fatigue, or hormonal changes, like prior to, during, or after menopause.
Forgetting names can feel even more frustrating when it's accompanied by a feeling of forgetfulness about larger items, such as appointments or events, or personal reminders. These lapses can be exacerbated by anxiety and depression, which are frequent co-occurring disorders with ADHD among women.
Due to gender perceptions and internalized symptoms ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are more subtle than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, making them harder to detect and identify. They are, therefore, under-diagnosed and under-referred to doctors for treatment and diagnosis.
Additionally there is discrimination based on gender due to the fact that ADHD tends to be seen as a condition that affects boys. Boys who are hyperactive are the ones most often taken to clinics and assessed for treatment. In addition, due to internalized stigma, the symptoms of women differ from those of men. Many professionals do not diagnose or treat ADHD for females.
It's becoming more frequent for women to be diagnosed with ADHD in their adulthood. A diagnosis can improve your relationships, set you up for success at work and school and offer the help you require to succeed in your life. If you are interested in getting diagnosed, speak to an experienced Salience Health provider. We can evaluate your symptoms using tools like Creyos cognitive testing and Brainview Advanced, and connect you with a therapist that's suitable for you.
4. Ailoofs with difficulty
Women with ADHD typically have inattention symptoms and their problems can seem subtle to other people. They may forget to do chores at home, fail to attend appointments or struggle to take notes. They might also struggle with impulsivity or have difficulty understanding social boundaries. This can lead to misinterpretation and misunderstandings in relationships with family and friends, and it can cause feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Women who are not treated for ADHD might also have difficulty fulfilling the expectations of society for them as women. They may struggle with the burden of caring for children and household chores, and this societal pressure can intensify their ADHD symptoms and feelings of inadequateness. Untreated ADHD can cause low self-esteem among women. They might resort to unhealthy methods of coping, such as binge eating or watching marathons of TV.
The challenges of ADHD for women can be compounded by gender discrimination in the way women and girls are viewed, and how clinicians evaluate them. Certain studies suggest that girls and women are more likely to conceal or minimize their ADHD symptoms, and can be less likely to receive treatment and diagnosis than men and boys.
Women suffering from ADHD may also have difficulties in recognizing their symptoms. They may be confused with anxiety disorders or mood disorders. This could lead to false diagnoses and improper or delayed treatment.
These changes can cause women to be more frustrated with her ADHD symptoms. They may also increase the chance that she will be misunderstood or dismissed as moody or overly emotional. These changes can cause women to be more annoyed with her ADHD symptoms and increase the chance of being misunderstood, or viewed as moody or emotional.
5. Impulsivity
The impulsivity of ADHD affects both men and boys differently, women experience it similarly. They may also struggle with managing their emotions, and may be susceptible to "foot in mouth" moments. These actions that are impulsive can have a significant impact on relationships and professional life.
The part of the brain that is responsible for decision-making and reasoning is called the prefrontal cortex. This area can assist people avoid making a mistake by providing a nudge on their behavior. People who suffer from ADHD have a less functional prefrontal cortex. This can make it difficult to resist the urges or prevent themselves from doing something reckless or hurtful. It can also cause an absence of self-esteem. In women, impulsiveness often manifests as difficulties with social boundaries and conversational self-restraint (interrupting conversations, completing others' sentences, or talking too much).
Women also have issues with control of impulses when hormones fluctuate. Estrogen fluctuates at different times during the menstrual period, pregnancy, childbirth and menopausal cycles. Contraceptives and hormone therapy that is used during perimenopause or menopause may affect estrogen levels and other hormones, which can affect a woman's ADHD.
ADHD symptoms in women and girls can differ from those of males and boys. This is why they are often misdiagnosed. Many adults suffering from ADHD are not aware of their health issues. The good news is that identifying and treating ADHD can help improve the quality of life for anyone regardless of age. Talk to your doctor if you're unsure whether you're suffering from ADHD. They'll be able to give you guidance. Treatment options include medication and cognitive behavioral therapy and couples counseling.