Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. This is due to stereotypes that persist 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 can lead to being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle with being able to focus and stay focused. This can cause problems at work or school and can result in a lack of attention to chores or homework, or avoiding important meetings. It can also lead to emotional difficulties, such as mood swings or a lack of self-esteem.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms are often subtler, making them more difficult to identify. You may appear to not pay attention to what others are talking about (you might zone-out or have a "thousand-yard stare"). You may find it difficult to complete tasks that require focus, such as writing reports or completing paperwork.
Regular exercise can improve your ability for concentration and organization. Try going for a daily stroll, joining an exercise class for a group or going for a swim or cycling. It's also an excellent idea to reduce caffeine intake, since it can cause a rise in the side effects of certain ADHD medications.
2. Problems in Making Decisions
Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to make decisions or following through on their actions. They may also have trouble maintaining their 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. Some women with ADHD may have difficulty staying focused or sitting for long periods, or they may forget important dates or misplace things.
Women are often misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed because the symptoms of ADHD aren't as apparent. The diagnosis of adult ADHD is a major life-changing event for many women who finally receive the help they require. A therapist can provide guidance and assistance to manage the condition. They may suggest a combination therapy such as psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as establishing an established sleep schedule and practicing good sleeping hygiene.
3. Problems with Time Management
As children 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 when they're inattention-focused or mixed between both types.
They are unable to remember important events such as birthdays or meetings. They lose the track of their routines and schedules making it difficult to leave on time for school or work. They might even lose or lose their wallets, eyeglasses keys, or wallets.
The symptoms of ADHD aren't always easy to identify and they may be worsened by stress, mental health conditions, or physical illness. This is why it's essential to talk with your doctor about any issues you're experiencing. They may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help you reframe your negative thoughts and behaviors and develop healthier strategies for coping. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, whereas gender describes a person's internal sense of self--whether they're assigned gender male or female from birth, or are intersex or don't belong to the gender binary.
4. The difficulty of staying organized
Inattention can cause problems at work or in school, such as inattention and difficulty with tasks. Inattention can cause you to lose items or miss important events. It can also 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 may also manifest as the inability to wait for your turn in conversations or in the workplace as well as an inability to understand the boundaries of social interaction. Impulsivity can lead to reckless choices, risk-taking, or a tendency to interrupt.
Women are often put under pressure to be "perfect" to be able to balance family and career, be punctual and organised and also meet other standards. This can lead to anxiety and stress, which may exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD and cause them to be undiagnosed or not treated. The symptoms may also get worse when menopausal. This can result in lower confidence and relationship issues.
5. It is difficult to concentrate
Women and girls with ADHD may have difficulty focus. This can cause issues at work or school, and can even make it difficult to form relationships. It can be difficult to remember daily tasks such as getting dressed, taking medication or going to health check-ups.
Women who suffer from ADHD often develop strategies for coping to hide their symptoms so others may not notice that they have trouble staying on task or forgetting things. These strategies for coping can include healthy practices like setting up reminders on their phones or sticking to a schedule. These coping mechanisms can include unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol or substance use.
Symptoms of ADHD are not always the same and it's essential for people suffering from ADHD to discuss their concerns with a 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. Multitasking can be difficult.
Women suffering from ADHD are often pressured to meet social expectations. This includes caring for children, maintaining a relationship and managing the household. This can be difficult if their ADHD symptoms hinder them from being organised punctual, punctual and efficient.
Forgetfulness and impulsivity may cause misunderstandings and frustrations between family members, partners, and even friends. They can also interfere with studies or work habits which can lead to poor performance and performance issues.
This can cause low self-esteem and anxiety, which may contribute to mental health issues that coexist like depression. In addition that, undiagnosed ADHD can affect relationships and lead to feeling unfulfilled in the workplace as well as at home. The right support can help. 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 help you to manage your symptoms. You can also network with other women with ADHD and learn to manage it by joining an women's ADHD group.
7. Trouble Controlling Attention
One of the main symptoms of ADHD is an inability to pay attention to small details. It can manifest in many ways, ranging from not understanding the fine text of a contract, to making a lot of mistakes at school or work.
Women with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty following the routine or keep track of responsibilities at home or at work, which can lead to issues such as a lack of appointments and forgetting to pay bills. They may also have trouble staying still or avoiding interrupting other people.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety, and may have trouble maintaining healthy, happy relationships. They are more likely to begin sexual activity 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. Women can experience similar problems and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
8. It is difficult to remain calm
Symptoms of ADHD can trigger anger and frustration. People who aren't aware of the condition might not be able to comprehend the emotions. Women should recognize these symptoms and seek help before they escalate to serious emotional problems.
For example, if you're constantly ignoring appointments or arriving late for work meetings, this can cause conflicts with your employer or co-workers. This can also lead misunderstandings between family and friends. You might make a mistake and make comments that hurt the feelings of others even though you didn't mean to.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must show 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. Women may also experience other symptoms in addition to the inattention type.
9. Trouble Making Friends
Women with ADHD might have difficulty to keep their relationships and make new acquaintances. Their forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can lead to miscommunications and conflict with family members and friends. They may also have trouble with emotional dysregulation, which causes them to be hard to regulate their moods. This condition can make them feel uneasy, resentful or not understood. It can also have a negative effect on their self-esteem.
signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults with ADHD often miss social cues like rolled eyes and stifled grunts. This can cause people to believe that their friends don't want to hang out or that they are not paying attention to them.
Women can also struggle dealing with interpersonal issues since they are more likely to suffer from depression, which can increase their ADHD symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to recognize that the person is suffering from ADHD, and may delay a diagnosis. Many people with ADHD report that their quality of life improves once they are diagnosed.