ADHD Symptoms in Adult Women
Women with ADHD have significant issues in their health, relationships and at work. Being aware of their symptoms and seeking treatment is a first step towards receiving the assistance they require.
ADHD symptoms in women can be affected by hormonal fluctuations, such as menstrual cycles and menopausal changes. These fluctuations exacerbate emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings.
Inattention and lack of Focus
Struggling to stay on task is a common adhd symptom for women of all ages. But it's important to remember that lack of focus can be a sign of other problems such as health issues or stress. It could also be caused by some medications. A doctor can help you find the right combination of medication and treatment to manage ADHD symptoms.
Women suffering from ADHD typically have a difficult to stay on course due to their regular hormone fluctuation. The natural drop of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone that happens prior to each period can increase ADHD symptoms. In this period, women may find that they are having difficulty keeping their appointments, remembering to pay bills or finish tasks in a timely manner. Some women struggle to concentrate at work or school and are easily distracted by their surroundings or conversations. Others have difficulty with organizational skills and are more prone to losing or misplacing items. Some people have difficulty making decisions, and they may change topics often during conversations or become emotional over minor problems.
ADHD is not recognized in a lot of women, despite being more common for both men and boys. This is likely because females typically are more hesitant about admitting to having ADHD than their male counterparts. Women also may have a tendency to mask their symptoms by consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or other drugs. This can make it hard for others to discern that there is a problem, and delay a diagnosis.
While a lack of focus is the most well-known characteristic of ADHD however, other signs of the disorder include impulsivity and problems with organization. People with ADHD typically have trouble staying focused and paying close attention to the smallest details. This is especially the case in noisy or crowded environments. They may also have trouble following instructions, being punctual and getting enough restful sleep.
These signs can cause problems in relationships and impact performance at work or school. They can also increase the risk of being pregnant unintentionally or engaging in risky sexual behavior. Women with ADHD may also have issues with sensitive to rejection and are more susceptible to depression, anxiety and mood swings.
Difficulty Following Through on Tasks
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty finishing tasks that they begin and can get behind at work or at school. They might be unable to remember appointments, forget deadlines, and have a difficult organizing. They are unable to sit still, especially in noisy or crowded environments. They often appear to have the "thousand-yard stare." Sometimes they are described as being unable to listen to conversations, or simply going off in an errand.
Researchers believe that, despite the fact that ADHD symptoms are not gender-specific women and girls aren't diagnosed. This may be because they are more adept at concealing their symptoms, causing them to be overlooked. It could be due to stereotyping or gender bias, which leads girls and women to hide their symptoms or blame them on anxiety or mood rather than ADHD. It is often difficult for women and girls who suffer from the inattentive subtype of ADHD to receive diagnosis or treatment from a doctor.
Inattentional symptoms are the most frequent among women suffering from ADHD and can include having trouble focusing on tasks or keeping track of information; problems focusing during conversations; frequent misplaced items, like keys or the remote control; difficulty completing projects at work or in school; and a tendency to forget deadlines or appointments. Other signs of the inattentive type of ADHD include being impulsive, having a feeling of restlessness or fidgeting, difficulty staying on task at school or at work and a tendency to avoid or underestimate the risks involved, like driving too fast or not following safety guidelines at home.
As they age, women with ADHD have more trouble managing their emotions. They are more likely than others to be unable to relax and are at a higher risk of developing depression, low self-esteem, and chronic stress. These emotional problems may affect relationships and work performance. It is also more likely that women who suffer from ADHD are likely to become sexually active earlier than their peers, and might be more susceptible of unwanted pregnancy or being pressured into unwelcome sexual activity.
Some people find that medications and lifestyle changes are the best ways to manage ADHD symptoms. Others may benefit by working with a coach or seeking counseling. Coaching can help women and adhd learn behavioral strategies to help with time management, organization and finding jobs. Therapists can also provide treatment for depression or anxiety symptoms that are associated with ADHD.
Difficulty Making New Friends
Women with ADHD are more prone to difficulty in finding new friends and building stable relationships than people without the disorder. This is mostly due to rejection sensitivity. Rejection sensitivity is a powerful emotional reaction to social rejection, whether it is real or perceived. Women who suffer from ADHD also tend to have difficulty understanding social signals and can be unable to discern the emotions of others, which can cause them to become more sensitive and easily annoyed or angry.
The symptoms of ADHD in adults can vary according to factors such as hormonal changes. Women suffering from ADHD may notice that their symptoms improve during pregnancy or menstruation. They might also observe that their symptoms become more severe during certain seasons such as during menopausal periods or when they have hot flashes.
In addition, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is more common in women than in men, and women are less likely to have hyperactive/impulsive or mixed symptoms. This can result in underdiagnosis or delayed treatment. Women with high-functioning ADHD can disguise their symptoms by exerting more effort at school or at work and can make it more difficult for others to recognize that they're struggling.
ADHD can cause issues in relationships with family members as well as romantic partners. Symptoms include difficulty listening to others, inability to follow directions, and forgetfulness. In addition, women with ADHD have a higher tendency to engage in sexually risky actions, such as early sexual contact and more casual or unprotected sexual sex, and more sexually transmitted infections than those who don't have the disorder. This is because women who suffer from ADHD may resort to sex to gain the attention and acceptance that they require to feel appreciated.
In addition to medication in many cases, women suffering from ADHD benefit from regular exercise, which can help regulate mood and reduce impulsivity and restlessness. A healthy diet that includes whole grains and vegetables, can also aid in improving ADHD symptoms. Meditation can help calm your mind and your body as well as eliminate distracting patterns of thought and assist in controlling impulsive behaviors. You can also find it useful to talk about your experiences with a professional counselor who can assist you in determining the connection between your ADHD and your coping strategies.
It is difficult to manage emotions
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a harder time than men to manage their emotions. When they experience frustration or sadness they are more likely to react impulsively and with more intensity than other people. This can negatively impact their relationships. Women with ADHD typically have trouble reading body language and picking up social cues. For example, they may interrupt their friends during conversations, or show up late for events or miss the mood of others and react in anger.
The good news is that there are ways to improve your skills in managing your emotions. One option is to be able to recognize when you're beginning to get overwhelmed. If you are feeling triggered, try to implement a pausing behavior like deep breathing or counting down before you act. This will help slow down the initial onset of your reaction and help you deal with the situation with a clear mind.
A second strategy is to utilize positive self-talk, and to concentrate on your strengths. You can also do relaxing activities that help you control your emotions, like mindfulness, yoga, and meditation. Exercise is a great way to manage your emotions. It releases neurotransmitters which boost focus and concentration. It can also help to reduce anxiety and stress.
Although women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with an diagnosis than men, they usually don't get diagnosed because of social expectations and stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. They may conceal their symptoms to fit into the crowd or enjoy a higher quality of life. This can make it difficult for others to recognize that they have ADHD.
If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms, you should seek treatment and support. Numerous strategies can help make a difference in your life. If you're not getting the assistance you require, then you should think about talking to your employer or school about accommodations. Depending on the type of accommodations available in your region, they can be legally mandated or made available by request. We use the term "women" in this context to mean those who were born female and those with an affirmed gender identity of females, while using the term "men" to refer to males or people assigned male at birth. This helps avoid confusion and is more in line with the research.