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 capacity of women to conceal their symptoms.
Many healthcare professionals aren't equipped and experience to detect ADHD in women. As a result, many women are misdiagnosed and not receiving the treatment they require.
1. Disorganization
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often plagued by disorganization. This disorder can be difficult to manage. For instance your desk could be a jumble of tangled papers, 17 chapsticks, or a ticket to the Kings of Leon concert you attended in the year 2008. Even if you've spent money on products to help you organize your workspace, your home or office is probably still chaotic and messy.
Inability to keep track of your responsibilities can lead to missed deadlines and missed appointments. Additionally, you may be struggling with the concept of "time blindness," which means you cannot remember or comprehend the amount of time it takes to complete a task. This can cause you to be in a state of discontent and feeling as if you're not doing a great job in your career or in your personal life, particularly when it seems like other people don't value your efforts.
You might also have trouble managing your emotions, which may cause you to overreact in stressful situations. You may also make comments without intention of hurting the feelings of someone else. And since impulsivity is common for people with ADHD and ADD, you may have trouble stopping yourself from saying things before taking a second to think them through.
If you suffer from ADHD It's likely some of your symptoms are rooted in gender stereotypes and ideas about the ways men, boys and women should behave. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat ADHD.
In addition to having a diagnosis, you might require a behavioral therapy program to deal with the root cause of your condition. And although it may take a while to discover the appropriate strategies for coping using these strategies, they can make you feel more in control of your life as well as improve relationships with your family and friends as well as coworkers.
2. Impulsivity
People with ADHD frequently experience intense emotions however their brains do not have a method to assess or filter them. This means that they could be overwhelmed by a single incident or have difficulty being able to discern the mood of others. It can also make it easier for them to be distracted by minor issues such as a book that's out of stock or a friend who's running late to spin class.
Many women suffering from ADHD compensate for their attention issues by hiding symptoms and developing coping strategies. They could be perfectionists, or extremely meticulous at school or at work however, they have trouble keeping the track of important dates, deadlines, and appointments. They may 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 an abrupt desire to begin, stop or alter the course of action; being unable to wait your turn in conversation; and difficulty interpreting social signals (like facial expressions or body language).
While gender stereotypes can impact on the development of ADHD for women, it is not always easy to spot these issues. Rating scales used to identify ADHD symptoms are still biased toward male behavior, and some healthcare professionals may misunderstand or underestimate a woman's symptoms.
Many women suffering from ADHD report that their symptoms worsen during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause. This can cause emotional symptoms such as frustration, irritability or depression. They might also experience an ongoing feeling of dissatisfaction in their relationships or their lives. This could result in substance abuse, low-self-esteem or unbalanced coping strategies. It is crucial for women to understand that these signs do not reflect their worth or value as human beings. With a well-planned treatment program, you can reduce or even eliminate these signs.
3. Inattention
Everyone has difficulty paying attention and focusing, with ADHD the symptoms are experienced in such a way that they can interfere with your life. You could make a few mistakes at work or at school, or miss appointments or spend a good amount of time delaying. You have a hard time waiting your turn in conversations and often interrupt other people.
Inattentive symptoms in adults can be accompanied by the tendency to get involved in projects without thoroughly planning and researching them, which can result in poor or insufficient results. You may also be easily distracted and abandon projects that are not completed. This could be 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 to accumulate dust.
People with inattentive ADHD suffer from chronic disorganization at home and at work. It is possible that you have trouble finding important documents, bills or keys and misplace things on a regular basis. 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. People with these issues can perform actions or words without considering the consequences. For instance they may talk over others or make a lot of nonsensical noises when alone. They have difficulty sitting still and might move around or get out of their seats. They might have trouble keeping their job and may have frequent disagreements with their colleagues and manager.
In certain instances, mood swings or emotional stress caused by ADHD may lead to frustration in relationships and misunderstandings. This is especially true in relationships with partners as well as at work. People with ADHD also are more likely to being afflicted with comorbid conditions, such as bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety disorder.
Girls and women with ADHD have a myriad of difficulties in seeking treatment and diagnosis that include gender bias and a tendency to conceal their symptoms or minimize the severity of their symptoms. adhd in adult women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman who have openly discussed their struggles with ADHD have contributed to raising awareness. But, many young women and girls do not know they have it.
4. Anxiety
An anxiety disorder is characterised by constant anxiety. While everyone is anxious or nervous at times Anxiety disorders are defined by constant high levels of anxiety. You might experience an uncontrollable feeling of anxiety or anxiety, a fast heartbeat, trouble staying calm and difficulty thinking clearly. You may also feel an underlying sense of danger in situations you know aren't dangerous. The most common types of anxiety are general anxiety disorder, phobias and agoraphobia as well as panic disorders, separation anxiety and selective Mutism.
Anxiety is more common in women suffering from ADHD than in men, and tends to get worse during certain times of women's lives like the time of her menstrual cycle, pregnancy or perimenopause. This can make it harder to handle everyday tasks and social interactions, and lead to feelings of low self-esteem and general dissatisfaction with your life.
You're extremely sensitive to rejection and have a tough time accepting criticism. You are prone to interpret feedback incorrectly, or anticipate rejection. You might be angry about small things that others don't see an issue with.
Mood swings are also one of the symptoms of adhd in women who are older and you could be able to notice that your moods are unstable or difficult to control. You may also be susceptible to self-injury that isn't suicidal like striking, burning or scratching yourself.
It's important to seek out a diagnosis if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. It will help you comprehend the challenges you're facing, and offer you strategies to improve your quality of life. You can take an online ADHD test, or visit your doctor for a professional assessment. In some instances your doctor may prescribe medication to help alleviate your symptoms. In other cases they may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes and cognitive behavioral therapy. In any case, it's essential to make positive changes as soon as you can. This will help you gain control over your life and make you feel more productive, confident and competent.