ADHD Adult Female Symptoms
ADHD can affect people of all age groups and genders, however it is more difficult for women to be diagnosed. It's because women don't often exhibit the same levels of inattention or impulsivity as men do, so they can 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 often treated with stimulant medications, however, there are other alternatives.
1. Problems with Focusing
Women suffering from ADHD are often distracted by a variety of things, but they also have a harder time staying focused on tasks and conversations particularly when they are suffering from sensory or emotional overload. These issues can become more severe when menstrual cycles are in full swing.
Women with inattention ADHD have problems with their working memory. This makes it difficult to remember everyday things like dates or events coming up. They may forget where they left their car keys or the name of the lady who gave them a ride home after a the spin class. They might also forget important dates and deadlines.
Procrastination and the inability to stick with plans are also signs of ADHD among adult females. They are more likely to be distracted by shiny objects or social media 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 with ADHD are not diagnosed. They feel shame and mistakenly label their problems as "bad behaviors" or "character issues". They may feel like an impostor. A diagnosis can be a moment of clarity, giving them a clear external explanation of their struggles and allowing them to accept themselves more fully.
Untreated ADHD for girls and women can have a variety of negative consequences, including academic difficulties, behavioral problems, relationship and family problems, and coexisting mental health conditions. But a proper diagnosis and treatment plan can dramatically enhance the lives of people suffering from this condition at any stage of life. Treatment options include stimulant medication and therapy. *
2. Difficulty Finishing Projects
Women with ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or obligations. They might miss important details, have difficulty switching between tasks or responsibilities and find it difficult to meet deadlines. They might also be more susceptible to make mistakes that aren't their fault, have trouble organizing and managing their time well, and overestimate how long it takes to complete tasks.
Women suffering from ADHD can find the emotional symptoms of ADHD, such as irritability or mood swings, particularly difficult. Hormonal changes can trigger symptoms, including those that occur in pregnancy, menopause and during menstrual cycle. Women with undiagnosed ADHD may feel frustrated and disappointed in their work performance and in their relationships.
Some women with ADHD have a difficult time staying on top of everyday tasks such as grocery shopping and household chores. They may not remember to empty the garbage or shut off the stove, and easily get distracted. They might also struggle doing repetitive tasks, such as folding laundry or washing the dishes. Simple tasks that are boring or repetitive can become overwhelming and lead to impulsive behavior like excessive talking or oversharing. The impulsivity of ADHD can cause women to make impulsive decisions and depend on unhealthy coping strategies like alcohol or drugs.
If you are having difficulty getting things done, have memory issues, have a tendency to procrastinate for a long time or are experiencing relationship issues It is crucial to seek professional assistance for ADHD. A correct diagnosis can enhance your quality of life and assist you in achieving success in both your personal and professional life. It will help you better manage your ADHD symptoms and develop strategies to deal with them effectively. To prevent lapses in concentration and attention it is recommended to stick to a regular schedule, use an app for planning or reminders, take notes at meetings, and maintain good sleeping habits (avoid screens an hour before bedtime). Exercise also helps increase focus by boosting the production of brain neurotransmitters.
3. Trouble remembering names
It is possible that a trouble remembering names might be accompanied by other ADHD symptoms, like trouble following directions or finishing projects. This is due to an inability of prioritizing and organizing tasks, which hinders information retrieval. This issue can worsen during periods of fatigue, stress or hormonal changes, such as before, during, and after menopausal changes.
When a person forgets names and addresses, it can be more annoying if they forget important information such as appointments or events, or personal reminders. These lapses can be exacerbated by depression and anxiety, which are both common co-occurring conditions with ADHD in women.
ADHD is often not recognized in women due to gender biases and internalized symptoms. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are more subtle than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, making them harder to detect and identify. They are, therefore, under-diagnosed and are not being referred to a doctor for treatment and diagnosis.
Additionally, there is gender-based discrimination since the disorder is often be viewed as a condition that is affecting boys. Boys who are hyperactive are the ones most often being referred to clinics and analyzed for treatment. Combined with internalized stigma and the fact that women's symptoms frequently differ from those of men 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, assist you to achieve your goals at work and school, and offer you the support you need. If you're looking to get an assessment, speak with an experienced Salience Health provider. We can evaluate your symptoms using tools such as Creyos Cognitive Testing and Brainview Advanced and connect you to a therapist who is the right fit for you.
4. Ailoofs with difficulty
Women suffering from ADHD typically have inattention symptoms, and their struggles can seem subtle to other people. They might forget to complete chores at home, miss appointments or have difficulty taking notes. They may also have issues with impulsivity or have difficulty understanding the boundaries of social interaction. ADHD symptoms in adult men can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of relationships with friends and family and could lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Women who are not treated for ADHD might also have difficulty fulfilling the expectations of society for them as women. They might struggle with the burden of caring for their children and household chores, and this societal pressure can intensify their ADHD symptoms and feelings of inadequacy. Many women suffering from untreated ADHD report low self-esteem and resort to unhealthy strategies for coping such as binge eating and TV marathons.
The difficulties of ADHD in women can be exacerbated by gender bias, both in the way that girls and women are perceived and assessed by healthcare professionals. Certain studies suggest that girls and women are more likely to conceal or minimize their ADHD symptoms, and can be less likely to receive treatment and diagnosis than boys and men.
Another challenge is that women suffering from ADHD may have trouble recognizing their own symptoms, and they may confuse them with anxiety or mood disorders. This can contribute to a false diagnosis and delay or ineffective treatment.
Symptoms of ADHD are influenced by hormonal fluctuations. They are most noticeable during the ovulation cycle and during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause. These changes can make women more unhappy with her ADHD symptoms and increase the likelihood of being viewed as a naive, or dismissed as moody or too emotional.
5. Impulsivity
Women also experience the impulsivity that is a sign of ADHD. They might also have trouble controlling their emotions, and be prone to "foot in mouth" moments. These uncontrollable behaviors can have a significant impact on your personal and professional life.
The brain part that regulates the ability to make decisions and reason is known as the prefrontal cortex. This brain area can stop individuals from making poor choices because it acts as a check. People who suffer from ADHD have less functioning prefrontal cortex. This can make it difficult for them to resist their urges or prevent themselves from doing something dangerous or damaging. It can also cause an inability to respect themselves. For women, impulsiveness typically manifests itself as a problem with social boundaries and self-control in conversation (interrupting, finishing others' sentences, and speaking too much).
Women may also struggle controlling their impulses during the various hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives. Estrogen fluctuates at different times throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. Oral contraception and hormone therapy during menopausal perimenopausal cycles can affect estrogen levels and other hormones, which can impact a woman's ADHD.
The way ADHD symptoms manifest in women and girls can differ from that of men and boys, which is one of the reasons why they are often underdiagnosed. Because of this, many people who suffer from ADHD are unaware of the fact that they have it. The good news is that identifying and treating ADHD can help improve the quality of life of a person regardless of age. If you're not sure whether or not you have ADHD discuss it with your doctor and find out how they can assist. Treatment options include medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, and couples counseling.