ADHD Adult Female Symptoms
ADHD can affect females and males, but it is more difficult for women to diagnose. This is because women rarely exhibit the same high levels of impulsivity or hyperactivity that men do, so they are often misdiagnosed or not recognized.
The first step in managing your symptoms is to receive an accurate diagnosis. Stimulant medications are a popular treatment for adults with ADHD however, there are also other options.
1. Problems with Focusing
While everyone gets distracted from time to time, women with ADHD struggle to keep their attention on their work and conversations particularly when they're dealing with sensory or emotional overload. These problems can be made worse during menstrual cycles.
Women with inattentive ADHD also have issues with their working memory, making it hard to remember simple things like appointments or forthcoming events. They might forget where they put their car keys or the name of the lady who offered them a lift home from spin class. They might forget important dates or deadlines.
Other symptoms of ADHD in females of adulthood include procrastination and difficulty in following the steps of plans. They are more likely to get distracted by shiny objects or social media, making it difficult to complete their assignments and projects. This can lead to a sense of being overwhelmed and underperforming at school or at work.
Because of societal ideas about gender, many women with ADHD are not diagnosed. In turn, they feel shame and mistakenly classify their struggles as "bad behavior" or "character imperfections". They may feel like an impostor. A diagnosis could be a "lightbulb" moment for them, since it provides them with an external explanation for their challenges and helps them accept themselves better.
Untreated ADHD for girls and women can result in a myriad of negative consequences, including problems with academics, behavioral issues, relationship and family problems as well as coexisting mental health issues. A correct diagnosis and treatment plan will improve the lives of people who suffer from ADHD at any point in their life. Treatment options include stimulant drugs and therapy. *
2. Difficulty Finishing Projects
Women suffering from ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or obligations. They might forget important details, struggle with switching between tasks or responsibilities and are unable to meet deadlines. They could also be more susceptible to make erroneous mistakes, have trouble organizing and managing their time efficiently, and overestimate how long it takes to complete tasks.
The emotional manifestations of ADHD in adults, like mood swings and irritability, can be particularly frustrating for women suffering from the condition. The symptoms can be made worse by hormonal changes, including those that occur during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. Women with undiagnosed ADHD might feel angry and dissatisfied with their performance at work and in their relationships.
Some women who suffer from ADHD have trouble keeping up with daily tasks like grocery shopping and household chores. They may have a hard recalling to take out the trash or to turn off the stove and they can be easily distracted by the smallest things around them. They may also have difficulty with repetitive tasks, such as folding the laundry or washing the dishes. Simple tasks that are boring or repetitive can become overwhelming which can lead to impulsive behaviours like excessive conversation or oversharing. Women with ADHD can also make erratic choices and employ unhealthy strategies to cope, such as alcohol or other drugs.
If you are having difficulty completing tasks, have memory issues or chronic procrastination, as well as problems with relationships, it is time to consider a professional assessment for ADHD. A correct diagnosis can enhance your quality of life and assist you in achieving success in both your professional and personal life. It can help you better manage your ADHD symptoms and devise strategies to manage them effectively. To prevent lapses in attention and focus, you can try to keep a consistent schedule using planners or reminder apps, take notes at meetings, and practice good habits of sleep (avoid screens at least an hour prior to going to bed). Exercise can also help increase focus by boosting the production of brain neurotransmitters.
3. ADHD symptoms in adulthood remembering names
It is possible that a difficulty in remembering names could be associated with other ADHD symptoms, such as difficulties following directions or not finishing projects. The root cause of these difficulties is an inability to organize and prioritize tasks which affects efficient information retrieval. This condition can get worse during times of fatigue, stress, or hormonal changes, like before, during, and after menopausal change.
The feeling of forgetting names can be more frustrating when it's followed by a feeling of numbness over bigger items, such as appointments and events or personal reminders. These lapses may be exacerbated by depression and anxiety which are both common co-occurring conditions that are associated 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. As a result, they are often not identified and not referred for treatment and diagnosis.
In addition, there is gender-based discrimination due to the fact that ADHD tends to be viewed as a disorder that affects boys. Boys who are hyperactive are the ones who are most frequently referred to clinics and evaluated for treatment. Coupled with internalized stigmas and the fact that women's symptoms often look different than men's, many 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 help improve your relationships and set you up for success at school and work and offer the help you need to excel in your life. Contact an Salience Health provider if you're looking to be diagnosed. We can evaluate your symptoms using tools like Creyos cognitive testing and Brainview Advanced, and connect you with a therapist that's the right fit for you.
4. Ailoofs that appear difficult to see
Women who suffer from ADHD often have inattentive symptoms and their problems may appear insignificant to other people. They may miss appointments, fail to finish chores around the house or have trouble taking notes at work. They may also struggle with impulsivity and trouble understanding social boundaries. This could cause them to misinterpret and misunderstandings between family and friends and could cause feelings of loneliness and isolation.
In addition, women with untreated ADHD often have difficulty meeting social expectations for them as women. This can cause feelings of inadequacy and ADHD symptoms as they struggle with the burden of taking care of children and household chores. Many women with untreated ADHD suffer from low self-esteem and resort to unhealthy strategies for coping such as binge eating or TV marathons.
The difficulties of ADHD for women are compounded by gender bias in the way that girls and women are viewed and how doctors evaluate their symptoms. Certain studies suggest that women and girls tend to cover up or disguise their ADHD symptoms, and can be less likely to receive treatment and diagnosis than men and boys.
Another challenge is that women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty recognizing their own symptoms, and they may confuse them with mood disorders or anxiety. This could lead to incorrect diagnosis and delayed treatment.
These changes can increase a woman's frustration with her ADHD symptoms. They could also increase the chance that she will be viewed or dismissed as moody or emotional. These changes can cause women to be more frustrated with her ADHD symptoms and increase the chance of being misunderstood or viewed as moody or too emotional.
5. Impulsivity
The impulsivity of ADHD affects men and boys differently, women experience it too. They may also struggle with controlling their emotions, and may be susceptible to "foot in mouth" moments. These behavior patterns that are impulsive can have significant impact on relationships and professional life.
The brain part that regulates the process of decision-making and reasoning is known as the prefrontal cortex. This area can prevent individuals from making poor choices because it acts as a check. ADHD patients have a less-functional prefrontal cortex. This can make it difficult for them to resist urges and stop themselves from engaging in reckless behavior. It can also cause an inability to respect themselves. In women, impulsiveness usually manifests itself as a problem with social boundaries and self-control in conversation (interrupting the conversation, not finishing other's sentences, or talking too much).
Women can also have problems with impulse control when their hormones are fluctuating. Estrogen fluctuates naturally at different times throughout the menstrual cycle, and also during childbirth, pregnancy, and menopause. Oral contraception and hormone therapy used during perimenopause or menopause may alter estrogen levels and other hormones which can impact women's ADHD.
ADHD symptoms in girls and women may differ from those in males and boys, which is why they are often incorrectly diagnosed. Many people with ADHD are unaware of their condition. The good news is that diagnosing and treating ADHD can improve the quality of life for anyone regardless of age. If you're not sure whether or not you have ADHD, talk to your doctor and find out how they can assist. Treatment options include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy and couples counseling.