ADHD Adult Female Symptoms
ADHD can affect women and men, however it is more difficult for women to recognize it. It's because women do not typically exhibit the same levels of hyperactivity or impulsivity that men do, so they are often misdiagnosed or not recognized.
A clear diagnosis is the first step towards managing your symptoms. Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications, however, there are other alternatives.
1. Difficulty Focusing
While everyone gets distracted occasionally women with ADHD have trouble putting their attention on their work and conversations particularly when they're suffering from sensory or emotional overload. These difficulties can be exacerbated during menstrual cycles.
Women with inattentive ADHD also have issues with their working memory, making it difficult to remember basic things like appointments or upcoming events. They often forget where they put their keys to their car, the name of the lady who gave them a ride home from spin class or even important dates and deadlines.
Procrastination, and the inability to keep up with plans are also signs of ADHD in females who are adults. They are more likely to be sidetracked by shiny objects or social media, making it harder to complete their projects and assignments. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed and underperforming at school or at work.
Many women with ADHD aren't diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. In turn, they feel shame and mistakenly label their struggles as "bad behavior" or "character issues". They may feel like they're an imposter. A diagnosis can be a moment of clarity, giving them a clear, external explanation of their struggles and giving them the opportunity to accept themselves more fully.
Untreated ADHD for girls and women can result in a myriad of negative consequences, including academic difficulties, behavioral problems, relationship and family problems as well as coexisting mental health issues. A well-constructed diagnosis and treatment plan will enhance the lives of those with ADHD at any stage in their life. Treatment options may include therapy and stimulant medications. *
2. Difficulty Finishing Projects
Women suffering from ADHD often have difficulty completing tasks and tasks. They may forget important details, have trouble switching between tasks or responsibilities, and are unable to meet deadlines. They could also be more likely to make mistakes, struggle with organizing their schedules and underestimate the time they need to finish tasks.
The emotional symptoms of ADHD in adults, like irritability and mood swings, can be particularly frustrating for women suffering from the condition. The symptoms can be made worse by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. Women with undiagnosed ADHD may feel frustrated and disappointed about their performance at work and in their relationships.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a hard time with daily routines such as chores and grocery shopping challenging. They might forget to take out the garbage or shut off the stove, and be easily distracted. They might also struggle with routine tasks like folding the laundry or washing dishes. The monotonous or repetitive chores can become overwhelming which can lead to impulsive behavior such as excessive talking or sharing. Women who suffer from ADHD can also make erratic choices and use unhealthy strategies to cope, such as alcohol or drugs.
If you are having difficulty completing tasks, memory problems that cause chronic procrastination or problems with relationships, it is time to seek a professional evaluation for ADHD. Getting a proper diagnosis can enhance your overall quality of life and help you achieve success in your professional and personal lives. It can help you better manage your ADHD symptoms and develop strategies to deal with them effectively. You can minimize lapses of focus and attention by adhering to a set schedule using a planner, or a reminder apps, taking notes during meetings, and practicing good sleep hygiene. Exercise can also improve focus by increasing brain neurotransmitter production.
3. Difficulty remembering names
Trouble remembering names can be associated with other ADHD symptoms, such as difficulty following directions and trouble finishing projects. The underlying issue behind these issues is a failure to organize and prioritize tasks that affects efficient information retrieval. This condition can get worse during times of fatigue, stress or hormonal changes, like prior to, during, or after menopausal change.
Forgetting names can be more frustrating if it's accompanied by a feeling of numbness about larger items like appointments and events, or personal reminders. These lapses could also be caused by depression or anxiety which are frequently 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. As a result, they are under-identified and under-referred for diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, gender-based bias exists because the disorder is largely perceived as a problem for males and boys with hyperactivity being the ones who are the most admitted to clinics for evaluation and treatment. Combined with internalized stigma and the fact that women's symptoms tend to look different than men's and that many professionals are unable to diagnose or treat ADHD in women.
It's becoming more common for women to receive an ADHD diagnosis in their adulthood. A diagnosis can improve your relationships, aid you to succeed at work and in school, and give you the assistance you require. Contact a Salience Health provider if you're looking to be diagnosed. We will be able to assess your symptoms using tools like Creyos Cognitive Testing and Brainview Advanced and connect you to a therapist who is right for you.
4. Difficulty Appearing Aloof
Women suffering from ADHD may exhibit subtle signs of inattention. They may miss appointments, forget to complete chores around the house or have trouble taking notes at work. They might also be struggling with impulsivity and trouble understanding the boundaries of social interaction. This could cause to misinterpretations and confusions between family and friends, and can also result in feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Women who are not treated for ADHD might also have difficulty being able to meet the expectations set by society for them as women. They may be struggling with the responsibility of caring for their children and household chores, and this social pressure can intensify their ADHD symptoms and feelings of inadequateness. Many women suffering from untreated ADHD have low self-esteem and resort to unhealthy coping strategies such as binge eating and TV marathons.
The difficulties of ADHD for women can be compounded by gender discrimination in the way girls and women are viewed and how doctors evaluate their symptoms. There is evidence that suggests that girls and women are more likely to conceal or minimize their ADHD symptoms, and could be less likely to be referred for treatment and diagnosis than boys and men.
Another issue is that women suffering from ADHD may be unable to recognize their own symptoms. They might confuse them with depression or anxiety. This could lead to incorrect diagnosis and delayed treatment.
These changes can cause women to be more frustrated with her ADHD symptoms. They may also increase the likelihood to be misinterpreted or dismissed as moody or excessively emotional. These changes can cause women to be more unhappy with her ADHD symptoms and increase the likelihood of being misunderstood, or viewed as moody or too emotional.
5. Impulsivity
Women also experience the impulsivity that is a sign of ADHD. They may also struggle with managing their emotions, and are prone to "foot in mouth" moments. These uncontrollable behaviors can have a huge impact on your professional and personal life.
The part of the brain that regulates the ability to make decisions and reason is known as the prefrontal cortex. This area can assist people avoid making bad decisions by serving as a check on behavior. The people with 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 cause an inability to respect themselves. In women, impulsiveness usually manifests itself as a problem with social boundaries and self-control (interrupting conversations, completing others' sentences, and talking excessively).
Women can also have problems with control of impulses when hormones change. Estrogen fluctuates in different intervals throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth and menopausal cycles. Contraceptives and hormone therapy used during menopausal or perimenopausal periods can affect estrogen levels and other hormones which can affect the woman's ADHD.
ADHD symptoms in women and girls can differ from those seen in men and boys, which is why they are often not properly diagnosed. Because of this , many adults with ADHD are unaware that they do. The good news is that diagnosing and treating ADHD can make a difference in the quality of life for anyone at any age. If you are unsure whether or not you suffer from ADHD discuss it with your doctor and find out how they can help. Treatment options include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy and couples counseling.