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 exhibit the same levels of high levels of impulsivity or hyperactivity that men do, and therefore are often misdiagnosed or not recognized.
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 also other options.
1. Problems with Focusing
Although everyone is distracted at times women with ADHD struggle to keep their attention on tasks and conversations, especially when they're suffering from sensory or emotional overload. These problems can become worse during menstrual cycle.
Women who are inattentive ADHD also have trouble with their working memory, making it difficult to remember simple things like appointments or upcoming events. They may forget where they left their keys in their car or the name of the lady who offered them a ride home after a spinning class. They may forget important dates or deadlines.
Other symptoms of ADHD females in adulthood include procrastination and difficulty following the steps of plans. symptoms of ADHD in an adult to get sidetracked by shiny objects or social media, which makes it difficult to complete their projects and assignments. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed and underperforming at school or at work.
Many women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. In turn, they feel shame and mistakenly classify their issues as "bad behaviors" or "character issues". They are often viewed as if they are a fraud. A diagnosis could be a lightbulb moment giving them a clear, external explanation for their challenges and giving them the opportunity to accept themselves more fully.
Untreated ADHD in women and girls can cause a range of negative consequences, including behavioral issues, academic problems, relationship and family problems, and coexisting mental health issues. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan will improve the lives of people who suffer from ADHD at any point in their lives. Treatment options include stimulant medications and therapy. *
2. Difficulty Finishing Projects
Women with ADHD often struggle to complete tasks and duties. They may forget important information, have difficulty switching between tasks and responsibilities and find it difficult to meet deadlines. They might also be more prone to make mistakes that aren't their fault, have trouble organizing and managing their time effectively and underestimate the time it takes to complete their tasks.
Women with ADHD may find the emotional symptoms of ADHD such as mood swings or irritability particularly frustrating. Hormonal changes can exacerbate symptoms, including those that occur in pregnancy, menopause and during menstrual cycles. Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may feel frustrated and unhappy in their work performance and in their relationships.
Some women with ADHD have a difficult time keeping up with daily tasks like grocery shopping and chores. They might forget to take out the garbage or turn off the stove, and can be easily distracted. They might also struggle with monotonous tasks like washing dishes or folding laundry. Boring or mundane tasks can become unbearable which can lead to impulsive behaviours like excessive talking or oversharing. Women with ADHD might also make unruly choices and use unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or other drugs.
If you have difficulty finishing tasks, memory problems that cause chronic procrastination or relationship challenges, you should seek a professional evaluation for ADHD. A proper diagnosis can improve your quality of life and help you achieve success in both your professional and personal lives. It can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and develop strategies to deal with them effectively. You can limit lapses of focus and attention by adhering to a schedule by using a planner or reminder apps, making notes during meetings, and practicing good sleeping habits. Exercise also helps to improve focus by increasing brain neurotransmitter production.
3. Difficulty Remembering Names
It is possible that trouble remembering names might be accompanied by other ADHD symptoms, like difficulties following directions or not finishing projects. This is due to the difficulty of prioritizing and organizing tasks, which hinders information retrieval. This condition can get worse during times of fatigue, stress, or hormonal changes, such as before, during, and after menopausal changes.
If someone forgets their names and addresses, it can be more difficult if they forget important things like appointments, events or personal reminders. These forgetfulness lapses could be caused by depression and anxiety which are common co-occurring conditions that are associated with ADHD in women.
Due to gender biases and internalized symptoms, ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are more subtle than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, making them harder to detect and identify. As a result, they are under-identified and under-referred for treatment and diagnosis.
Furthermore, there is a bias based on gender because ADHD is typically seen as a male condition with hyperactive boys being the ones who are the most admitted to clinics for assessment and treatment. In addition to the internalized stigma, female symptoms differ from those of men. Many doctors do not diagnose or treat ADHD for females.
It's becoming more commonplace for women to be diagnosed with ADHD in their adulthood. A diagnosis can help improve your relationships, set you up for success at school and work and offer the help you need to excel in your daily life. Contact an Salience Health provider if you're interested in being diagnosed. We can evaluate your symptoms using tools such as Creyos Cognitive Testing and Brainview Advanced and connect you with a therapist who's suitable for you.
4. Difficulty Appearing Aloof
Women who suffer from ADHD often have inattentive symptoms and their problems can seem subtle to other people. They might miss appointments, forget to complete chores around the house or have trouble taking notes at work. They might also struggle with impulsivity or difficulty understanding the boundaries of social interaction. This can lead them to misinterpret and misunderstandings with family and friends, and can also lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also have trouble fulfilling the expectations of society for them as women. They may be struggling 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 such as binge eating and TV marathons.
The challenges of ADHD for women are amplified by gender discrimination in the way girls and women are viewed and how doctors evaluate them. Certain studies suggest that women and girls tend to hide or compensate for their ADHD symptoms, and may be less likely to receive treatment and diagnosis than men and boys.
Women with ADHD can also have difficulty recognizing their symptoms and may confuse them with anxiety disorders or mood disorders. This could lead to a false diagnosis and delayed or incorrect treatment.
These changes can make women more frustrated with her ADHD symptoms. They can also make it more likely to be misinterpreted or dismissed as moody or overly emotional. These changes can intensify the woman's frustration over her ADHD symptoms, and could increase the chance of being misinterpreted or dismissed as moody or overly emotional.
5. Impulsivity
The impulsivity of ADHD affects both men and boys differently, women suffer from it too. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and can be prone to experiencing "foot-in-mouth" moments. These impulsive behavior can have a significant impact on your personal and professional life.
The brain part that regulates the process of decision-making and reasoning is known as the prefrontal cortex. This brain area can stop people from making poor decisions because it acts as an alarm. Those who suffer from ADHD have less functioning prefrontal cortex. This can make it difficult to resist the urges or stop themselves from doing something reckless or hurtful. It can also result in an inability to respect themselves. Women's impulsiveness often manifests as an inability to maintain social boundaries and self-restraint in conversation (interrupting other people, not finishing their sentences, or talking too much).
Women can also have trouble with impulse control due to the various hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives. Estrogen fluctuates naturally at different periods during the menstrual cycle, and also during pregnancy, childbirth and menopausal. Contraceptives and hormone therapy during perimenopause or menopause may affect estrogen levels and other hormones which can impact the woman's ADHD.
ADHD symptoms in women and girls can differ from those of males and boys. This is why they are often incorrectly diagnosed. Many adults with ADHD are unaware of their health issues. The good news is that identifying and treating ADHD can improve the quality of life for anyone regardless of age. Talk to your doctor if you're not sure whether you're suffering from ADHD. They'll be able to give you suggestions. Treatment options include medication as well as cognitive behavioral therapy and couples counseling.