ADHD Adult Female Symptoms
ADHD can affect both women and men, however it is more difficult for women to diagnose. That's because females often don't exhibit the same level of hyperactivity or the same impulsivity as men, which means they may be missed or not diagnosed correctly.
The first step in addressing your symptoms is to receive an accurate diagnosis. The use of stimulant medication is a typical treatment for adults with ADHD, but there are also other options.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women suffering from ADHD can be distracted by a myriad of things, but they're also having difficulty staying focused on tasks and conversations especially when they are suffering from sensory or emotional overload. These problems can become worse during menstrual periods.
Women with inattention ADHD have issues with their working memory. This makes it difficult to remember everyday things like dates or events coming up. They might forget where they left their keys in their car or the name of the lady who gave them a ride home from spin class. They may also forget important dates and deadlines.
Procrastination and the inability to stick with plans are also symptoms of ADHD in females who are adults. They are more likely to be distracted by shiny objects or social networks which makes it difficult to finish their projects and assignments. This can result in feeling overwhelmed and underperforming at work or school.
Because of societal ideas about gender, many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed. This means that they are embarrassed and mislabel their struggles as "bad behaviors" or "character flaws." They also feel like an imposter. A diagnosis can be a lightbulb moment giving them a clear, external explanation for their issues and helping them accept their own uniqueness.
Untreated ADHD in girls and women can result in a myriad of negative consequences, including problems with academics, behavioral issues, relationship and family problems and co-existing mental health issues. However, a correct diagnosis and treatment plan can significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering from ADHD at all stages of life. Treatment options include stimulant medication and therapy. *
2. Difficulty Finishing Projects
Women with ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or obligations. They might forget important information, have difficulty switching between tasks and duties or have difficulty to meet deadlines. They could also be more prone to make mistakes that aren't their fault or have difficulty organizing their time efficiently and underestimate the time it takes to complete tasks.
The emotional manifestations of ADHD in adults, such as mood swings and irritability, can be especially frustrating for women who suffer from the condition. Hormonal changes can exacerbate symptoms, which can occur during menopausal, pregnancy and during menstrual cycles. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrated and dissatisfied with their performance at work or in their relationships.
Some women who suffer from ADHD struggle with staying on top of everyday tasks such as grocery shopping and chores. They may not remember to empty the garbage or turn off the stove, and can be easily distracted. They might also struggle performing routine tasks like folding dishes or washing the laundry. Simple chores or boring ones can become exhausting and cause impulsive behavior like excessive talking or sharing. The impulsivity associated with ADHD can cause women to make unruly decisions and use unhealthy coping methods such as alcohol or drugs.
If you're having difficulty finishing tasks, have memory problems, procrastinate chronically or have relationship problems It is crucial to seek professional help for ADHD. A correct diagnosis can enhance the quality of your life and assist you in achieving success in both your professional and personal life. It can assist you in managing your ADHD symptoms, and develop strategies to manage the symptoms. To avoid lapses of focus and attention you should stick to a regular schedule and use a planner or reminder apps and take notes during meetings, and adhere to good habits of sleep (avoid screens at least an hour prior to bedtime). ADHD symptoms in adulthood can also increase focus by boosting brain neurotransmitter production.
3. Trouble remembering names
Trouble remembering names can be associated with other ADHD symptoms, such as difficulty following directions and trouble finishing projects. This is due to the difficulty of organizing and prioritizing tasks, which can hinder information retrieval. This symptom tends to worsen when there is a period of fatigue, stress or hormonal changes.
If someone forgets their names, it can be even more annoying if they forget important information such as appointments, events or personal reminders. These lapses may also be worsened by depression or anxiety that are often associated 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 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 assessment and treatment. In addition, due to internalized stigma, female symptoms are usually different from those of men. Many professionals 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 improve your relationships and prepare you for success at work and school and provide the support you need to excel in your life. If you are seeking diagnosed, speak to an experienced Salience Health provider. We can evaluate your symptoms using tools like Creyos Cognitive Testing and Brainview Advanced and connect you to a therapist that is suitable for you.
4. Difficulty Appearing in Aloof
Women who suffer from ADHD might exhibit subtle signs of inattention. They might forget to complete chores at home, miss appointments or struggle to take notes. They might also be struggling with impulsivity and trouble understanding social boundaries. This could cause to misinterpretations and confusions with family and friends, and can also lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Women who are not treated for ADHD might also have difficulty meeting the expectations of society for them as women. This can lead to a feeling of inadequacy and ADHD symptoms when they are faced with the burden of caring for children and household chores. If not treated, ADHD can lead to lower self-esteem in women. They may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as binge-eating and watching marathons on TV.
The difficulties of ADHD in women can be amplified by gender bias, both in the way that women and girls are perceived and assessed by healthcare professionals. There is evidence that suggests that girls and women are more likely to hide or compensate for their ADHD symptoms, and could be less likely to receive treatment and diagnosis than boys and men.
Women suffering from ADHD may also have trouble in recognizing their symptoms. They may confuse them with anxiety disorders or mood disorders. This could lead to incorrect diagnosis and delayed treatment.
Symptoms of ADHD are influenced by hormone changes, and they may be especially evident during the ovulation cycle, pregnancy, menstruation or menopausal. These changes can make a woman more annoyed with her ADHD symptoms and increase the chance of being misunderstood, or viewed as a moody or emotional.
5. Impulsivity
Women also experience the impulsivity that is a symptom of ADHD. They can also experience trouble controlling their emotions and could be more prone to "foot-in-mouth" moments. These impulsive behaviors can have a huge impact on relationships as well as professional life.
The brain part that controls the process of decision-making and reasoning is known as the prefrontal cortex. This brain area can stop individuals from making poor choices because it acts as an alarm. People who suffer from ADHD have a less functional prefrontal cortex. This can make it difficult to resist the urges or avoid doing something dangerous or damaging. It can also cause an absence of self-esteem. Women's impulsiveness is often manifested as the lack of social boundaries and self-control during conversations (interrupting other people, not finishing their sentences, or talking too often).
Women can also have problems with impulse control when their hormones are fluctuating. Estrogen fluctuates at different times during the menstrual period and pregnancy, as well as 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 women's ADHD symptoms.
The way ADHD symptoms manifest in girls and women can differ from the symptoms of men and boys and is one of the reasons they are often underdiagnosed. Due to this, many adults who have ADHD are unaware that they do. The good news is that diagnosing and treating ADHD at any age can enhance the quality of life of an individual. If you are unsure whether or not you suffer from ADHD, talk to your doctor to see if they can help. Treatment options include medication, cognitive therapy and couples counseling.