Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female
Many women who live with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood. This is due to persistent stereotypes, referral biases and masking behavior as well as 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 suffering from ADHD have difficulty focusing or staying on task. This can cause issues at work or school, such as forgetting homework or chores, or missing important meetings. It can also lead to emotional problems, such as mood shifts or a lack self-esteem.
Symptoms of inattentive-type ADHD are usually more subtle and therefore difficult to identify and diagnose. You may seem like you're not paying attention when people are talking (you may be unable to focus or have what is known as 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 concentration and organization. Try a walk every day, taking part in a group fitness class, or swimming or cycling. It's also recommended to avoid caffeine intake, since it can cause a rise in the side effects of certain ADHD medications.
2. Difficulty Making Decisions
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to make decisions and follow through with the actions that result from them. They may also have trouble keeping their cool and avoiding impulse-driven behaviors that 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. Women with ADHD might have trouble staying focused or sitting for long periods or may forget important dates or lose things.
Because the signs of ADHD are less apparent in women, they are frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The diagnosis of adult ADHD is a life-changing event for women who receive the assistance they need. Therapists can provide advice and assistance in managing the condition, and they may suggest a combination of treatments, such as psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications such as creating a regular sleep routine and ensuring good sleep hygiene.
3. Problems with Time Management
As children with ADHD mature into adults, they may have difficulty to manage their lives and relationships with no assistance. Their symptoms are often a bit under the radar, particularly when they're mostly inattentive or mixed between both types.
They forget important events such as birthdays or meetings. They also forget their routines and schedules, making it harder to get up in time for work or school. They might even lose or forget their keys, wallets or glasses.
The signs of ADHD aren't always easy to identify and can be exacerbated by stress, other mental health conditions or physical ailments. It's crucial to discuss any issues you may be experiencing with your doctor. They may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help you reframe your negative thoughts and actions and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, and gender describes a person's internal identity, whether they're either male or female at birth, or are intersex or don't belong to the gender binary.
4. It is difficult to stay organized
Inattention can cause issues at work and at school, such as difficulties with completing tasks and forgetfulness. It could also cause losing important items or 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 may also manifest as a lack of patience for your turn in conversations or in the workplace as well as an inability to understand social boundaries. Insanity can lead to quick decisions, risk-taking, or a tendency to interrupt others.
Women are often pressured to be "perfect" to manage work and family and be punctual, organised and meet the demands of others. This can lead to anxiety and stress that may exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD which can cause them to go undiagnosed, or neglected. In addition, symptoms may become worse during menopause. This can cause lower confidence and relationship issues.
5. It is difficult to concentrate
Girls and women with ADHD might have trouble concentration. This can lead to issues at school or at work, and even create difficulties in forming relationships. It can be difficult to keep up with everyday tasks like getting dressed or remembering to get medication and health checkups.
Women suffering from ADHD often develop strategies for coping to disguise their symptoms, so that others don't notice that they have trouble staying on track or forgetting things. These strategies of coping may include healthy habits like creating reminders on their phones or following a set schedule. They may also involve unhealthy behaviors, such as drinking excessively and using substances.
The severity of ADHD symptoms can differ and it is crucial that those with ADHD discuss their concerns with their doctor. According to the CDC there three levels of severity that are mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minor impairments in social or workplace settings), moderate and severe.
6. Multitasking is difficult
Women suffering from ADHD are often under pressure to meet societal expectations, which includes taking care of children, maintaining a healthy relationship and running a home. This can be difficult for those whose ADHD symptoms hinder them from being organized punctual, efficient and on time.
The impulsivity and forgetfulness of people can lead to the frustrations and conflicts with partners, friends, and family. They can also affect work or study habits and cause underperformance.
This can cause anxiety and low self-esteem which can contribute to coexisting disorders like depression. Additionally that, undiagnosed ADHD can affect relationships and result in an absence of fulfillment at work and the home. A good support system can be helpful. You can overcome these issues by using coping strategies like a routine for your day or reminders. You can inquire with your school or employer for accommodations that may make it easier to manage your symptoms. You can also connect with other women who have ADHD and learn to manage it by joining a women's ADHD group.
7. Attention Management Issues
One of the most prominent signs of ADHD is an inability to pay attention to the smallest things. It can manifest in many ways, ranging from failing to read the fine text of a contract, to making a lot of mistakes at work or school.
Women with inattention ADHD might have trouble following the routine or keep track of responsibilities at home or at work, leading to issues like missing appointments or forgetting to pay bills. They may also have difficulty to stay at a distance or refrain from interrupting other people.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to experience depression or anxiety and may have trouble maintaining healthy, happy relationships. They are also more likely to be sexually active at a younger age and be at risk of being pushed into unwanted or abusive sexual activities.
Women with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are less likely to develop these symptoms, so it is harder for them to be diagnosed. However, women may experience similar issues and should seek an assessment from a health specialist.
8. Trouble in Keeping Calm
ADHD symptoms can cause feelings of anger and frustration. It's easy for people who aren't aware of the condition to misunderstand these feelings. It is crucial for women to recognise these signs and seek assistance before they turn into severe emotional issues.
If you're constantly forgetting your appointments or are late for work meetings, it could lead to conflict with your coworkers or employer. It can also cause misunderstandings with friends and family members. You may accidentally make comments that hurt the feelings of others even if you weren't intending to.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. You must exhibit at least six or more signs 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 inattentive type.
9. Making Friends is difficult
Women suffering from ADHD might find it difficult to keep their relationships and make new acquaintances. Their impulsiveness and forgetfulness could result in miscommunications between family and friends. People with emotional dysregulation might also have difficulty regulating their moods. This symptom may make them feel anxious, devalued or misunderstood. It can affect negatively on their self-esteem.
ADHD in adults symptoms uk with ADHD are often unable to discern social cues, such as rolled eyes and suppressed smiles. This can cause people to believe that their peers don't want to hang out or that they're ignoring them.
Women are also more likely to experience problems with their relationships because depression can worsen ADHD symptoms. This can make it more difficult for others to notice that they're suffering from the condition, and could delay a diagnosis. Many people with ADHD report that their quality of life improves after they're diagnosed.