ADHD Adult Female Symptoms
ADHD can affect women and men, however it is more difficult for women to recognize it. It's because women rarely exhibit the same levels of hyperactivity and indecisiveness as men, and so they may be missed or misdiagnosed.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis is the first step in managing your symptoms. Adults who suffer from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications but there are other alternatives.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women suffering from ADHD are often distracted by a myriad of things, but they're also having a harder time staying focused on tasks and conversations especially when they are experiencing emotional or sensory overload. These problems can be made worse during menstrual cycles.
Women who are inattentive ADHD also have trouble with their working memory, making it difficult to remember basic things like appointments or future events. They may forget where they left their car keys or the name of the lady who gave them a ride home after a spin class. They might forget important dates or deadlines.
Other symptoms of ADHD in females of adulthood include procrastination, as well as difficulty following through on plans. They are more likely to be sidetracked by shiny objects or social media, making it difficult to finish their assignments and projects. This can result in feeling overwhelmed and a lack of performance at school or at work.
Because of societal ideas about gender, many women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed. In the end, they struggle with shame and mistakenly label their issues as "bad habits" or "character flaws." They also feel like an imposter. A diagnosis could be an "lightbulb" moment for them, as it provides them with an external explanation of their struggles and helps them accept themselves more fully.
Girls and women who suffer from untreated ADHD can suffer from a broad variety of negative effects such as academic issues and behavioral issues, as well as relationships and family problems, and co-occurring mental health problems. But a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan can drastically enhance the lives of people suffering from this condition at any stage of life. Treatment options include stimulant drugs and therapy. *
2. Difficulty Finishing Projects
Women with ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or obligations. They might be unable to remember important details, have difficulty switching between tasks or responsibilities and find it difficult to meet deadlines. They may also be more susceptible to making careless mistakes or having difficulty organizing and managing their time well, and overestimate how long it takes to complete their tasks.
Women with ADHD are likely to experience emotional symptoms of ADHD like irritability or mood swings, especially frustrating. Hormonal changes can exacerbate symptoms, such as those that occur in pregnancy, menopause and during menstrual cycle. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may be frustrated and dissatisfied about their performance at work and in their relationships.
Some women with ADHD are unable to complete daily tasks like chores and grocery shopping difficult. They might not remember to empty the garbage or turn off the stove, and be easily distracted. They might also struggle with repetitive tasks such as washing dishes or folding laundry. Boring or mundane chores can become exhausting, resulting in impulsive behaviors like excessive talk or sharing. The impulsivity that is associated with ADHD can cause women to make unruly decisions and rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or drugs.
If you're having trouble getting things done, have memory issues, have a tendency to procrastinate for a long time or are experiencing relationship issues it is essential to seek professional help for ADHD. Finding the right diagnosis can improve your quality of life and set you up for success in your personal and professional lives. It can aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms, and develop strategies to deal with the symptoms. You can limit lapses of attention and focus by sticking to a schedule using a planner, or a reminder apps, taking notes during meetings, and maintaining good sleep hygiene. Exercise can also improve focus as it increases the levels of brain neurotransmitters.
3. Difficulty Remembering Names
Trouble remembering names can be a sign of other ADHD symptoms such as difficulties following directions and difficulty finishing projects. The root cause of these issues is a failure to prioritize tasks and organize them which affects efficient information retrieval. This condition can get worse during times of stress, fatigue, or hormonal changes, such as prior to, during, or after menopausal change.
If a person is unable to remember names and addresses, it can be more frustrating if they also forget important information such as appointments or events, or personal reminders. These lapses may also be caused by depression or anxiety, which commonly co-occur with ADHD in women.
ADHD is often not recognized in women because of gender bias and internalized symptoms. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are more subtle than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, making them harder to detect and identify. This means that they are often not identified and not referred for treatment and diagnosis.
Additionally, gender-based bias exists due to the fact that ADHD is generally considered to be a male-specific condition with hyperactive boys being the ones most recommended to clinics for evaluation and treatment. Coupled with internalized stigmas and the fact that women's symptoms tend to look different than men's as well, a lot of professionals fail to recognize or treat ADHD in women.
It's becoming more frequent for women to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. A diagnosis can improve your relationships, aid you to achieve success at work and in school, and give you the support you need. Contact a Salience Health provider if you're interested in getting diagnosed. We can evaluate your symptoms using tools such as Creyos cognitive testing and Brainview Advanced, and connect you with a therapist who's right for you.
4. Difficulty Appearing in Aloof
Women who suffer from ADHD may exhibit subtle signs of inattention. They may skip appointments, forget to complete chores around the home, or have difficulty taking notes at work. They may also be struggling with impulsivity or difficulty understanding the boundaries of social interaction. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation in relationships with family and friends, and it can lead to feelings of loneliness and feeling isolated.
In addition, women who suffer from untreated ADHD often have difficulty meeting the expectations of society for them as women. This can cause feeling inadequate and ADHD symptoms as they struggle with the burden of taking care of children and household chores. Untreated ADHD can cause low self-esteem among women. They may resort to unhealthy methods of coping, such as binge-eating and watching marathons of TV.
The difficulties of ADHD for women can be exacerbated by gender bias, both in the way that women and girls are viewed and assessed by clinicians. There is evidence that suggests that girls and women tend to hide or compensate for their ADHD symptoms, and may be less likely to receive treatment and diagnosis than men and boys.
Another challenge is that women with ADHD may have trouble recognizing their own symptoms. They may confuse them with anxiety or mood disorders. This could lead to false diagnosis or delayed treatment.
The symptoms of ADHD can be influenced by hormone fluctuations, and they are most noticeable during the ovulation cycle, pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause. These changes can cause women to be more frustrated with her ADHD symptoms and increase the likelihood of being misunderstood or dismissed as moody or emotional.
5. Impulsivity
Women are also prone to impulsivity, which is a symptom of ADHD. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and are prone to "foot in mouth" moments. These behaviors that are impulsive can have a significant impact on your professional and personal life.
The brain part that regulates decision-making and reasoning is called the prefrontal cortex. This brain area can stop individuals from making poor choices since it serves as a safeguard. The people who suffer from ADHD have less functioning prefrontal cortex. This can make it difficult for them to resist urges or prevent 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-control in conversations (interrupting other people, not finishing their sentences, and talking too much).
Women can also have trouble with impulse control during the many hormonal changes throughout their lives. Estrogen fluctuates naturally at different times throughout the menstrual cycle, as well as during pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. The use of oral contraception and hormone therapy during perimenopausal and menopausal cycles can alter the levels of estrogen as well as other hormones that affect a woman's ADHD symptoms.
ADHD symptoms in girls and women may differ from those of men and boys, which is why they are often incorrectly diagnosed. severe ADHD symptoms adults with ADHD are unaware of their condition. The good news is that diagnosing and treating ADHD can improve the quality of life for anyone at any age. Consult your doctor if you're not sure whether you suffer from ADHD. They can offer you guidance. Treatment options include medication, cognitive therapy and couples counseling.