Adult Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD in childhood is characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity that leads to behavioral and academic problems. It is a chronic condition, but children usually outgrow the symptoms.
In adulthood, the symptoms of inattention persist and cause problems at work or school. These symptoms can also be triggered or aggravated by hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
Attention-deficit Symptoms
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can be very frustrating for adults. They can impact relationships as well as productivity at work and school performance. For instance, you might be easily distracted, frequently lose items, or have trouble following directions. You might miss appointments or business meetings, leaving tasks not completed. You may be overwhelmed by the mess in your home or office and find it difficult to remember important details of events that happened in your life. You may find it difficult to concentrate on other people, and you may have what's called the "thousand-yard stare," where you look at people but don't actually hear them.
Adults with inattention ADHD may also suffer from memory issues, particularly when hormonal changes occur, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This can be particularly challenging for women, who may think that their symptoms are exacerbated by these periods of change.
When you have inattentive ADHD it is possible to improve your life by becoming aware of and managing your symptoms. It's important to establish realistic goals for yourself and set a plan of action. You can use reminder apps, planners and post-it note to keep the track of appointments or deadlines. Try breaking up large projects into smaller tasks and work on them one at a. Take regular breaks and move around to help refocus.
You may also request your school or employer for accommodations that might help you manage your symptoms, like the ability to work from home, giving you extra time for assignments or tests or assisting with notetaking during meetings. Many workplaces have policies that require them to provide accommodations for those with disabilities, for example ADHD.
Women who suffer from ADHD might be frustrated or angry if they aren't diagnosed. They may blame their problems on themselves, or believe that medical experts or family members have dismissed them. Some also feel a sense of sadness and sorrow for the opportunities lost and the relationships that were damaged because they never received treatment for their disorder.
Research suggests that, as compared to boys and men, girls and women with inattentive ADHD are not recognized and diagnosed. This is due to the fact their symptoms can be difficult to identify. They may appear like mood disorders or anxiety and can cause clinicians to mistakenly diagnose the condition. They also have more effective coping strategies than men, which may conceal the root cause of ADHD symptoms.
Hyperactive Symptoms
For women and girls Hyperactive ADHD symptoms can manifest as restlessness or trouble sitting still. They might be fidgety or talkative, or have difficulty focusing in class or at work. Girls can also be susceptible to mood swings and have difficulties controlling their emotions. They are often challenged to meet the expectations of society for women's behavior, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and chronic stress.
While the symptom profile of females suffering from ADHD differs from those of males, the condition is a long-lasting disorder. It's estimated that just 30% of adults outgrow their ADHD and women are less likely to be successful than men. If you've been diagnosed as having adult ADHD you might find that your symptoms get worse as you age or go through hormonal changes.
For instance, you may find that your ADHD symptoms are more severe in puberty, at or around the menstrual cycle, and also in perimenopause, the years leading up to full-blown menopause. You may be noticing that you're making more mistakes, have trouble keeping up with deadlines and tasks, or forgetting appointments.
If you have the inattentive-type of ADHD the symptoms may also intensify during perimenopause and menopausal. This is due to the fact that estrogen levels decrease around ovulation and in the middle of your menstrual cycle, which can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms. These fluctuations may be the reason for why many women aren't diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, but instead go undiagnosed when they reach adulthood.
During adhd symptoms , doctors will use different methods, including interviews, rating scales, and other methods to determine if a patient suffers from ADHD. It is also important to think about how you react and perceive your symptoms. For example, women and girls may conceal or cover up their ADHD symptoms to avoid being judged which could lead them to be misdiagnosed with anxiety or a mood disorder. Males and females, on the other hand are more likely to be referred for ADHD due to their behaviors being more disruptive. This is the reason why a lot of the original ADHD studies were conducted on hyperactive males and females.
Instinctive Symptoms
ADHD can make it difficult to control impulse-driven behaviors such as picking up objects off the floor or hitting your fist on the wall. It can make it difficult to think before you act which could cause issues at work or school when you are required to complete tasks or follow instructions without interruptions.
As you grow older as you get older, your issues with control of your impulses, planning and organisational abilities can become more internalized and less apparent than when you were a young person. Hyperactivity can turn into an inner restlessness. Periods of organization could alternate with periods of procrastination, and feeling overwhelmed.
Research suggests that women tend to hide their ADHD symptoms better than men or boys. This is due to the fact that men and boys are more likely to be accepted by society for displaying ADHD-related behaviors particularly impulsive or hyperactive ones. This could be a result of gender stereotypes, for instance the notion that boys are more raunchy and less organized than girls. add symptoms in women can make girls more likely to hide her ADHD symptoms in order to blend with the other kids.
The hormone fluctuations that happen during menstrual cycles or pregnancy can also exacerbate ADHD symptoms in females. This is because estrogen levels drop during ovulation and then increase at the time of menstrual flow. This causes symptoms to become more severe. This is the reason it's crucial for women and girls with ADHD to be evaluated by a medical professional or mental health professional when they are experiencing these symptoms.
If you're struggling with ADHD it is possible to reduce your symptoms. Combining medication, therapy and lifestyle changes can make a a big difference. Regular exercise is a great way to boost your mood and release neurotransmitters that improve concentration, attention and energy levels. Try doing some aerobics, sports or cardio exercises in your local gym or at home.
Getting enough sleep is also important. A restful night can reduce fatigue which is often an indication of ADHD. In addition, it is vital to eat well and avoid eating foods that trigger ADHD symptoms in you.
Internalizing Symptoms
Women with ADHD might have difficulties in various areas of their life. They are more prone to irritability and are able to develop strategies to cope such as internalization. This can result in low self-esteem and negative body image. It is important to diagnose and treat them as adults. Receiving a diagnosis can be an important moment for many. It gives them an explanation for their struggles and allows them to accept themselves more fully (Waite 2010).
The intensity of symptoms may vary depending on the hormone levels. They may improve during ovulation and pregnancy and can become more severe as women approach menopausal. Women may find it difficult to maintain relationships and handle everyday tasks during this period. This can lead to feelings of unsatisfaction.
Forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can affect relationships. Inadvertently forgetting birthdays, unfinished projects or not paying your bills on time, can make people feel as if you're not paying attention which can lead to conflict. People suffering from ADHD often struggle with rejection sensitivity and have trouble regulating emotions, which can lead to intense reactions to failure or rejection.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD can become sexually active at a later age than their peers due to impulsivity and the desire to be part of a group and feel loved. This can put them at increased risk of being victims of intimate partner violence and STIs due to the fact that they are less likely to use protection or insist their partners to do so. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression, and may find it difficult to maintain friendships.
While more research is needed to determine the impact ADHD has on different genders it is clear that females are more likely to be undiagnosed and to have a distinct experience with the disorder. However, it is possible to get a diagnosis and benefit from treatment, which can improve relationships and position you to be successful at the workplace or at school. In addition to medication your doctor may recommend therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy that can help you manage your emotions and thoughts as well as swapping negative thoughts for more positive ones.