ADHD Adult Female Symptoms
ADHD can affect men and women, but it is more difficult for women to recognize it. This is because women rarely exhibit the same levels of inattention or impulsivity as men do, so they are often misdiagnosed or not recognized.
The first step in addressing your symptoms is to receive an accurate diagnosis. Adults with ADHD are often treated with stimulant medications however, there are other options.
1. Trouble focusing
Women suffering from ADHD are prone to being distracted by a myriad 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 become more difficult during menstrual cycles.
Women who are inattentional ADHD suffer from problems with their working memory. This causes them to be unable to remember things that are simple, such as appointments or upcoming events. They may often forget where they kept their keys to their car, the name of the lady who took them to home from spin class or even important dates and deadlines.
Procrastination, as well as the inability to stick with plans are other signs of ADHD among adult females. They are more likely to get distracted by shiny objects or social media which can make it difficult for them to complete their work and assignments. This can result in 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 are misinformed about their struggles as "bad habits" or "character imperfections." They also frequently feel like an imposter. A diagnosis can be an "lightbulb" moment for them, because it gives them an external explanation of their struggles and helps them accept themselves more fully.
Untreated ADHD in girls and women can have a variety of negative consequences, including academic difficulties, behavioral problems relationships and family issues, and coexisting mental health conditions. A well-constructed diagnosis and treatment plan will enhance the lives of those with ADHD at any stage in their lives. Treatment options include stimulant medications and therapy. *
2. Difficulty Finishing Projects
Women suffering from ADHD often have difficulty completing tasks and responsibilities. They may forget important information, have trouble switching between tasks and duties and find it difficult to meet deadlines. They are also more likely to make mistakes, have trouble organizing and managing their schedule and underestimate the time it takes them to complete tasks.
The emotional symptoms of ADHD in adults, such as mood swings and irritability, can be a major source of frustration for women with the condition. Hormonal changes can cause symptoms, such as those that are experienced during menopausal cycles, pregnancy and during menstrual cycle. Women with undiagnosed ADHD may feel angry and dissatisfied with their performance at work or in relationships.
Some women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time keeping up with daily tasks like grocery shopping and household chores. They might overlook the need to empty the garbage or shut off the stove, and can be easily distracted. They may also struggle doing routine tasks like folding dishes or washing the laundry. The monotonous or repetitive chores can become unbearable and cause impulsive behavior like excessive talking or sharing. Women who suffer from ADHD may also make unruly decisions and resort to unhealthy coping strategies, like alcohol or drugs.
If you are having difficulty getting things done, have memory problems, procrastinate chronically or are experiencing relationship issues, it is important to seek professional assistance for ADHD. A proper diagnosis can improve your quality of life and help you achieve success in both your personal and professional life. It can assist you in managing your ADHD symptoms, and help you develop strategies for dealing with the symptoms. You can limit lapses of concentration and attention by adhering to a plan, using a planner or reminder apps, making notes during meetings, and maintaining good sleep hygiene. Exercise can also increase focus by boosting the production of brain neurotransmitters.
3. Trouble remembering names
It is possible that a trouble remembering names might be coupled with other ADHD symptoms, such as difficulties following directions or not finishing projects. The root cause of these issues is a failure to prioritize and organize tasks, which impacts the efficiency of information retrieval. This symptom also tends to worsen during times of fatigue, stress or hormonal changes, for instance before, during, and after menopause.
Forgetting names can be more frustrating when it's followed by a feeling of numbness over larger things, such as appointments and events, or personal reminders. These lapses can also be caused by depression or anxiety that are often associated 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. ADHD in adults women symptoms means that they are often not identified and not referred for treatment and diagnosis.
Additionally, gender-based bias exists because the disorder is largely perceived as a problem for males, with hyperactive boys being the ones most referred to clinics for assessment and treatment. Coupled with internalized stigmas and the fact that women's symptoms tend to differ from those of men and that many professionals are unable to detect or treat ADHD in women.
It's becoming more frequent for women to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. A diagnosis can help improve relationships, set you up for success at work and school and provide the support you need to excel in your life. If you're seeking 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 who's the right fit for you.
4. Ailoofs that appear difficult to see
Women suffering from ADHD can have subtle symptoms of inattention. They may skip appointments, neglect to complete chores around the house or have difficulty taking notes at work. They may also be struggling with impulsivity or have difficulty understanding social boundaries. This could cause to misinterpretations and confusions with family and friends and could result in feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Women with untreated ADHD might also have difficulty fulfilling the expectations of society as women. They may be struggling with the burden of caring for their children and household chores, and this societal pressure can exacerbate their ADHD symptoms and feelings of inadequacy. Many women with untreated ADHD suffer from low self-esteem and turn to unhealthy strategies for coping such as binge eating and TV marathons.
The challenges of ADHD for women can be compounded by gender bias in the way that girls and women are viewed as well as how clinicians assess their symptoms. Certain studies suggest that girls and women are more likely to conceal or minimize their ADHD symptoms, and may be less likely to receive treatment and diagnosis than boys and men.
Another challenge is that women with ADHD may be unable to recognize their own symptoms, and they might confuse them with depression or anxiety. This can contribute to a false diagnosis as well as delayed or improper treatment.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary with hormonal fluctuations. They may be especially evident during the ovulation cycle, pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause. These changes can make women more unhappy with her ADHD symptoms and increase the chance of being misunderstood, or viewed as moody or too emotional.
5. Impulsivity
Women are also susceptible to the impulsivity that is a symptom of ADHD. They may also struggle with controlling their emotions and be prone to "foot in the mouth" moments. These impulsive behavior can have a significant impact on your professional and personal life.
Prefrontal cortex is a part of the brain responsible for controlling reasoning and decision-making. This area can help people avoid making poor decisions by acting as a check on their behavior. ADHD patients have a less-functional prefrontal cortex. This can make it more difficult for them to resist urges and avoid engaging in reckless behavior. It can also cause an inability to respect themselves. Women's impulsiveness often manifests as the lack of social boundaries and self-control in conversations (interrupting other people, not finishing their sentences, or talking too often).
Women may also struggle with impulse control due to the various hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives. Estrogen fluctuates naturally at different times throughout the menstrual cycle, as well as 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.
ADHD symptoms in women and girls can differ from those seen in males and boys. This is why they are often not properly diagnosed. Because of this, many adults who have ADHD are unaware that they do. The good news is that diagnosing and treating ADHD can improve a person's life regardless of age. Talk to our source if there's a doubt if you have ADHD. They will give you advice. Treatment options include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy and couples counseling.