ADHD Adult Female Symptoms
ADHD can affect people of all ages and genders, but it can be more difficult for women to get diagnosed. It's because women do not typically exhibit the same levels of inattention or impulsivity as men do, which means they may be misdiagnosed or missed.
The first step in managing your symptoms is to receive an accurate diagnosis. The use of stimulant medication is a typical treatment for adults suffering from ADHD however, there are other options.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women suffering from ADHD are often distracted by a variety of things, but they have difficulties staying focused on tasks and conversations especially when they are suffering from sensory or emotional overload. These problems can be made worse during menstrual cycles.
Women with inattention ADHD also have issues with their working memory, which makes it hard to remember simple things like appointments or upcoming events. They might forget where they left their keys to their car or the name of the woman who gave them a ride home from spin class, or even important deadlines and dates.
Other signs of ADHD in adult females include procrastination and difficulty in following through on plans. They tend to be distracted by shiny objects or social networks which makes it difficult to complete their work and assignments. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed and underperforming in the classroom or at work.
Many women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. In turn, they experience shame and mistakenly label their struggles as "bad behaviours" or "character issues". They are often viewed like an impostor. A diagnosis can be a moment of clarity, providing them with a clear external explanation for their challenges and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.
Girls and women with untreated ADHD are susceptible to a wide range of negative outcomes that can include academic issues and behavioral issues, bad relationships and family problems as well as co-occurring mental health issues. However, a correct 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 therapy and medication. *
2. Difficulty Finishing Projects
Women with ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or duties. They can miss important details, have difficulty switching between tasks or responsibilities, and are unable to meet deadlines. They may also be more susceptible to make erroneous mistakes, have trouble organizing and managing their time efficiently, and overestimate how long it takes to finish their work.
Women with ADHD are likely to experience emotional symptoms of ADHD like mood swings or irritability, particularly frustrating. The symptoms can be made worse by hormone changes, including those that occur during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may feel frustrated and disappointed about their performance at work and in their relationships.
Women with ADHD are unable to complete daily tasks like chores and grocery shopping difficult. They might overlook the need to empty the garbage or shut off the stove, and easily get distracted. They can also struggle with monotonous tasks like washing dishes or folding laundry. Simple tasks that are boring or repetitive can become unbearable which can lead to impulsive behaviours like excessive talking or oversharing. ADHD symptoms in women adults with ADHD may also make unruly decisions and resort to unhealthy coping strategies, like alcohol or drugs.
If you're having trouble finishing tasks, have memory issues, are constantly procrastinating or have relationship problems it is essential to seek professional help for ADHD. A correct diagnosis can enhance the quality of your life and assist you in achieving success in your personal and professional life. It can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and develop strategies to address them effectively. To minimize lapses in focus and attention it is recommended to adhere to a regular schedule using an app for planning or reminders and take notes during meetings, and practice good sleep hygiene (avoid screens an hour before going to bed). Exercise can also help you focus because it increases the neurotransmitter levels in your brain.
3. It is difficult to remember names.
It is possible that a difficulty remembering names may be associated with other ADHD symptoms, like difficulty following directions or completing projects. The root cause of the difficulties is a lack of ability to organize and prioritize tasks, which impacts the efficiency of information retrieval. This condition can worsen during periods of fatigue, stress, or hormonal changes, for instance prior to, during, or after menopausal changes.
Forgetting names can be more frustrating if it's accompanied by a sense of forgetfulness about larger items like appointments or events, or personal reminders. These forgetfulness lapses could be caused by depression and anxiety, which are common co-occurring conditions 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, they are not diagnosed and not referred to doctors to receive treatment and diagnosis.
Furthermore, there is a bias based on gender because the disorder is largely perceived as a problem for males, with hyperactive boys being the ones who are the most recommended to clinics for evaluation and treatment. In addition, due to internalized stigma, female symptoms are usually different from those of men. Many doctors are unable to 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 your relationships, assist you to achieve success at work and in school, and provide you with the help you require. If you are looking to get an assessment, speak with an experienced Salience Health provider. We can evaluate 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 are often prone to inattention and their problems can seem subtle to other people. They might miss appointments, fail to finish chores around the home, or have trouble taking notes at work. They might also be struggling with impulsivity and trouble understanding social boundaries. This can lead them to misinterpret and misunderstandings with family and friends and may result in feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Additionally, women with untreated ADHD frequently have difficulty meeting societal expectations for them as women. They may be struggling with the responsibility of caring for their children and household chores, and this social pressure can intensify their ADHD symptoms and feelings of inadequacy. Untreated ADHD can cause lower self-esteem in women. They may resort to unhealthy methods of coping, such as binge eating or watching marathons of TV.
ADHD in adults symptoms quiz of ADHD for women could be amplified by gender bias in the way that women and girls are viewed as well as how clinicians assess them. There is evidence that suggests that women and girls tend to hide or compensate for their ADHD symptoms, and could be less likely to receive treatment and diagnosis than men and boys.
Another issue is that women suffering from ADHD may have trouble recognizing their own symptoms, and they might confuse them with anxiety or mood disorders. This can lead to a false diagnosis as well as delayed or incorrect treatment.
These changes can cause women to be more frustrated with her ADHD symptoms. They can also make it more likely to be misinterpreted or dismissed as moody or emotional. These changes can increase the woman's frustration over her ADHD symptoms, and they can increase the likelihood of being misunderstood or dismissed as moody or emotional.
5. Impulsivity
While the impulsivity of ADHD affects both men and boys differently, women experience it too. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and be prone to "foot in mouth" moments. These actions that are impulsive can have a significant impact on relationships and professional life.
The part of the brain that controls the process of decision-making and reasoning is known as the prefrontal cortex. This area can assist people avoid making poor decisions by providing a nudge on behavior. People who suffer from ADHD have less functioning prefrontal cortex, which makes it difficult for them to resist urges or prevent themselves from engaging in reckless or harmful behavior. It can also result in an absence of self-esteem. Women's impulsiveness often manifests as a lack of social boundaries and self-control in conversation (interrupting others, finishing their sentences, and talking too often).
Women can also experience problems with impulse control when their hormones fluctuate. Estrogen is naturally fluctuates at various times throughout the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, childbirth and menopausal. The use of oral contraception and hormone therapy during perimenopause and menopause can further alter the levels of estrogen and other hormones that impact a woman's ADHD symptoms.
The method by which ADHD symptoms are expressed in women and girls can vary from those of boys and men and is one of the reasons they are frequently not diagnosed. Many adults with ADHD are unaware of their health issues. The good news is, the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD at any age can enhance the quality of life of a person. Consult your doctor if you're not sure if you have ADHD. They will give you advice. Treatment options include medication, cognitive behavior therapy, and couples counseling.