ADHD Symptoms in Adult Females
The condition is often misdiagnosed in women, even though it is a problem that affects men and women equally as adults. This is likely due to gender stereotypes and the capability of women to hide their symptoms.
Many healthcare professionals do not have the experience or knowledge to detect ADHD in women. In the end, many women are misdiagnosed and not receiving the treatment they require.
1. Disorganization
Women and girls with ADHD can struggle with disorganization. This condition is difficult to manage. Your desk, for instance could be a jumble of papers, 17 chapsticks and a ticket from the Kings of Leon show you attended in 2008. Even though you may have invested money in products to help you organize, your office or home is probably still messy and chaotic.
Inability to keep the track of your tasks can result in missed deadlines and appointments. You might also be struggling with "time blindness," where you don't recall or know how long it takes to complete an assignment. This can leave you unhappy and feeling that you're not doing a great job in your work or personal life, especially when it seems like other people don't value your efforts.
There is a possibility that you have trouble regulating your emotions. This could cause you to overreact when confronted with stressful situations. You might also say things without meaning to hurt someone's feelings. You may also be having trouble stopping yourself from speaking before thinking things through, since the tendency to be impulsive is common among those with ADHD.
If you suffer from ADHD it's likely that some of your symptoms stem from gender stereotypes and cultural ideas regarding how men, boys and women should behave. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat ADHD.
In addition to a diagnosis, you might require a behavioral therapy program to address the root causes of your condition. It may take a while to find the best strategies to cope, but using them can help you feel more in control of your own life and improve your relationships with family members, colleagues, and friends.
2. Impulsivity
People with ADHD are often overwhelmed by intense emotions however their brains do not have a good way to assess or filter them. This means they may be overwhelmed by one setback or have difficulty being able to assess the mood of other people. This also makes them more prone to being distracted by minor inconveniences like the availability of a book or a friend who isn't reliable.
Many women suffering from ADHD cover up their symptoms and develop strategies to cope with their attention issues. adhd symptoms in women adults may be perfectionists or extremely attentive at work or in school but struggle to keep on top of important dates, deadlines and appointments. They may also have issues with verbal self-restraint and speak too much, interrupt others often, or dump information 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 a sudden urge to start, stop or alter activities; being unable to wait your turn in conversation; and difficulty in interpreting social cues (like facial expressions or body language).
Although gender-based stereotypes can play a role in the development of ADHD but it's not always easy to recognize when a woman has these issues. The rating scales that are used to identify ADHD symptoms still favor male behavior. Some healthcare professionals might not be aware of the woman's ADHD symptoms.
Many women with ADHD also note that their symptoms tend to become worse during times of hormonal changes, for example during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal). This can intensify emotional symptoms and trigger a lot of feelings of anger, frustration, or depression. They may also experience a persistent feeling of unsatisfaction with their relationships or lives. This could cause self-esteem issues, substance abuse or unbalanced coping strategies. This is why it's important for women to understand that these signs aren't an indication of their worth or worth as an individual. The positive side is that with a proper treatment program the symptoms can be reduced or even eliminated.
3. Attention!
Although everyone has trouble paying attention and focusing at times with ADHD the symptoms are experienced often enough that they cause disruption with your life. You might make mistakes at work or school or forget appointments or you may spend long hours delaying. You have a difficult time waiting to be the first in a conversation and are often interrupted by other people.
Adults who are inattention may include a tendency to jump into projects without fully planning and researching them, which can result in incomplete or subpar results. You could also become easily distracted and leave projects unfinished. This could be an unwatered vegetable garden planted but not watered, or a brand new organization system you put together and then put away on your nightstand to accumulate dust.
People with inattentive ADHD have trouble focusing at home and in the workplace. It is possible that you have trouble finding important documents, bills or keys and misplace things on a regular basis. adhd in women uk may also lose your track of time and become late for work, school or even meetings.
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 who suffer from these conditions can perform actions or words without thinking about the consequences. For instance, they might talk over others or make nonsensical noises when they are alone. They might be unable to sit still and adjusting their chair or move. They can have trouble working and may be in frequent conflict with colleagues and managers.
In some cases the mood swings or emotional distress caused by ADHD can lead to frustration in relationships and misunderstandings. This is particularly true in romantic relationships and at work. People with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions, like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are often faced with a range of obstacles when seeking treatment and diagnosis that include gender bias and a tendency to cover up their symptoms or underestimate the severity of their symptoms. Famous women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman who have openly discussed their struggles with ADHD have helped to raise awareness. However, many young women and girls don't know they have it.
4. Anxiety
While most people feel anxious or nervous from time moment, a constant and overwhelming anxiety is the hallmark of an anxiety disorder. You might feel an uncontrollable feeling of anxiety or anxiety, a fast heartbeat, trouble staying at peace and having difficulty focusing. There is also a sense of danger in situations that you are aware aren't risky. The most commonly encountered types of anxiety include general anxiety disorder, phobias, agoraphobia and panic disorders, separation anxiety and selective Mutism.
Anxiety is more common in women with ADHD than 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 or pregnancy, or perimenopausal. This can make it difficult to deal with everyday tasks and social interactions and may lead to feelings of low self-esteem or dissatisfaction.
You're extremely sensitive to rejection and have a difficult to accept criticism. You easily misinterpret feedback or even anticipated rejection, and you may get angry over small things that others do not see as an issue with.
Mood swings can also be an indication of adhd in women. You may find that you are prone to having unpredictable moods or find it difficult to manage them. You may also be susceptible to self-injury that isn't suicidal, such as striking, burning or scratching yourself.
If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, it's important to establish a clear diagnosis. It will help you comprehend the challenges you're facing and provide you strategies to improve the quality of your life. You can take an ADHD test online, or talk to your physician for a professional assessment. In some cases your doctor may prescribe medication to help alleviate your symptoms. In other instances they might suggest a combination of lifestyle changes and cognitive behavioral therapy. In any case, it's essential to make positive changes as soon as possible. This will help you get back in control of your life and feel more confident, productive and competent.