Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach the age of adulthood. This is due in part to the lingering stereotypes, referral biases and masking behaviors, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations.
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 a misdiagnosis.
1. Inattention and lack of Focus
Many people with ADHD struggle to focus and stay focused. This can cause problems at work or school and can result in a lack of attention to homework or chores, or missing important meetings. This can cause emotional problems, such as mood changes or a loss of self-esteem.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms are often subtler which makes them harder to identify. You may seem like you're not paying attention when other people are talking (you may be unable to focus or display what's known as a'thousand-yard stare'). You might find it hard to finish tasks that require concentration such as writing reports or doing paperwork.
Regular exercise can improve your ability for concentration and organization. Try walking every day or participating in fitness classes for groups, or going swimming or cycling. Limiting caffeine may help to reduce the side effects that certain ADHD medications may cause.
2. Making decisions can be difficult
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to make decisions and follow through with the actions that result from them. severe ADHD symptoms adults may also have trouble maintaining their calm and avoiding impulsive behaviors, which can cause problems at work and with 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 may forget important dates or misplace things.
Women are often misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed as the symptoms of ADHD aren't always obvious. However, a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women who finally get the help they require. Therapists can provide advice and support for managing the disorder, and might suggest a mix of treatments such as psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as establishing a regular sleep routine and ensuring good sleep hygiene.
3. Time Management Problems
As children with ADHD become adults, they may have difficulty to manage their lives and relationships with no assistance. They may be difficult to identify and, in particular, if their symptoms are primarily inattentive.
They forget important dates, such as birthdays or events. They lose the track of their routines as well as schedules making it difficult to get up on time for work or school. They might also lose or lose their wallets, eyeglasses keys or wallets.
ADHD symptoms are not always apparent. They can be worsened due to stress or mental health issues or physical illnesses. This is why it's essential to talk to your doctor about any problems you're having. They may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help you overcome your negative thoughts and actions, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, and gender is a person's internal sense of self, regardless of whether they're either male or female at birth, or are intersex or don't fall into the sex binary.
4. It is difficult to stay organized
Symptoms of inattention can affect your school and work life such as forgetfulness and difficulty following through on tasks. It could also cause lost items or missing important events, and also 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 an inability to wait for your turn in conversations or in the workplace, with the inability to comprehend social boundaries. Impulsivity can lead to rash decisions, risk-taking or a tendency for interruptions.
Women are often pressured to be "perfect" to be able to balance work and family, be punctual and organised and meet the demands of others. This can lead women to feel stressed and anxious and can worsen ADHD symptoms, leading to them not to be diagnosed or treated. In addition, symptoms may become worse during menopause. This can cause low self-esteem and problems with relationships.
5. It is difficult to concentrate
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty being able to focus. This can cause problems at school or work and make it difficult to form relationships. It can be difficult to remember daily tasks such as dressing up, taking medications or going to health check-ups.
Women suffering from ADHD have coping strategies to hide their symptoms. This allows other people not to be aware that they are having trouble staying focus or forgetting important details. These strategies for coping could include healthy habits like setting reminders on their smartphones or adhering to a routine. They may also involve unhealthy habits, such as drinking excessively and using substances.
The severity of ADHD symptoms can vary and it is essential that those with ADHD discuss their concerns with their physician. According to the CDC there are three severity levels that are mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minor difficulties in workplace or social environments) moderate, and severe.
6. Multitasking can be difficult.
Women with ADHD are often under pressure to live up to society's expectations. This means caring for children, maintaining relationships and running a household. It can be challenging to manage if ADHD symptoms make it hard to be organized and punctual. They also have a hard time being effective.
The inability to remember and impulsivity can result in misunderstandings and frustrations between family members, partners, and friends. They can also interfere with work or study habits that can cause underachievement and performance issues.
This can cause anxiety and depression which can lead to coexisting mental health conditions, such as depression. Undiagnosed ADHD can also affect relationships and cause a lack of fulfillment at home and at work. Fortunately, the right help can aid. You can overcome these difficulties by employing strategies to cope such as a daily routine or reminders. You can ask your school or employer about accommodations that may aid in managing your symptoms. Joining a women's ADHD support group can aid in connecting with others who suffer from the condition and share advice for managing it.
7. Attention Management Problems
One of the main symptoms of ADHD is the inability to pay attention to the smallest aspects. It can manifest in a variety of ways, from not understanding the fine details of a contract to making a lot of blunders at school or at work.
Women with inattention ADHD might have trouble following the routine or manage their responsibilities at home or at work, leading to problems such as missing appointments or forgetting to pay bills. They also have difficulty staying quiet or refraining from interrupting others.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety, and may have difficulty maintaining healthy, happy relationships. They are also more likely to engage in sexual activity at an earlier age and be at risk of being pressured into inappropriate or unwelcome sexual behavior.
Women with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are less likely to develop these symptoms, so it is harder for them to be diagnosed. Yet, women can face similar issues and should seek an assessment from a health specialist.
8. It is difficult to remain calm
The symptoms of ADHD can trigger feelings of anger and frustration. People who aren't aware of the condition might not be able to comprehend the emotions. extreme ADHD symptoms adults should be aware of these signs and seek help before they turn into grave emotional issues.
For instance, if you're constantly ignoring appointments or arriving late for work meetings, this can cause conflicts with your boss or colleagues. It can also cause confusion with family and friends members. You may find yourself making up things that hurt others' feelings even if you weren't intending to do so.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must have at least six symptoms for at least six month 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 can also have other symptoms as well as the inattention type.
9. Making Friends is not easy.
Women who have ADHD can struggle to make and keep friends. Their impulsiveness and forgetfulness could lead to misunderstandings between family and friends. They might also be struggling with emotional dysregulation, which causes them to be hard to regulate their moods. This can cause them to feel anxious, rejected, or misunderstood. It can also have a negative impact on their self-esteem.
People with ADHD are often unable to recognize social cues such as rolled-eyes and loud grunts. This can lead them to believe that their friends do not want to hang out or that they are not paying attention to them.
Women are also more likely to suffer from problems with their relationships since depression can cause more ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to identify that a person suffers from ADHD, and can delay a diagnosis. Many people suffering from ADHD claim that their standard of living improves once they've been diagnosed.