ADHD Adult Female Symptoms
ADHD can affect women and men, however it is more difficult for women to diagnose. This is because women rarely exhibit the same levels of inattention or impulsivity as men do, so they may be misdiagnosed or missed.
A clear diagnosis is the first step to managing your symptoms. Stimulant medications are a popular treatment for adults with ADHD however there are other options.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women suffering from ADHD can be distracted by a variety of things, but they also have difficulties being focused on their conversations and tasks particularly when they are experiencing sensory or emotional overload. These difficulties can be exacerbated when menstrual cycles are in full swing.
Women with inattention ADHD have issues with their working memory. This makes it difficult to remember everyday things like appointments or upcoming events. They may forget where they left their keys in their car or the name of the lady who offered them a ride home from spinning class. They might forget important dates or deadlines.
Procrastination, and the inability to keep up with plans are also symptoms of ADHD among females of adulthood. They are more likely to get sidetracked by shiny objects or social media, which makes it difficult to finish their assignments and projects. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed and underperforming in school or at work.
Because of the way society views gender, many women suffering from ADHD go undiagnosed. They feel guilt and mistakenly attribute their problems as "bad behavior" or "character imperfections". They are often viewed like an impostor. A diagnosis could be an "lightbulb" moment for them, because it provides them with an external explanation for their issues and allows them to accept themselves more fully.
Untreated ADHD in girls and women can cause a range of negative consequences, including behavioral issues, academic problems, relationship and family problems and co-existing mental health conditions. But a proper diagnosis and treatment plan can significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering from this condition at any stage of their lives. Treatment options include stimulant therapy and medication. *
2. Difficulty Finishing Projects
Women with ADHD often have difficulty completing tasks and duties. They can forget important details, struggle with switching between tasks or responsibilities and have difficulty attempting to meet deadlines. They may also be more susceptible to make mistakes that aren't their fault or have difficulty organizing and managing their time effectively and underestimate the time it takes to complete their tasks.
Women suffering from ADHD may find the emotional symptoms of ADHD, such as mood swings or irritability particularly difficult. The symptoms can be exacerbated by hormone changes, including those that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrated and dissatisfied with their performance at work or in their relationships.
Some women with ADHD have trouble staying on top of daily tasks like grocery shopping and chores. They might forget to take out the garbage or turn off the stove, and easily get distracted. They might also struggle with monotonous tasks like washing dishes or folding laundry. Boring or mundane tasks can become overwhelming and lead to impulsive behavior like excessive talking or oversharing. Women with ADHD can also make erratic decisions and resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or other drugs.
If you're having trouble getting things done, have memory issues, have a tendency to procrastinate for a long time, or face relationship challenges it is essential to seek out professional help for ADHD. A proper diagnosis can improve your quality of life and set you up for success in your personal and professional lives. It can help you manage your ADHD symptoms, and develop strategies to manage them. To avoid lapses of attention and focus it is recommended to keep a consistent schedule using planners or reminder apps, take notes at meetings, and adhere to good habits of sleep (avoid screens at least an hour prior to the time you go to bed). Exercise also helps improve focus by increasing brain neurotransmitter production.
3. It is difficult to remember names
It is possible that trouble remembering names might be coupled with other ADHD symptoms, like trouble following directions or finishing projects. The root cause of the difficulties is a lack of ability to prioritize tasks and organize them which affects the efficiency of information retrieval. This symptom also tends to worsen during times of stress, fatigue, or hormonal changes, for instance before, during, and after menopause.
The feeling of forgetting names can be more frustrating when it's accompanied by a sense of forgetfulness over larger things like appointments, events or personal reminders. These lapses may be caused by depression or anxiety, which commonly co-occur 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. Therefore, they are not diagnosed and not referred to doctors for treatment and diagnosis.
Additionally, there is gender-based discrimination because the disorder tends to be viewed as a disorder that is affecting boys. Boys who are hyperactive are the ones who are most frequently referred to clinics and evaluated for treatment. In addition to the internalized stigma, female symptoms differ from those of men. Many doctors do not diagnose or treat ADHD in females.
It's becoming more commonplace for women to be diagnosed with ADHD as they reach adulthood. A diagnosis can enhance your relationships, help you achieve success at work and in school, and give you the assistance you require. Talk to an Salience Health provider if you're interested in being diagnosed. We'll be able to assess your symptoms using tools like Creyos cognitive testing and Brainview Advanced, and connect you with a therapist who's right for you.
4. The difficulty appears in the roof
Women suffering from ADHD can have subtle symptoms of inattention. They might forget to complete chores at home, fail to attend appointments or have difficulty taking notes. They might also have problems with impulsivity or difficulty understanding social boundaries. This can result in confusion and misinterpretation of relationships with family and friends and can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might also have difficulty being able to meet the expectations set by society regarding them as women. They may be struggling with the responsibility of caring for their children and household chores, and this societal pressure can increase their ADHD symptoms and feelings of inadequateness. If left untreated, ADHD can lead to low self-esteem in women. They might resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as binge-eating and watching marathons of TV.
The difficulties of ADHD for women could be amplified by gender biases in how women and girls are viewed, and how clinicians evaluate their symptoms. There is evidence that suggests that girls and women tend to cover up or disguise their ADHD symptoms, and may be less likely to receive treatment and diagnosis than men and boys.
Another challenge is that women suffering from ADHD may have trouble recognizing their own symptoms. They may confuse them with anxiety or mood disorders. This can lead to a incorrect diagnosis and delayed treatment.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary with hormone fluctuations, and they can be particularly evident during the ovulation cycle and during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopausal. ADHD symptoms in adults quiz can make women more frustrated with her ADHD symptoms and increase the chance of being misunderstood, or viewed as moody or emotional.
5. Impulsivity
Women are also susceptible to the impulsivity that is a sign of ADHD. They might also have trouble managing their emotions, and are prone to "foot in mouth" moments. These actions that are impulsive can have a big impact on relationships and professional life.
Prefrontal cortex is the region of the brain that is responsible for controlling thinking and making decisions. This area can assist people avoid making bad decisions by providing a nudge on behavior. ADHD sufferers have a weaker prefrontal cortex. This can make it more difficult for them to resist urges and prevent themselves from engaging in reckless behavior. It can also result in an absence of self-esteem. In women, impulsiveness often manifests itself as a problem with social boundaries and conversational self-restraint (interrupting conversations, completing others' sentences, and speaking too much).
Women may also struggle with impulse control due to the different hormone fluctuations throughout their lives. Estrogen is naturally fluctuates at various periods during the menstrual cycle, and also during pregnancy, childbirth and menopausal. The use of oral contraception and hormone therapy during perimenopause and menopausal changes the levels of estrogen and other hormones that affect women's ADHD symptoms.
The way ADHD symptoms are expressed in girls and women can differ from that of males and females, which is one of the reasons why they are often underdiagnosed. Many people with ADHD are unaware of their condition. The good news is, the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD at any age can enhance the quality of life for the person. Speak to your doctor if there's a doubt whether you're suffering from ADHD. They'll be able to give you advice. Treatment options include medication and cognitive behavioral therapy and couples counseling.