ADHD Symptoms in Adult Females
The condition is often misdiagnosed in women, even though it affects men and women equally as adults. This is probably due to gender stereotyping and the capacity of females to mask their symptoms.
Many healthcare professionals don't have the expertise or experience needed to recognize ADHD in women. Many females are not diagnosed correctly and don't receive the care they require.
1. Disorganization
Girls and women with ADHD are often plagued by disorganization. This disorder can be difficult to manage. Your desk, for instance might be a mess of papers, 17 chapsticks, and even a ticket to the Kings of Leon show you attended in 2008. Although you may have purchased a few items to help you organize, your home or office is probably still chaotic and messy.
Inability to keep track of your work could result in missing deadlines and appointments. You may also experience "time blindness," where you don't recall or know how long it takes to complete the task. This can leave you frustrated and feeling like you're not doing a great job in your career or personal life, especially when it seems that other people don't appreciate your efforts.
You may also have difficulty managing your emotions. This can lead you to overreact when confronted with stressful situations. You may also make comments without meaning to hurt people's feelings. You may also have trouble stopping yourself from speaking before thinking things through, as it is common for people with ADHD.
If you have ADHD it's likely that some of your symptoms are rooted in gender stereotypes and ideas regarding how men, boys and women should behave. This can make it difficult to identify and treat ADHD.
In addition to being diagnosed, you might require a behavioral therapy program to tackle the root of your disorder. It could take some time to determine the most effective coping strategies, but implementing them will help you feel more in control of your own life and improve your relationships with family, coworkers, and friends.
2. Impulsivity
People with ADHD are often overwhelmed by intense emotions however their brains don't have a good way to assess or filter them. They may be overwhelmed by a small setback, or have difficulty in assessing the mood of other people. It can also make it easier for them to get distracted by small issues like a book that's out of stock or a friend who's running late to the spin class.
Many women with ADHD compensate for their attention problems by hiding symptoms and developing coping strategies. They may be perfectionists or extremely meticulous at work or in school but struggle to keep on top of important dates, bills and appointments. They might also struggle with verbal self control and speak too much or interrupt others frequently.
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. These symptoms include a sudden desire to begin, stop or change activities and being unable to hold your turn in a conversation; and having trouble reading social cues (like facial expressions or body language).
While gender stereotypes can influence on the development of ADHD in women, it's not always easy to spot these issues. The scales for rating used to identify ADHD symptoms still favor male behavior. Some healthcare professionals may not be aware of a woman's ADHD symptoms.
Many women suffering from ADHD have reported that their symptoms worsen during times of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy, and also during perimenopausal symptoms. This can lead to emotional symptoms like frustration or irritability as well as depression. They may also have a persistent feeling of dissatisfaction in their relationships or their lives. This can result in self-esteem issues, substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies. This is why it's crucial for women to understand that these signs aren't a reflection of their value or worth as individuals. The positive side is that with a solid treatment program these symptoms can be alleviated or even eliminated.
3. Inattention
Although everyone has trouble paying attention and focusing at times with ADHD, these symptoms occur so frequently that they interfere with your daily life. You may make careless mistakes at work or school or forget appointments or you may spend a lot of time procrastinating. You have a difficult time waiting to be the first in a conversation and are often interrupted by others.
Inattentive symptoms in adults can also include a tendency to jump into projects without thoroughly planning and researching the subject, which results in incomplete or subpar results. You could also get easily distracted and leave projects unfinished. This could include a vegetable garden that was planted but never watered, or a brand new system of organization that you built and then left on your nightstand for it to rot.
People who have inattention ADHD have trouble focusing at home and at work. It is possible that you have trouble finding important documents, keys or bills and frequently lose things. You might also keep losing track of the time and end up running late for work, meetings 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. People who suffer from these conditions can make decisions or conduct actions without considering the impact. For example, they might speak over others or make nonsensical noises when alone. They may have trouble sitting still and may fidget or pace in their seats. They might have issues keeping their job and could have frequent disagreements with coworkers and managers.
In inattentive add in women , the mood swings or emotional distress caused by ADHD may lead to frustration in relationships and miscommunications. This is especially true in romantic relationships as well as at work. People with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from other comorbidities, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Women and girls with ADHD might face a variety of challenges when seeking treatment. This includes gender bias, a tendency to hide symptoms or underestimate their severity, and gender bias. The rise of high-profile women like Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano who have spoken out about their struggles with ADHD has increased awareness, but many girls and young women do not know they have the condition.
4. Anxiety
An anxiety disorder is characterised by a constant, excessive anxiety. While everyone is anxious or nervous occasionally anxiety disorders are defined by a constant high level of anxiety. You might experience an uncontrollable feeling of anxiety or anxiety, a fast heartbeat, trouble staying calm and having trouble thinking clearly. You may also feel a heightened sense of danger, even in situations that aren't likely be risky for you. The most common forms of anxiety include general anxiety disorder, phobias, agoraphobia and separation anxiety, panic disorders and selective Mutism.
Anxiety is more prevalent among women suffering from ADHD compared to men. It is more likely to be exacerbated during certain life events like menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or perimenopausal. This can make it difficult for women to handle everyday tasks and social interactions, and can lead to feelings such as low self-esteem or dissatisfaction.
You're extremely sensitive to rejection and have a difficult time accepting criticism. You are prone to misinterpret feedback, or even anticipated rejection, and you might be angry about minor things that others wouldn't see as to be a problem.
Mood swings are another of the symptoms of adhd for women in adulthood and you could be able to notice that your moods are unpredictable or difficult to control. You might also be prone to self-injury that isn't suicidal, such as striking, burning or scratching yourself.
It is crucial to seek out a diagnosis if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above. It will help you identify your issues and give you strategies to improve your quality of living. You can take an online ADHD test, or go to your doctor for a thorough assessment. In certain instances, your doctor might prescribe medication to ease your symptoms. In some instances your doctor may suggest a combination between lifestyle changes and cognitive behavior therapy. In either case it's crucial to change your lifestyle as quickly as possible. This will help you take control of your life and feel more productive, confident and capable.