ADHD Symptoms in Adult Women
Women with ADHD are faced with significant issues in their health, relationships and at work. Recognizing symptoms and seeking treatment is the first step to receiving the help you require.
ADHD symptoms in women vary in response to hormonal fluctuations, such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. These fluctuations can increase emotional symptoms like mood swings, irritability and anxiety.
Insufficient Focus
Finding it difficult to stay focused is a common symptom of adhd in adult women. It's important to keep in mind that a lack of focus could be a sign of another issue, such as stress or health issues. It could be caused by certain medications. A doctor can help you determine the best combination of treatment and medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
Women with ADHD might have a difficult to keep their focus due to their hormonal fluctuation. The natural decline in progesterone, estrogen and testosterone that occurs prior to each period can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. At this time women may notice that they are having difficulty keeping their appointments, and remembering to pay bills or finish tasks in a timely manner. Some women find it difficult to concentrate at school or work and are easily distracted. Some women have trouble with organization and are at risk to misplacing or losing things. Some people may have a difficult time making decisions and frequently shift topics during conversations, or become emotional over small things.
ADHD is not diagnosed in a large number of women despite it being more prevalent in boys and men. This is probably because women are less likely to admit that they suffer from ADHD than men. Women may also tend to mask their symptoms by using alcohol and other drugs in excess. This can make it hard for others to discern that there is a problem, and delay the correct diagnosis.
Other signs of ADHD include impulsivity and issues in organising. Often, people with ADHD have trouble staying focused and paying attention to small details especially in noisy environments or when their surroundings are noisy. They may also have issues keeping track of instructions, being punctual, and getting enough sleep.
These signs can impact school or work performance and can cause relationship problems. attention deficit disorder in women can also increase your chances of having an unwanted pregnancy or engaging sexually risky behavior. Additionally, women who suffer from ADHD often struggle with sensitization to rejection, and could be more prone to depression, anxiety, mood swings, eating disorders and other mental health problems.
Difficulty Following Through on Tasks
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to follow through on the tasks they begin, and they may frequently get behind at the workplace or at school. They may also forget to keep appointments, or miss deadlines and have difficulty staying organized. They're not able to sit still, especially when in noisy or crowded settings. They often have the "thousand yard stare." They can be described as being unable to pay attention during conversations, zoning out or going on a tangent.
Researchers believe that, despite the fact that ADHD symptoms aren't gender specific women and girls are not diagnosed. This may be because they are more adept at concealing their symptoms, which causes them to go unnoticed. It could be due to stereotyping or gender bias that cause girls and women to conceal their symptoms or blame them on anxiety or mood instead of ADHD. It can be difficult for women and girls who have the inattentive subtype of ADHD to receive an assessment or treatment from a doctor.
Inattentive symptoms are the most prevalent among women with ADHD and include difficulty concentrating on tasks or keeping on top of things; issues with focusing during conversations; frequent misplaced items, like keys or the remote control; difficulty completing assignments at work or at school; and a propensity to forget deadlines or appointments. Other symptoms of inattentive ADHD include being restless or impulsive and having trouble staying focused in class or at work and a tendency to take risks, such as driving too fast or not paying attention to the safety rules at home.
Women with ADHD are more likely to struggle with managing their emotions in adulthood. They are more likely than other women to struggle with relaxation and are at a greater chance of suffering from depression and low self-esteem as well as chronic stress. These emotional issues can impact relationships and work performance. It's also more likely that women who suffer from ADHD will be sexually active earlier than their peers. They might be more susceptible of having a pregnancy that isn't wanted or being pressured into unwanted sexual activity.
Some people find that medications and lifestyle changes are the best ways to manage ADHD symptoms. Others might benefit from working with a professional or seeking counseling. For example, coaching can help students develop strategies that help with time management and organization. It also can provide support in finding jobs or dealing with the workplace. Therapists can offer therapy for depression or anxiety that is associated with ADHD.
Making new friends can be a challenge.
Women with ADHD have a harder time making new friends and developing stable relationships than people without the disorder. The most important reason is the sensitivity to rejection that is the intense emotional response to perceived or real social rejection. Women with ADHD might also have trouble understanding social signals. They might misread the feelings of others, which can make them more sensitive.
The symptoms of ADHD in adults can vary depending on the cause, such as hormonal changes. Women with ADHD might notice that their symptoms improve during pregnancy or menstruation. They might also be aware that their symptoms are more severe at certain periods of the year such as during menopausal periods or when they experience 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 lead either to a delayed diagnosis or a mistaken diagnosis. Women with high-functioning ADHD can hide their symptoms with extra efforts at school or at work making it difficult for others to detect.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can also lead to problems with family and romantic relationships. Symptoms can include trouble listening to others, difficulty following instructions, and even forgetfulness. Additionally, those with ADHD have a greater tendency to engage in risky sexual behavior, such as early sexual activity as well as more casual or unprotected sex and more sexually transmitted diseases than women who don't suffer from 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 valued.
Exercise can help regulate mood, reduce impulsivity, and decrease restlessness. A healthy diet that includes whole grains and a variety of vegetables, can also help to improve ADHD symptoms. Incorporating meditation into your everyday routine can help calm your body and mind and help you get rid of distracting thoughts and regulate impulsive behavior. It is also beneficial to talk about your experiences with a counselor, who can assist you in analyzing the relationship you have with your ADHD and devise effective strategies for coping.
Difficulty Managing Emotions
Women who suffer from ADHD may have more difficulty than men to manage their emotions. If they are angry or sad, they may be more impulsive than other people. This can have a negative effect on their relationships. It is also typical for women suffering from ADHD to have difficulty reading body language or recognizing social cues. They might, for instance, interrupt their partners during conversations, show up late to events or miss the mood of others and react in anger.
The good news is that there are ways to enhance your ability to manage your emotions. One way is to learn to recognize when you're beginning to feel overwhelmed. If you feel stressed, try implementing an pause, such as deep breathing or counting down before you act. This will help slow down your reaction to the situation and give you an uncluttered mind.
A second strategy is to utilize positive self-talk, and to concentrate on your strengths. You can also engage in calming activities that help you manage your emotions, like yoga, mindfulness, or meditation. Exercise is a great way to control your emotions. It releases neurotransmitters that boost focus and concentration, and it can also help reduce stress and anxiety.
While women with ADHD are more likely to receive an diagnosis than men, they often don't get diagnosed because of social expectations and stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. They might also conceal their symptoms in order to fit in and have the best life possible which makes it difficult for others to realize that they suffer from ADHD.
Get help and treatment If you are suffering from ADHD symptoms. Many strategies can make a difference in your life. If you're not getting the assistance you require, then you should consider talking to your employer or school regarding accommodations. Depending on the type of accommodations that are available in your local area, they can be legally mandated or offered by request. In this case, we use the term "women" to refer to those who were assigned gender female at birth and those who have an affirmed gender identity. We use the term "men" for men/people assigned to male at birth. This avoids confusion and is more in line with research.