ADHD Symptoms in Adult Females
While ADHD affects both genders equally throughout adulthood, the condition typically isn't recognized by females. This is probably due to gender stereotypes and the capacity of females to mask their symptoms.
Many healthcare professionals lack the knowledge and experience to detect ADHD in women. In the end, many women are misdiagnosed prior to receiving the treatment they require.
1. Disorganization
Women and girls with ADHD are often plagued by disorganization, a condition that can be a challenge to manage. For example, your desk may be a jumble of unruly papers, 17 different chapsticks, and even a ticket stub from the Kings of Leon concert you attended in the year 2008. While you spend money on products that claim to help you stay organized your office and home probably still feel chaotic and messy.
Inability to keep track of your tasks may lead to missed deadlines and appointments. In addition, you might be struggling with the concept of "time blindness," which means you cannot remember or comprehend the time required to finish an assignment. This can cause you to be unhappy and feeling that you're not doing an adequate job in your career or in your personal life, particularly if it feels like others don't appreciate your efforts.
You might also have trouble regulating your emotions, which could cause you to overreact in stressful situations. Your rapid verbal communication may cause confusion and miscommunications with your loved ones and coworkers, and you might say things that hurt others' feelings without meaning to. You may also have trouble stopping yourself from speaking before thinking things through, as it is common for those with ADHD.
If you suffer from ADHD, it's likely that some of your symptoms stem from gender stereotypes and beliefs about how men, boys and women should behave. adhd in young women makes it difficult to identify and treat ADHD.
In addition to being diagnosed it is possible that you will need a treatment for behavioral issues to tackle the root of your disorder. It might take time to discover the most effective strategies to cope, but using them will allow you to feel more in control of your own life and improve your relationships with family members, coworkers, and friends.
2. Impulsivity
People who suffer from ADHD often experience intense emotions however their brains do not have a good way to evaluate or filter them. They may be overwhelmed by a tiny setback, or have difficulty being able to assess the mood of other people. It can also make it easier for them to become distracted by minor inconveniences like a book that's out of stock or an acquaintance who's late for spin class.
Many women suffering from ADHD overcome their attention issues by hiding symptoms and implementing strategies to cope. They may be highly conscientious or a perfectionist at work or school and have trouble keeping the track of appointments, bills, or important dates. They may also have issues with self-control in speech and frequently interrupt others, talk too much, often, or ramble 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. These symptoms include an abrupt urge to begin or stop activities. They can also be characterized by being unable to wait for your turn in a conversation, and being unable to discern social signals.
While gender stereotypes can influence on the development of ADHD in women, it is difficult to recognize these issues. The rating scales that are used to detect ADHD symptoms are still biased towards male behavior. Some healthcare professionals may not be aware of a woman's ADHD symptoms.
Many women with ADHD say that their symptoms are more severe during times of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy, and also during perimenopausal symptoms. This can cause emotional symptoms such as frustration, irritability or depression. They may also feel an ongoing feeling of discontent with their lives or relationships. This could cause self-esteem issues, substance abuse or unbalanced ways of coping. It's important that women understand that these symptoms don't reflect their worth or value as human beings. With a well-planned treatment strategy, you can lessen or even eliminate these signs.
3. Attention
ADHD is characterized by a high frequency of these symptoms. While everyone struggles to concentrate and pay attention at certain times, they are so frequent that they can interfere with your daily life. You may make careless errors at work or at school, miss appointments, or spend a great deal of time procrastinating. You aren't comfortable waiting your turn in conversations and frequently interrupt others.
Adults who are inattentive can be prone to rush into projects before fully planning them and researching them. This can lead to poor results or subpar ones. You may also be easily distracted and abandon projects that are not completed. This could be a vegetable garden that was planted, but not watered, or a new organizational system that you assembled and then put on your nightstand to accumulate dust.
People with inattentive ADHD suffer from chronic disorganization at home and in the workplace. You might have trouble finding important documents, bills or keys and misplace things frequently. You might also keep losing your track of time and end up 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 with these signs may say or do things without considering the impact, like talking over others or making a nonsensical sound when they're alone. They are unable to sit still and may fidget or pace in their seats. They might be unable to keep the job they have, and are in frequent disputes with their coworkers and their manager.
In some cases, the mood swings and emotional turmoil caused by ADHD can lead to frustration and miscommunication in relationships. This is particularly true when it comes to romantic relationships and at work. People who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to have 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 discrimination as well as a tendency to cover up symptoms or undervalue their severity, and gender bias. Famous women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman who have publicly discussed their struggles with ADHD have contributed to raising awareness. However, many young women and girls aren't aware of it.
4. Anxiety
An anxiety disorder is defined by a constant, excessive anxiety. Although everyone feels anxious or nervous at times anxiety disorders are defined by constant high levels of anxiety. You might feel an uncontrollable feeling of anxiety or fear, a rapid heartbeat, trouble keeping calm and difficulty thinking clearly. You may also feel an increased fear of danger, even in situations that aren't likely to be dangerous for you. 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 prevalent in women with ADHD than in men, and it is more likely to become worse during certain times of the woman's life for instance, during the time of her menstrual period and pregnancy or perimenopausal. This can make it difficult for women to deal with everyday tasks and social interactions and may lead to feelings of low self-esteem or discontent.
You're highly sensitive to rejection and have a hard time accepting criticism. You're prone to interpret feedback incorrectly, or anticipate rejection. You may be annoyed by small things that others don't see an issue with.
Mood swings are a part of the adult female adhd symptoms, and you might be able to notice that your moods are unstable or difficult to control. You could also be susceptible to self-injury that is not suicidal, such as scrubbing, burning, or hitting yourself.
It is crucial to seek a diagnosis if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. It can help you understand the challenges you're facing and provide you strategies to improve your quality of life. You can take an ADHD test online or consult your doctor for a professional assessment. In certain instances your doctor may prescribe medication to ease your symptoms. In some cases your doctor might suggest an amalgamation of lifestyle changes and cognitive behavior therapy. In any case, it's important to make positive changes as soon as possible. This will allow you to regain control of your life, and feel more confident and competent.