ADHD Adult Female Symptoms
ADHD can affect people of all genders and ages, but it can be harder for women to diagnose. That's because females often don't show the same hyperactivity and indecisiveness as men, and so they may be missed or incorrectly diagnosed.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis is the first step to managing your symptoms. Stimulant medication is a common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD however, there are also other options.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women suffering from ADHD can be distracted by a myriad of things, but they also have a harder time being focused on their conversations and tasks, especially if they are suffering from emotional or sensory overload. These difficulties can be exacerbated during menstrual cycles.
Women with inattentive ADHD also have problems with their working memory, which makes it difficult to remember simple things like appointments or forthcoming events. They may forget where they left their keys in their car or the name of the lady who gave them a ride home after a spinning class. They may forget important dates or deadlines.
Procrastination, and the inability to follow through with plans are also signs of ADHD in females who are adults. They are more likely to be distracted by shiny objects or social networks, making it difficult to finish their projects and assignments. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed and underperforming in school or at work.
Due to the societal perceptions of gender, a lot of women suffering from ADHD go undiagnosed. As a result, they are embarrassed and mistakenly label their issues as "bad habits" or "character imperfections." They also feel like they are an imposter. A diagnosis could be an "lightbulb" moment for them, since it gives them an external explanation for their issues and allows them to accept themselves more fully.
Girls and women who suffer from untreated ADHD can experience a wide range of negative outcomes that can include academic issues and behavioral issues, bad family and relationship problems as well as co-occurring mental health issues. A correct diagnosis and treatment plan can enhance the lives of those who suffer from ADHD at any time in their life. Treatment options could include stimulant therapy and medication. *
2. Difficulty Finishing Projects
Women suffering from ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or responsibilities. This Resource site may forget important details, struggle with switching between tasks or responsibilities, and find it difficult to meet deadlines. They may also be more likely to make errors, have difficulty organizing their schedules and managing their time, and underestimate how long it takes to complete tasks.
The emotional symptoms of ADHD in adults, like mood swings and irritability, can be a major source of frustration for women suffering from the condition. The symptoms can be exacerbated by hormonal changes, including those that occur during the menstrual cycle as well as during pregnancy and menopausal. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may feel frustrated and disappointed in their work performance and in their relationships.
Women with ADHD struggle with keeping up with daily tasks like grocery shopping and household chores. They might have a difficult finding the time to remember to empty the trash or to switch off the stove, and they are easily distracted by the smallest things around them. They might also struggle performing repetitive tasks, such as folding the laundry or washing the dishes. Simple tasks that are boring or repetitive can become intolerable and lead to impulsive behavior such as excessive talk or sharing. Women who suffer from ADHD can also make erratic decisions and resort to unhealthy strategies to cope, such as alcohol or other drugs.
If you're having trouble getting things done, have memory issues, have a tendency to procrastinate for a long time or have relationship problems It is crucial to seek out professional help for ADHD. Getting a proper diagnosis can improve your quality of life and help you achieve success in your personal and professional lives. It can help you better manage your ADHD symptoms and devise strategies to deal with them effectively. To avoid lapses of focus and attention, you can try to adhere to a regular schedule using a planner or reminder apps to take notes during meetings, and maintain good sleep hygiene (avoid screens for an hour prior to bedtime). Exercise can also help increase focus by boosting brain neurotransmitter production.
3. Trouble remembering names
It is possible that difficulty in remembering names could be accompanied by other ADHD symptoms, like trouble following directions or finishing projects. The underlying issue behind these issues is a failure to organize and prioritize tasks which affects efficient information retrieval. This condition tends to get worse 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 forgetfulness over bigger items, such as appointments, events, or personal reminders. These lapses may be exacerbated by depression and anxiety which are both common co-occurring conditions with ADHD in women.
ADHD is often not recognized in women due to gender bias and internalized symptoms. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are more subtle than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, making them harder to detect and identify. Therefore, they are not diagnosed and are not being referred to a doctor for treatment and diagnosis.
In addition, there is gender-based discrimination because the disorder tends to be viewed as a disorder that affects boys. Hyperactive boys are the ones who are most frequently being referred to clinics and analyzed for treatment. In addition to the internalized stigma, the symptoms of women are usually different from those of men. Many doctors fail to diagnose or treat ADHD in females.
It's becoming more commonplace 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 provide the support you need to thrive in your daily life. Talk to an Salience Health provider if you're interested in being diagnosed. We'll be able to assess your symptoms with tools like Creyos cognitive testing and Brainview Advanced, and connect you with a therapist the right fit for you.
4. Difficulty Appearing in Aloof
Women who suffer from ADHD may exhibit subtle signs of inattention. They may not remember to do chores at home, fail to attend appointments or struggle to take notes. They may also have issues with impulsivity, or struggle to understand social boundaries. This could lead to confusion and misinterpretation in relationships with family and friends, and it can cause feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also have trouble fulfilling the expectations of society for them as women. They might struggle with the responsibility of caring for their children and household chores, and this societal pressure can increase their ADHD symptoms and feelings of inadequateness. If left untreated, ADHD can cause lower self-esteem in women. They may turn to unhealthy ways of coping such as binge-eating and watching TV marathons.
The challenges of ADHD for women can be amplified by gender bias, both in how women and girls are perceived and assessed by clinicians. There is evidence that suggests that women and girls are more likely to hide their ADHD symptoms or attempt to cover up for them, and they are less likely than men and boys to get referred for diagnosis and treatment.
Women with ADHD may also have difficulties understanding their symptoms and could confuse them with mood disorders or anxiety disorders. This could lead to false diagnosis or delayed treatment.
These changes can increase a woman's frustration with her ADHD symptoms. They can also make it more likely to be misinterpreted or dismissed as moody or overly emotional. These changes can cause women to be more unhappy with her ADHD symptoms and increase the chance of being misunderstood, or dismissed as moody or too emotional.
5. Impulsivity
Women are also prone to impulsivity, which is associated with ADHD. They might also have trouble managing their emotions, and may be susceptible to "foot in the mouth" moments. These behaviors that are impulsive can have a significant impact on your personal and professional life.
The part of the brain that regulates the ability to make decisions and reason is known as the prefrontal cortex. This brain area can stop people from making poor decisions since it serves as an alarm. ADHD sufferers have a weaker prefrontal cortex. This makes it more difficult to resist impulses and avoid doing something reckless. It can also cause an absence of self-esteem. In women, impulsiveness usually manifests itself as a problem with social boundaries and self-control in conversation (interrupting conversations, completing others' sentences, and speaking too much).
Women also may have issues with impulse control during the various hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives. Estrogen fluctuates naturally at different times throughout the menstrual cycle, during childbirth, pregnancy and menopausal. Contraceptives and hormone therapy that is used during menopausal perimenopausal cycles can alter estrogen levels as well as other hormones, which can affect the woman's ADHD.
ADHD symptoms in girls and women may differ from those seen in males and boys, which is why they are often not properly diagnosed. Many people with ADHD are unaware of their condition. The good news is that identifying and treating ADHD can improve the quality of life of a person at any age. Consult your doctor if there's a doubt whether you suffer from ADHD. They'll be able to give you suggestions. Treatment options include medication as well as cognitive behavioral therapy and couples counseling.