Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Female Many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. This is due to lingering stereotypes, referral biases and masking behaviors, comorbidities and hormonal changes. Symptoms of ADHD in adults female may be harder to detect than those in men and boys because women's symptoms are more likely to be inattentive rather than hyperactive/impulsive. This could result in being underdiagnosed and delayed treatment. 1. Lack of Focus Many people who suffer from ADHD struggle to focus or stay focused. This can cause problems at school or work and can result in missing important meetings or forgetting to complete homework or chores. It can also cause emotional issues, like mood swings or a lack of self-esteem. The signs of inattentive-type ADHD are usually less obvious, which can make them difficult to identify and diagnose. It could appear as if you're not paying attention when people are talking (you might be unable to concentrate or have what is known as athousand-yard stare). You may find it difficult to complete tasks that require focus, such as making reports or writing paperwork. Regular exercise can improve your ability to focus and remain organized. Try taking an everyday walk, joining an exercise class for a group, or swimming or cycling. Limiting caffeine can also help to reduce the side effects that certain ADHD medications may cause. 2. Trouble Making Decisions Women with ADHD frequently struggle to make decisions or carry out the actions that result from them. They may also struggle with staying calm and avoiding impulsive behaviors, which can cause issues at work or in relationships. The inattentive subtype of ADHD has nine symptoms that must last for at least six months to be diagnosed, while the hyperactive/impulsive and mixed subtypes each have their own set of symptoms. Women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty concentrating or sitting still or may forget important dates or misplace things. Since ADHD symptoms adults of ADHD can be more subtle in women, they are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. The diagnosis of adult ADHD is a life-changing event for many women who receive the help they require. Therapists can provide advice and help in managing the condition, and they may suggest a combination of treatments like psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as establishing an established routine for sleeping and ensuring that you have a good night's sleep. 3. Time Management Problems Girls with ADHD might have difficulty to manage their lives and relationships as they grow older. They can be difficult to spot, especially when their symptoms are mostly inattention. They forget important dates, such as birthdays or events. They also forget their routines and schedules, making it harder to get up in time for school or work. They might even lose or lose their wallets, eyeglasses keys, or wallets. ADHD symptoms aren't always obvious. They can be made worse due to stress or mental health issues or physical illnesses. It is important to discuss any issues you may be experiencing with your doctor. They might recommend therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to help you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors and create better strategies for dealing with them. Verywell Health notes that sex refers to biology, while gender describes a person's internal sense of self--whether they're assigned gender male or female from birth, are intersex or don't belong to the sex binary. 4. Difficulty Staying Organized Inattention can lead to issues at work and at school, such as difficulties with completing tasks and forgetfulness. Inattention can also lead you to lose things or miss important events, and cause problems in your relationships. Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms can include difficulty sitting still (fidgeting, tapping your foot, or talking excessively) and restlessness (being unable to enjoy quiet activities). They can be accompanied by an inability to wait for your turn during conversations or in the workplace, with an inability to recognize the boundaries of social interactions. Impulsivity can lead to impulsive decisions, taking risks or a tendency to interrupt others. Women are often put under pressure to be perfect - to balance family and career and be punctual, organised and meet the demands of others. This can lead to stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD which can cause them to go undiagnosed or under-treated. Symptoms may also worsen when menopausal. This can result in feelings of self-doubt and difficulties in relationships. 5. Trouble Concentrating Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty being focused. This can lead to problems at school or work and make it hard to form relationships. It can also be challenging to keep up with daily chores like dressing or remembering to get medication and health checkups. Women with ADHD have coping strategies to hide their symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to notice that they have trouble staying focus or forgetting important details. These strategies for coping can include healthy practices like setting reminders on their phones or following a set schedule. These coping strategies can also include unhealthy habits such as excessive alcohol or substance use. The severity of ADHD symptoms can vary and it is essential that those with ADHD discuss their concerns with their doctor. According to the CDC there are three levels of severity which are mild (fewer than six symptoms that cause minor impairment in work or social settings) moderate and severe. 6. Multitasking can be difficult. Women suffering from ADHD often feel pressure to fulfill social expectations, such as taking care of children, maintaining a harmonious relationship and running a home. This can be difficult for those whose ADHD symptoms hinder them from being organised punctual, punctual and efficient. Inattention and forgetfulness can result in misunderstandings and frustrations between partners, family members and even friends. They can also interfere in the way you study or work and lead to underachievement. This can lead to depression and anxiety, which can contribute to coexisting disorders like depression. Undiagnosed ADHD may also affect relationships and cause a lack in fulfillment at home and work. The right help can make a difference. You can employ coping strategies like an agenda for the day or reminders, to conquer these challenges. You can inquire with your school or employer for accommodations that can aid in managing your symptoms. You can also meet other women who have ADHD and learn how to manage it by joining an online women's ADHD group. 7. Problems with managing attention One of the main symptoms of ADHD is the inability to pay attention to minute details. This manifests itself in a variety of ways, from failing to read the fine text of a contract, to making a lot of mistakes at work or school. Women with inattentive ADHD are often unable to follow a routine, or keeping track of responsibilities. This can lead to issues like not paying their bills or not making appointments. They may also have difficulty to be still or not interrupt other people. In addition, women with inattentive ADHD may be more prone to develop anxiety or depression and may have trouble maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships. They are also more likely to engage in sexual activity at an earlier age and be at risk of being pressured into inappropriate or unwelcome sexual behavior. Women with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are less likely to develop these symptoms, so it is harder for them to be diagnosed. Still, women can experience similar problems and should seek an evaluation from a medical healthcare professional. 8. Trouble in Keeping Calm ADHD symptoms can increase feelings of frustration and rage. It's easy for people who don't know about the condition to confuse these feelings. Women should recognize these symptoms and seek help before they turn into grave emotional issues. If you're always forgetting appointments or showing up late for work meetings, it could lead to conflicts with your colleagues or employer. It could also cause miscommunications with family members and friends members. You may find yourself making up things that hurt other people's feelings, even if you weren't intending to do so. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and mixed. To be diagnosed with one of these, you must exhibit at least six symptoms lasting at minimum six months. Women are less likely to have the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed symptoms than men, but these can still occur in some cases. In addition to the inattentive subtype, women may experience a combination of other symptoms. 9. Difficulty Making Friends Women with ADHD may have difficulty forming and maintain friendships. Their forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can lead to misunderstandings and conflict with family and friends. People with emotional dysregulation can also struggle with controlling their moods. This can cause them to feel uneasy, resentful or confused. It can also have a negative impact on their self-esteem. People who suffer from ADHD often miss social cues, such as rolled eyes and loud grunts. This can lead people to believe that their friends do not want to hang out, or that they are ignoring them. Women are also more likely to have interpersonal difficulties due to depression, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. This can make it harder for others to notice that they're struggling with the disorder, and can delay the diagnosis. Many people who suffer from ADHD say that their quality of life improves after they are diagnosed.
