ADHD Adult Female Symptoms
ADHD can affect women and men, however it is more difficult for women to be diagnosed. It's because women do not typically exhibit the same high levels of impulsivity or hyperactivity that men do, and therefore can be missed or misdiagnosed.
The first step in addressing your symptoms is to get an accurate diagnosis. Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medication, however, there are other alternatives.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women suffering from ADHD can be distracted by a variety of things, but they also have difficulty being focused on their conversations and tasks especially when they are suffering from sensory or emotional overload. These issues can become worse during menstrual cycle.
Women with inattention ADHD also have trouble with their working memory, making it difficult to remember simple things like appointments or future events. They might forget where they left their car keys or the name of the lady who offered them a lift home from spinning class. They might forget important dates or deadlines.
Other symptoms of ADHD in females of adulthood include procrastination and difficulty following through on plans. They're more likely to get distracted by shiny objects or social media, making it difficult to complete their projects and assignments. This can result in feeling overwhelmed and underperforming at school or at work.
Because of the way society views gender, a lot of women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed. In the end, they feel ashamed and are misinformed about their struggles as "bad behaviors" or "character flaws." They also report feeling like an impostor. A diagnosis could be a lightbulb moment, providing them with a clear external explanation of their struggles and giving them the opportunity to accept themselves more fully.
Untreated ADHD in girls and women can result in a myriad of negative consequences, including problems with academics, behavioral issues as well as family and relationship issues, and coexisting mental health conditions. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan will improve the lives of people who suffer from ADHD at any time in their lives. Treatment options include stimulant medication and therapy. *
2. Difficulty Finishing Projects
Women with ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or responsibilities. They might forget important information, have trouble shifting between tasks and responsibilities or have difficulty to meet deadlines. They may also be more likely to make errors, have difficulty organizing and managing their schedule and underestimate the time it takes to complete tasks.
Women suffering from ADHD may find the emotional symptoms of ADHD like irritability or mood swings, especially frustrating. The symptoms can be exacerbated by hormonal changes, including those that occur during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. Women with undiagnosed ADHD might feel angry and unhappy about their performance at work and in their relationships.
Some women who suffer from ADHD find daily routines like chores and grocery shopping difficult. They may forget to take out the garbage or shut off the stove, and be easily distracted. They may also have difficulty with monotonous tasks like washing dishes or folding laundry. Boring or mundane tasks can become unbearable and lead to impulsive behavior like excessive conversation or oversharing. Women with ADHD can also make erratic choices and use unhealthy coping strategies, like alcohol or other drugs.
If you're having trouble finishing tasks, memory issues, chronic procrastination and problems with relationships, it is time to consider a professional assessment for ADHD. A proper diagnosis can boost your quality of life and assist you in achieving success in both your personal and professional life. It can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and devise strategies to manage them effectively. To prevent lapses in attention and focus, you can try to stick to a regular schedule, use planners or reminder apps and take notes during meetings, and practice good sleeping habits (avoid screens for an hour prior to the time you go to bed). Exercise can also improve focus because it increases the levels of brain neurotransmitters.
3. It is difficult to remember names.
It is possible that a difficulty remembering names may be accompanied by other ADHD symptoms, like difficulties following directions or not finishing projects. The underlying issue behind these issues is a failure to prioritize tasks and organize them that affects the efficiency of information retrieval. This condition tends to get worse when there is a period of fatigue, stress or hormonal changes.
Forgetting names can feel even more frustrating when it's accompanied by a feeling of forgetfulness over larger things like appointments, events, or personal reminders. These lapses can be exacerbated by depression and anxiety, which are both common co-occurring conditions with ADHD for women.
Due to gender stereotypes 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 often not identified and not referred for treatment and diagnosis.
In addition, there is gender-based discrimination due to the fact that ADHD tends to be seen as a condition that is affecting boys. Boys with hyperactivity are the ones most often referred to clinics and evaluated for treatment. In addition to the internalized stigma, women's symptoms differ from those of men. Many professionals fail to diagnose or treat ADHD in females.
It's becoming more common for women to be diagnosed with ADHD in their adulthood. A diagnosis can help improve relationships, set you up for success at school and at work and offer the help you need to thrive in your life. If you're looking to get a diagnosis, talk to an experienced Salience Health provider. We'll be able to assess your symptoms using tools like Creyos cognitive testing and Brainview Advanced, and connect you with a therapist that's suitable for you.
4. Difficulty Appearing Aloof
Women with ADHD typically have inattention symptoms and their problems can seem subtle to others. They may not remember to do chores at home, miss appointments, or have trouble taking notes. They might also be struggling with impulsivity and trouble understanding social boundaries. This can result in misinterpretation and misunderstandings in relationships with friends and family and can cause feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Women with untreated ADHD might also have difficulty meeting the expectations of society for them as women. This can result in feelings of inadequacy and ADHD symptoms as they struggle with the burden of caring for children and household chores. If left untreated, ADHD can lead to low self-esteem in women. They may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like binge eating and watching TV marathons.
The challenges of ADHD in women are caused by gender bias both in the way that girls and women are perceived and evaluated by clinicians. Some research suggests that girls and women are more likely to cover up or disguise their ADHD symptoms, and may be less likely to be referred for treatment and diagnosis than men and boys.
Another challenge is that women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty recognizing their own symptoms. They may confuse them with mood disorders or anxiety. This could lead to a false diagnosis as well as delayed or improper treatment.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary with hormone changes, and they are most evident during the ovulation period or menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopausal. These changes can intensify a woman's frustration with her ADHD symptoms, and they can increase the risk of being viewed as moody or overly emotional.
5. Impulsivity
While the impulsivity of ADHD affects both men and boys differently, women suffer from it as well. They might also have trouble managing their emotions, and be prone to "foot in the mouth" moments. These impulsive behaviors can have a significant impact on relationships and professional life.
The part of the brain that controls the ability to make decisions and reason is known as the prefrontal cortex. This area can help people avoid making poor decisions by serving 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 lead to a lack in self-respect. Women's impulsiveness often manifests as the lack of social boundaries and self-control during conversations (interrupting others, finishing their sentences, and talking too often).
Women can also experience problems with impulse control when their hormones change. Estrogen fluctuates at different times during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as childbirth and menopausal cycle. The use of oral contraception and hormone therapy during perimenopausal and menopausal changes the levels of estrogen and other hormones that impact women's ADHD symptoms.
ADHD symptoms in girls and women may differ from those seen in men and boys, which is why they are often not properly 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 improve the quality of life the person. Speak to your doctor if you're not sure whether you're suffering from ADHD. severe ADHD symptoms adults can offer you suggestions. Treatment options include medications and cognitive behavioral therapy and couples counseling.