ADHD Symptoms in Adult Females
While ADHD affects both genders equally in adulthood, the condition typically is not recognized in females. This is probably due to gender stereotypes and the capability of females to mask their symptoms.
Many healthcare professionals aren't equipped and experience to recognize ADHD in women. Many women are not diagnosed correctly and don't receive the care they require.
1. Disorganization
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often plagued by disorganization. This condition is difficult to manage. Your desk, for instance, may be a mess of papers, 17 different chapsticks, and even a ticket to the Kings of Leon show you attended in 2008. Even if you've purchased a few items to help you manage your clutter, your office or home is likely still messy and messy.
Inability to keep track of your responsibilities can lead to missing deadlines and appointments. adhd in women treatment may also experience "time blindness," where you don't know or remember how long it takes to complete a task. This can leave you unhappy and feeling that you're not doing an adequate job in your professional or in your personal life, particularly when you feel that other people don't appreciate your efforts.
There is a possibility that you have trouble managing your emotions. This could cause you to overreact when confronted by stressful situations. You may also make comments without intention of hurting people's feelings. And since impulsivity is common for those with ADHD, you might be unable to stop yourself from making statements without considering them.
If you have ADHD it's likely that some of your symptoms are rooted in gender stereotypes and cultural ideas about the ways boys, men and women should behave. This can make it harder for you to recognize and treat your ADHD.
You could also benefit from a behavioral therapy to address the root causes of your disorder. Although it might take some time to identify the appropriate coping strategies, implementing these strategies can help you feel more in control of your life and improve relationships with your family, friends, and coworkers.
2. Impulsivity
People with ADHD often experience intense emotions however their brains do not have a way to evaluate or filter them. They can be overwhelmed by a tiny setback, or have difficulty being able to assess the mood of other people. It also makes it easier for them to become distracted by small issues like a book that's out of stock or a friend who's late to the spin class.
Many women suffering from ADHD overcome their attention issues by hiding symptoms and developing coping strategies. They could be perfectionists or highly conscientious at school or at work, but have difficulty keeping the track of important dates, bills and appointments. They may also struggle with verbal self control and speak too much or interrupt others frequently.
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 change activities; being unable to wait your turn in conversation; and having trouble reading social signals (like facial expressions or body language).
Although gender-based stereotypes can influence the development of ADHD, it's often difficult to determine if a woman has these issues. The rating scales that are used to determine ADHD symptoms are still geared towards male behavior. Some healthcare professionals might miss the mark on the woman's ADHD symptoms.
Many women with ADHD also note that their symptoms tend to become more severe during periods of hormonal changes, like during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or perimenopause (the period leading up to menopausal). This can cause emotional symptoms like frustration, irritability or depression. They may also experience an ongoing feeling of dissatisfaction in their lives or relationships. This can cause substance abuse, low-self-esteem or unbalanced ways of coping. This is why it's crucial for women to understand that these signs aren't a reflection of their value or worth as individuals. The good news is that with a solid treatment program the symptoms can be alleviated or even eliminated.
3. Attention
ADHD is often characterized by a higher frequency of these symptoms. While everyone struggles to concentrate and pay attention at times and in a variety of ways, they are so frequent that they can interfere with your daily life. You could make a few mistakes at work or in school, or miss appointments, or spend a great amount of time putting off tasks. You aren't comfortable waiting to be the first in a conversation and are often interrupted by others.
Attention deficit symptoms in adults could be accompanied by a tendency to jump into projects without properly planning and researching the subject, which results in incomplete or subpar results. You might also get side-tracked quickly and tend to abandon projects that are not finished -for example, from the vegetable garden that was planted, but never watered, to the new organizational system which was erected and left to rot on your nightstand.
People with inattention ADHD struggle with chronic disorganization at home and at work. You might have trouble finding important documents, bills or keys and misplace things on a regular basis. You could also lose your track of time and become late for school, work 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. Women with these symptoms may perform actions or words without considering the consequences. For example they may be rude to others or make nonsensical noises in solitude. They might have difficulty sitting still and adjusting their chair or move. They might be unable to keep the job they have, and are in frequent disputes with their coworkers and their manager.
In some instances mood swings and emotional distress caused by ADHD can cause frustration and miscommunication in relationships. This is particularly true in romantic relationships as well as at work. People with ADHD also are more likely having comorbid conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety disorder.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are often faced with a range of challenges when seeking diagnosis and treatment that include gender bias and a tendency to cover up their symptoms or minimize the severity of them. High-profile women such as Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman who have openly discussed their struggles with ADHD have helped raise awareness. However, a lot of girls and young woman still do not know they have it.
4. Anxiety
Although many people feel anxious or nervous from time to the other, persistently high anxiety is the hallmark of an anxiety disorder. You may experience a constant sense of unease or fear and also rapid pulse, difficulty being calm, and trouble thinking clearly. You may also experience an increased fear of danger, even in situations that aren't likely be dangerous to you. The most commonly encountered types of anxiety are general anxiety disorder, phobias, agoraphobia and separation anxiety, panic disorders and selective mutism.
Anxiety is more common in women suffering from ADHD than men. It can be worsened by certain life events, such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as perimenopausal. This can make it difficult for women to deal with daily tasks and social interactions and may lead to feelings such as low self-esteem or dissatisfaction.
You're very sensitive to rejection and have a hard time accepting criticism. You're prone to misinterpret feedback, or even anticipate rejection. You might be angry about small things that other people do not see as an issue with.
high functioning adhd in women are also a sign of adult adhd in women. It is possible that you have unpredictable moods or find it difficult to control them. You may also be susceptible to self-injury that is not suicidal, such as hitting, burning or scratching yourself.
If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis. It will help you identify your issues and give you strategies to improve your living quality. You can take an online ADHD test, or go to your doctor for a professional evaluation. In certain instances your doctor may prescribe medication to ease your symptoms. In other instances they might suggest a combination of lifestyle changes and cognitive behavior therapy. In either situation, it's crucial to begin making positive changes to your lifestyle as soon as you can. This will help you gain control of your life and make you feel more confident and competent.