ADHD Adult Female Symptoms
ADHD can affect both females and males, but it is more difficult for women to be diagnosed. It's because women don't often show the same hyperactivity or impulsivity that men do, so they may be misdiagnosed or missed.
The first step in addressing your symptoms is to get an accurate diagnosis. The use of stimulant medication is a typical treatment for adults with ADHD however there are also other options.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women with ADHD are often distracted by a myriad of things, but they have a harder time focusing on conversations and tasks, especially if they are experiencing emotional or sensory overload. These issues can become more severe when menstrual cycles are in full swing.
Women with inattention ADHD have issues with their working memory. This makes it difficult to remember everyday things, such as dates or events coming up. what is adult ADHD symptoms may forget where they put their car keys or the name of the lady who gave them a lift home from spin class. They may forget important dates or deadlines.
Procrastination, and the inability to keep up with plans are also signs of ADHD in females who are adults. They're more likely to get distracted by shiny objects or social media, making it difficult to complete their projects and assignments. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed and underperforming in school or at work.
Because of the way society views gender, many women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed. In the end, they feel ashamed and mislabel their struggles as "bad behaviors" or "character imperfections." They also often feel like an imposter. A diagnosis can be a "lightbulb" moment for them, since it provides them with an external explanation for their issues and allows them to accept themselves more fully.
Girls and women with untreated ADHD are susceptible to a wide range of negative outcomes, including academic problems and behavioral issues, bad relationships with family members, and co-occurring mental health problems. A correct diagnosis and treatment plan will 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 with ADHD struggle to complete tasks or obligations. They might forget important details, have difficulty switching between tasks or responsibilities and find it difficult to meet deadlines. They may also be more likely to make careless errors, have difficulty organizing their schedules and managing their time and underestimate the time they need to finish tasks.
The emotional manifestations of ADHD in adults, such as mood swings and irritability can be particularly frustrating for women with the condition. Hormonal changes can trigger symptoms, such as those that occur in pregnancy, menopause and during menstrual cycle. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrated and dissatisfied with their performance at work or in their relationships.
Some women with ADHD have a difficult time staying on top of everyday tasks such as grocery shopping and household chores. They might have a difficult recalling to take out the garbage or turn off the stove, and they are easily distracted by little things in their environment. They might also struggle with monotonous tasks like folding laundry or washing dishes. Boring or mundane chores can become overwhelming, resulting in impulsive behaviors like excessive talking or sharing. Women with ADHD may also make unruly choices and use unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or drugs.
If you are having difficulty completing tasks, memory issues, chronic procrastination and relationship challenges, you should take a look at a professional evaluation for ADHD. A proper diagnosis can improve your quality of life and assist you in achieving success in your professional and personal life. It can assist you in managing your ADHD symptoms, and help you develop strategies for dealing with them. You can minimize lapses of concentration and attention by adhering to a set schedule, using a planner or reminder apps, making notes during meetings, and ensuring good sleep hygiene. Exercise can also help improve concentration because it boosts the neurotransmitter levels in your brain.
3. Trouble remembering names
The difficulty in remembering names may be associated with other ADHD symptoms like difficulty in following directions and having trouble finishing projects. This is due to an inability of prioritizing and organizing tasks, which hinders 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 when it's followed by a sense of forgetfulness about larger items, such as appointments or events, or personal reminders. These lapses may be worsened by depression or anxiety, which commonly co-occur with ADHD in women.
Due to gender perceptions and internalized symptoms ADHD is often misdiagnosed by women. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are more subtle than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, making them harder to detect and identify. As a result, they are not recognized and referred to for treatment and diagnosis.
Furthermore, there is a bias based on gender due to the fact that ADHD is generally seen as a male condition with hyperactive boys being the ones most referred to clinics for evaluation and treatment. Coupled with internalized stigmas and the fact that women's symptoms frequently appear different from men's and that many professionals are unable to detect or treat ADHD in women.
It's becoming more common for women to receive an ADHD diagnosis in their adulthood. A diagnosis can improve relationships, set you up for success at school and work, and provide the support you need to thrive in your daily life. If you are looking to get a diagnosis, talk to an experienced Salience Health provider. We'll evaluate your symptoms using tools such as Creyos cognitive testing and Brainview Advanced, and connect you with a therapist the right fit for you.
4. Difficulty Appearing Aloof
Women suffering from ADHD are often prone to inattention and their issues may appear insignificant to other people. They may skip appointments, neglect to complete chores around the house or have trouble making notes at work. They may also struggle with impulsivity or difficulty understanding the boundaries of social interaction. This can lead to misinterpretations and confusions with friends and family, and can also result in feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also have trouble being able to meet the expectations set by society regarding them as women. They may struggle with the burden of caring for their children and household chores, and this social pressure can exacerbate their ADHD symptoms and feelings of inadequateness. Many women with untreated ADHD suffer from low self-esteem and turn to unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating and marathons on TV.
The challenges of ADHD for women could be compounded by gender biases in how women and girls are treated, and how clinicians evaluate their symptoms. Certain studies suggest that women and girls tend to hide or compensate for their ADHD symptoms, and can be less likely to receive treatment and diagnosis than boys and men.
Women suffering from ADHD may also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms. They may be confused with mood disorders or anxiety disorders. This can lead to a false diagnoses and improper or delayed treatment.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary with hormone fluctuations, and they may be especially evident during the ovulation cycle and during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause. These changes can make women more frustrated with her ADHD symptoms and increase the chance of being viewed as a naive, or dismissed as moody or emotional.
5. Impulsivity
Women are also prone to impulsivity, which is a sign of ADHD. They may also struggle with controlling their emotions and be prone to "foot in mouth" moments. These behavior patterns that are impulsive can have huge impact on relationships as well as professional life.
The brain part that regulates the ability to make decisions and reason is known as the prefrontal cortex. This area can assist people avoid making a mistake by acting as a check on their behavior. People who suffer from ADHD have a less functional prefrontal cortex, which makes it difficult for them to resist their urges or avoid doing something dangerous or damaging. It can also cause a lack in self-respect. 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 may also struggle with impulse control during the various hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives. Estrogen fluctuates at different times throughout the menstrual period, pregnancy, childbirth and menopausal cycle. Oral contraception and hormone therapy during perimenopause or menopause may alter estrogen levels and other hormones, which could affect women's ADHD.
ADHD symptoms in girls and women may differ from those in men and boys, which is why they are often not properly diagnosed. Due to this, many adults with ADHD are unaware that they do. The good news is that the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD at any age can improve the quality of life of the person. If you're unsure if or not you are suffering from ADHD discuss it with your doctor and see how they can assist. Treatment options include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and couples counseling.