ADHD Adult Female Symptoms
ADHD can affect women and men, however it's more difficult for women to be diagnosed. This is because women rarely show the same high levels of impulsivity or hyperactivity that men do, which means they may be misdiagnosed or missed.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis is the first step to managing your symptoms. The use of stimulant medication is a typical treatment for adults suffering from ADHD however there are also other options.
1. Difficulty Focusing
Women with ADHD can be distracted by a myriad of things, but they have a harder time being focused on their conversations and tasks especially when they are experiencing sensory or emotional overload. These problems can be made worse when menstrual cycles are in full swing.
Women with inattentive ADHD have problems with their working memory. This makes it difficult to remember simple things, such as appointments or upcoming events. what is ADHD symptoms in adults might forget where they put their car keys or the name of the lady who gave them a ride to home from spin class or even important dates and deadlines.
Other symptoms of ADHD in females of adulthood include procrastination, as well as difficulty following through with plans. They tend to be distracted by shiny objects or social networks which can make it difficult for them to complete their projects and assignments. This can cause a sense of being overwhelmed and underperforming at school or work.
Due to the societal perceptions of gender, a lot of women suffering from ADHD go undiagnosed. As a result, they struggle with shame and mislabel their struggles as "bad habits" or "character imperfections." They also frequently feel like they are an imposter. A diagnosis could be a lightbulb moment giving them a clear external explanation of their struggles and giving them the opportunity to accept themselves more fully.
Untreated ADHD in girls and women can result in a myriad of negative effects, such as behavioral issues, academic problems as well as family and relationship issues and co-existing mental health issues. But a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan can significantly enhance the lives of people suffering from this condition at every stage of their lives. Treatment options include stimulant drugs and therapy. *
2. Difficulty Finishing Projects
Women with ADHD struggle to complete tasks or responsibilities. They may lose important information, have difficulty switching between tasks and responsibilities, or find it hard to meet deadlines. They could also be more likely to make mistakes, have trouble organizing their schedules and underestimate the time they need to finish tasks.
The emotional symptoms of ADHD in adults, like mood swings and irritability, can be a major source of frustration for women with the condition. Hormonal changes can trigger symptoms, which can occur in pregnancy, menopause and during menstrual cycles. Women with undiagnosed ADHD can feel frustrated and disappointed by their performance at work or in their relationships.
Women with ADHD have a hard time with daily routines such as chores and grocery shopping difficult. They may have a hard time remembering to take out the trash or turn off the stove and they can be easily distracted by small objects around them. They may also struggle performing repetitive tasks, like folding dishes or washing the laundry. Boring or mundane chores can become unbearable and cause impulsive behavior like excessive talk or sharing. Women who suffer from ADHD can also make erratic choices and use unhealthy strategies to cope, such as alcohol or drugs.
If you're having trouble finishing tasks, memory issues, chronic procrastination and relationships, you should consider a professional assessment for ADHD. Finding the right diagnosis can improve your overall quality of life and help you achieve success in your professional and personal lives. It can help you better manage your ADHD symptoms and devise strategies to deal with them effectively. You can reduce lapses in focus and attention by adhering to a plan, using a planner or reminder apps, making notes during meetings, and maintaining good sleeping habits. Exercise can also help improve focus as it increases brain neurotransmitter levels.
3. It is difficult to remember names.
The difficulty in remembering names may go hand-in-hand with other ADHD symptoms like difficulty following directions and trouble finishing projects. This is due to an inability of organizing and prioritizing tasks, which can hinder information retrieval. This condition can worsen during periods of fatigue, stress or hormonal changes, for instance prior to, during, or after menopause.
Forgetting names can be more frustrating when it's followed by a sense of forgetfulness over bigger items, such as appointments or events, or personal reminders. These lapses could also be worsened by depression or anxiety, which commonly co-occur with ADHD in women.
ADHD is often misdiagnosed 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, what is adult ADHD symptoms are not diagnosed and under-referred to doctors for treatment and diagnosis.
Additionally, there is gender-based discrimination since the disorder is often be seen as a condition that affects boys. Boys with hyperactivity are the ones who are most frequently referred to clinics and evaluated for treatment. Coupled with internalized stigmas and the fact that women's symptoms frequently appear different from men's, many professionals fail to diagnose or treat ADHD in women.
It's becoming more common for women to be diagnosed with ADHD in their adulthood. A diagnosis can improve your relationships, assist you to achieve your goals at work and school, and give you the help you require. Speak to an Salience Health provider if you're looking to be diagnosed. We can evaluate your symptoms with tools like Creyos cognitive testing and Brainview Advanced, and connect you with a therapist that's right for you.
4. Ailoofs that appear difficult to see
Women suffering from ADHD may exhibit subtle signs of inattention. They may forget to do chores at home, skip appointments or struggle to take notes. They might also struggle with impulsivity or have difficulty understanding the boundaries of social interaction. This could lead to misinterpretations and confusions between family and friends, and can also result in feelings of loneliness and isolation.
In addition, women who suffer from untreated ADHD frequently have difficulty meeting the expectations of society for them as women. This can cause a feeling of inadequacy and ADHD symptoms as they struggle with the responsibility of caring for children and household chores. If not treated, ADHD can cause lower self-esteem in women. They may resort to unhealthy ways of coping such as binge-eating and watching marathons on TV.
The difficulties of ADHD for women can be exacerbated by gender bias, both in the way girls and women are perceived and evaluated 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 are less likely than males and females to get referred to a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
Women with ADHD can also have difficulty in recognizing their symptoms. They may confuse them with anxiety disorders or mood disorders. This can contribute to a false diagnosis and delayed or incorrect treatment.
These changes can make women more frustrated with her ADHD symptoms. They may also make it more likely to be misinterpreted or dismissed as moody or emotional. These changes can make a woman more unhappy with her ADHD symptoms and increase the chance of being misunderstood or viewed as moody or too emotional.
5. Impulsivity
The impulsivity of ADHD affects both men and boys differently, women are affected too. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and may be susceptible to "foot in mouth" moments. These behaviors that are impulsive can have a major impact on your personal and professional life.
Prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that is responsible for controlling thinking and making decisions. This brain area can stop people from making poor decisions because it acts as a safeguard. ADHD sufferers have a weaker prefrontal cortex. This can make it more difficult to resist impulses and prevent themselves from engaging in reckless behavior. It can also result in an inability to respect themselves. Women's impulsiveness is often manifested as a lack of social boundaries and self-restraint in conversations (interrupting others, finishing their sentences, or talking too often).
Women may also struggle controlling their impulses during the many hormonal changes throughout their lives. Estrogen fluctuates at different times throughout the menstrual period, pregnancy, childbirth and menopausal cycle. The use of oral contraception and hormone therapy during perimenopause and menopausal cycles can alter the levels of estrogen and other hormones that impact the woman's ADHD symptoms.
ADHD symptoms in women and girls can differ from those in men and boys, which is why they are often incorrectly diagnosed. Due to this, many adults who have ADHD are unaware of the fact that they suffer from it. The good news is that diagnosing and treating ADHD can make a difference in the quality of life of a person regardless of age. Speak to your doctor if there's a doubt whether you suffer from ADHD. They'll be able to give you advice. Treatment options include medication, cognitive therapy, and couples counseling.