ADHD Symptoms in Adult Females
The condition is often misdiagnosed by women, despite the fact that it affects men and women equally as adults. This is likely due to gender stereotypes and the ability of women to mask their symptoms.
Many healthcare professionals lack the expertise and experience to identify ADHD in women. Many females are misdiagnosed and do not receive the treatment they need.
1. Disorganization
Women and girls with ADHD have trouble coordinating. adhd symptoms in women adults is challenging to manage. Your desk, for instance could be a jumble of papers, 17 chapsticks and a ticket from the Kings of Leon show you attended in 2008. Although you may have invested money in products to help you organize, your home or office is likely to remain chaotic and messy.
Inability to keep track of your tasks can result in missing deadlines and appointments. You might also be struggling with "time blindness," where you don't know or remember how long it takes to complete the task. This can cause you to be in a state of discontent and feeling as if you're not doing an adequate job in your work or personal life, particularly when it seems like others don't appreciate your efforts.
You might also have trouble regulating your emotions. This can lead you to react excessively when confronted with stressful situations. Your fast-paced verbal communication could cause confusion and miscommunications with your family and colleagues, and you might say things that hurt the feelings of others without meaning to. And since impulsivity is common for those with ADHD and ADD, you may be unable to stop yourself from making statements without taking a second to think them through.
If you have ADHD it's possible that some of your symptoms are rooted in gender stereotypes or beliefs about how women, men, and boys should behave. This can make it harder for you to recognize and treat your ADHD.
In addition to a diagnosis it is possible that you will benefit from behavioral therapy to deal with the root cause of your disorder. It might take time to discover the most effective strategies for dealing with stress, but implementing them can help you feel more in control of your own life and improve your relationships with family, colleagues, and friends.
2. Impulsivity
People who suffer from ADHD are often overwhelmed by intense emotions however their brains don't have a way to filter or assess them. This means that they could be overwhelmed by a single setback or struggle to accurately assess the mood of others. This can also make them more prone to being distracted by minor inconveniences such as the availability of a book or an unreliable friend.
Many women suffering from ADHD mask their symptoms and come up with strategies to deal with their attention issues. They may be perfectionists or highly conscientious at school or at work however, they have trouble keeping track of important dates, bills, and appointments. They might also struggle with self-control and verbal control. They may also speak too much, interrupt others often, or dump information during conversations.
The hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD tends to be more common in boys and men, but it's not unusual for women to have these symptoms too. The symptoms include a sudden desire to stop, start or alter the course of action or activities; not being able to wait your turn in a conversation; and difficulty interpreting social cues (like facial expressions or body language).
Although gender-based stereotypes can contribute to the development of ADHD but it's often difficult to tell if women suffer from these issues. The scales of rating used to determine ADHD symptoms still favor male behavior. Some healthcare professionals may misunderstand the woman's ADHD symptoms.
Many women with ADHD also note that their symptoms tend to become worse during times of hormonal changes, for example menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or during perimenopausal (the menopausal transition). This can trigger emotions such as anger, irritability or depression. They may also have an unrelenting feeling of discontent in their relationships or lives. This can contribute to the use of drugs, low self-esteem and unhealthy coping strategies. It's important that women understand that these symptoms do not show their worth or value as a human being. With a well-planned treatment program, you can reduce or even eliminate these symptoms.
3. Attention!
Although everyone has trouble paying attention and focusing at times, with ADHD, these symptoms occur in such a way that they can interfere with your daily routine. You could make a few mistakes at work or in school, miss appointments or spend a good deal of time procrastinating. You have a difficult time waiting for your turn in conversations and frequently interrupt other people.
Adults who aren't attentive can also jump into projects without having a complete plan and research them. This results in a lack of results or even subpar ones. It is also possible to get lost easily and have a tendency to leave projects unfinished -- from the vegetable garden that was planted, but never watered, to the new system of organization which was erected and left to rot on your nightstand.
People who have inattention ADHD suffer from chronic disorganization at home and in the workplace. You might have difficulty finding important documents such as keys or bills, and also lose items frequently. You could also be unable to keep track of the time and end up over time for meetings, work or school.
Women with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are less likely to experience these inattentive symptoms, but they can still have problems with organization, time management and self-control. Women who suffer from these conditions may perform actions or words without thinking about the impact such as yelling at others or making nonsensical sounds when they're alone. They might be unable to sit still, and may flitter around in their seats or at a fast pace. They may have difficulty keeping their job and could have frequent disagreements with coworkers and managers.
In certain instances, mood swings or emotional distress caused by ADHD can lead to frustration in relationships and miscommunications. This is especially the case in romantic relationships as well as at work. People who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from comorbid conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might face a variety of challenges when seeking treatment. These include gender bias, a tendency to hide symptoms or undervalue their severity, as well as gender bias. The rise of famous women like Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano who have shared their own struggles with ADHD has helped raise awareness, but many young women and girls still don't know they have the disorder.
4. Anxiety
An anxiety disorder is characterized by constant anxiety. Although everyone feels anxious or nervous at times, anxiety disorders are characterized by constant high levels of anxiety. You might experience an uneasy feeling or fear as well as rapid pulse, difficulty staying calm, and difficulty thinking clearly. You might also feel the sense of danger even in situations that you know are not dangerous. The most commonly encountered kinds of anxiety include general anxiety disorder, phobias and agoraphobia as well as separation anxiety, panic disorders and selective Mutism.
Anxiety is more common in women suffering from ADHD than men, and it tends to worsen at certain times in the woman's life for instance, during the time of her menstrual period, pregnancy or perimenopause. This can make it difficult for women to deal with daily tasks and social interactions and can trigger feelings such as low self-esteem or unsatisfaction.
You're extremely sensitive to rejection and have a hard to accept criticism. You're prone to misinterpret feedback, or even anticipate rejection. You may be angry about small things that other people do not see as an issue with.
Mood swings are also one of the adult female adhd symptoms and you may be able to notice that your moods are unpredictable or difficult to control. You may also be susceptible to non-suicidal self-injury, such as striking, burning or scratching yourself.
If you're struggling with any of the above symptoms, it's crucial to get a proper diagnosis. It can help you understand the challenges you're facing, and give you strategies to improve the quality of your life. You can take an online ADHD test, or go to your doctor for a professional assessment. In some instances your doctor may prescribe medication to alleviate your symptoms. In other instances, they might recommend the combination of lifestyle changes and cognitive behavior therapy. In any situation, it's crucial to make positive changes to your life as soon as you can. This will help you gain control of your life, and make you feel more confident and capable.