ADHD Adult Female Symptoms
ADHD can affect females and males, but it is more difficult for women to recognize it. This is because women rarely exhibit the same inattention or impulsivity as men do, and therefore can be missed or misdiagnosed.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis is the first step in managing your symptoms. Stimulant medication is a common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD however there are other options.
1. Trouble focusing
Women suffering from ADHD are prone to being distracted by a myriad of things, but they're also having difficulty focusing on conversations and tasks, especially if they are experiencing sensory or emotional overload. These problems can be made worse when menstrual cycles are in full swing.
Women who are inattentional ADHD have issues with their working memory. This causes them to be unable to remember everyday things, such as dates or events coming up. They may forget where they left their car keys or the name of the lady who offered them a ride home from spin class. They might also forget important dates and deadlines.
Procrastination and the inability to stick with plans are other signs of ADHD in females who are adults. They are more likely to get distracted by shiny objects or social media, which makes it difficult to finish their projects and assignments. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed and underperforming in the classroom or at work.
Many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. In turn, they experience shame and mistakenly label their problems as "bad behaviours" or "character issues". They are often viewed as if they are a fraud. A diagnosis could be a "lightbulb" moment for them, because it gives them an external explanation of their issues and allows them to accept themselves more fully.
Untreated ADHD in girls and women can result in a myriad of negative effects, including behavioral issues, academic problems as well as family and relationship issues, and coexisting mental health issues. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan will improve the lives of people who suffer from ADHD at any time in their life. Treatment options include stimulant drugs and therapy. *
2. Difficulty Finishing Projects
Women with ADHD are unable to complete tasks or obligations. They may lose important information, have difficulty shifting between tasks and responsibilities and find it difficult to meet deadlines. They might also be more prone to make erroneous mistakes or have difficulty organizing and managing their time effectively, and overestimate how long it takes to complete tasks.
The emotional manifestations of ADHD in adults, such as mood swings and irritability, can be particularly frustrating for women with the condition. The symptoms can be exacerbated by hormonal changes, including those that occur during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrated and disappointed by their performance at workplace or in their relationships.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a hard time with daily routines such as chores and grocery shopping extremely challenging. They might have a difficult finding the time to remember to empty the garbage or turn off the stove, and they are easily distracted by little objects around them. They may also have difficulty with monotonous tasks like washing dishes or folding laundry. Boring or mundane tasks can become intolerable, leading to impulsive behaviors like excessive talking or oversharing. Women with ADHD can also make erratic choices and employ unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or other drugs.
If you're having trouble getting things done, have memory issues, are constantly procrastinating or are experiencing relationship issues It is crucial to seek out professional help for ADHD. A proper diagnosis can improve your quality of life and help you achieve success in your professional and personal life. It can assist you in managing your ADHD symptoms and create strategies for dealing with the symptoms. To avoid lapses of concentration and attention it is recommended to keep a consistent schedule using an app for planning or reminders, take notes at meetings, and adhere to good sleeping habits (avoid screens for an hour prior to the time you go to bed). Exercise can also improve focus because it increases brain neurotransmitter levels.
3. It is difficult to remember names
It is possible that difficulty remembering names may be coupled with other ADHD symptoms, such as difficulty following directions or completing projects. This is due to an inability of prioritizing and organizing tasks, which can hinder information retrieval. This problem is more likely to occur when there are periods of fatigue, stress or hormonal changes.
Forgetting names can feel even more frustrating if it's accompanied by a feeling of numbness about larger items, such as appointments or events, or personal reminders. These lapses can be worsened by depression or anxiety that are often associated with ADHD in women.
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women due to gender biases and internalized symptoms. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are more subtle than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, making them harder to detect and identify. This means that they are often not identified and not referred for diagnosis and treatment.
In addition, there is a gender-based bias due to the fact that ADHD is generally seen as a male condition, with hyperactive boys being the ones who are the most referred to clinics for evaluation and treatment. In addition to internalized stigma, the symptoms of women are often different from men's. Many doctors do not diagnose or treat ADHD in females.
Fortunately, it's becoming more common for women to receive an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. A diagnosis can help improve relationships and prepare you for success at school and at work, and provide the support you require to succeed in your life. Contact a Salience Health provider if you're interested in being diagnosed. We'll be able to assess your symptoms using tools such as Creyos cognitive testing and Brainview Advanced, and connect you with a therapist that's suitable for you.
4. Ailoofs with difficulty
Women suffering from ADHD often have inattentive symptoms and their problems can seem subtle to other people. They may skip appointments, forget to complete chores around the house or have difficulty taking notes at work. They might also be struggling with impulsivity or difficulty understanding social boundaries. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation in relationships with friends and family and could result in feelings of loneliness and isolation.
In addition, women with untreated ADHD often have difficulty meeting the expectations of society for them as women. They may be struggling with the responsibility of caring for children and household chores, and this societal pressure can intensify their ADHD symptoms and feelings of inadequateness. Many women suffering from untreated ADHD report low self-esteem and resort to unhealthy coping strategies such as binge eating and TV marathons.
The difficulties of ADHD for women could be added to by gender biases in how women and girls are viewed as well as how clinicians assess them. There is evidence that suggests that girls and women tend to conceal their ADHD symptoms or to compensate for them, and they might be less likely than boys and men to get referred for treatment and diagnosis.
Women suffering from ADHD may also have trouble understanding their symptoms and could be confused with anxiety disorders or mood disorders. This can lead to a false diagnosis and delayed or incorrect treatment.
These changes can increase a woman's frustration with her ADHD symptoms. They could also increase the likelihood that she will be misunderstood or dismissed as moody or excessively emotional. These changes can make women more annoyed with her ADHD symptoms and increase the likelihood of being misunderstood, or dismissed as moody or too emotional.
5. Impulsivity
Women are also susceptible to the impulsivity that is a symptom of ADHD. They might also have trouble controlling their emotions and are prone to "foot in the mouth" moments. These actions that are impulsive can have a huge impact on relationships as well as professional life.
Prefrontal cortex is a part of the brain that controls reasoning and decision-making. This area can prevent people from making bad decisions because it acts as an alarm. ADHD sufferers have a weaker prefrontal cortex. This makes it more difficult for them to resist urges and prevent themselves from engaging in reckless behavior. It can also cause a lack of self-respect. Women's impulsiveness often manifests as the lack of social boundaries and self-restraint in conversation (interrupting others, not finishing their sentences, or talking too often).
ADHD symptoms in adulthood can also have problems with impulse control when their hormones fluctuate. Estrogen fluctuates naturally at different periods during the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Contraceptives and hormone therapy used during perimenopause or menopause may affect estrogen levels as well as other hormones, which could affect a woman's ADHD.
The manner in which ADHD symptoms manifest in women and girls can differ from that of boys and men, which is one of the reasons why they are frequently not diagnosed. Many adults with ADHD are not aware of their health issues. The good news is that diagnosing and treating ADHD can make a difference in the quality of life for anyone at any age. Speak to your doctor if you're unsure whether you suffer from ADHD. They can offer you advice. Treatment options include medication and cognitive behavioral therapy and couples counseling.