5 Killer Quora Answers On Adult Female ADHD Symptoms
ADHD Symptoms in adult adhd in women Females
Although ADHD affects both genders equally throughout adulthood, the condition typically goes undiagnosed in females. This is probably due to gender stereotyping and the capability of females to mask their symptoms.
Many healthcare professionals lack the expertise and experience to detect ADHD in women. As a result, many women are misdiagnosed and not receiving the proper treatment they need.
1. Disorganization
Women and girls with adhd in women treatment can struggle with disorganization. This disorder is challenging to manage. For instance, your desk may be a mess of tangled papers, 17 different chapsticks, and even a ticket for the Kings of Leon concert you attended in 2008. And while you buy products that promise to keep you organized your office and home probably still feel messy and chaotic.
Your inability to stay on top of your work can lead to missed appointments and forgotten deadlines. You might also struggle with "time blindness," where you don't know or remember how long it takes to finish a task. This can leave you in a state of discontent and feeling as if you're not doing a great job in your career or personal life, particularly if it feels that other people don't appreciate your efforts.
You may also be having trouble managing your emotions, which may cause you to react too quickly in stressful situations. You might also say things without intention of hurting the feelings of someone else. In addition, since impulsivity is common for those with ADHD, you might be unable to stop yourself from making comments without taking a second to think them through.
If you have ADHD it's likely that some of your symptoms stem from gender stereotypes and cultural ideas regarding how boys, men, and women should act. This makes it more difficult to recognize and treat your ADHD.
You may also benefit from a behavioral therapy to address the underlying causes of your disorder. And although it may take some time to identify the appropriate coping strategies using these strategies, they can make you feel more in control of your life and enhance relationships with family, friends, and coworkers.
2. Impulsivity
People with ADHD are often overwhelmed by intense emotions however their brains do not have a good way to filter or assess them. They may be overwhelmed by a minor setback, or have difficulty being able to assess the emotional state of other people. This makes them more prone to be distracted by small inconveniences like an out of stock book or an unreliable friend.
Many women with ADHD overcome their attention problems by hiding symptoms and devising strategies for coping. They might be extremely meticulous or an obsessive at school or at work, and have difficulty keeping the track of appointments or bills, as well as important dates. They might also struggle with self-control and verbal control. They may also frequently interrupt others, talk too much, frequently, or info dump 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 an abrupt urge to begin or stop activities. They can also be characterized by being unable wait for your turn in a conversation, and being unable to discern social cues.
While gender-based stereotypes may contribute to the development of ADHD but it's not always easy to tell if a woman has these issues. The scales of rating used to determine adhd in men and women symptoms still favor male behavior. Some healthcare professionals may not be aware of a woman's adhd in women over 50 symptoms.
Many women with ADHD say that their symptoms worsen during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause. This can exacerbate emotional symptoms and lead to frequent feelings of anger, frustration, or depression. They may also feel an ongoing feeling of unsatisfaction with their relationships or life. This could cause self-esteem issues, substance abuse, or unhealthy ways of coping. This is the reason it's so important for women to realize that these symptoms are not an indication of their worth or worth as an individual. The positive side is that with a solid treatment strategy these symptoms can be alleviated or even eliminated.
3. Inattention
ADHD is often characterized by a higher frequency of these symptoms. While everyone struggles to concentrate and pay attention at times, they are so frequent that they can impede your everyday life. You could make a few blunders at work or school or forget appointments or you may spend long hours delaying. You're not able to stand in line and interrupt others in conversations.
Adults who are inattentive can also jump into projects without fully planning them and researching them. This can lead to poor results or poor ones. You may also be easily distracted and abandon projects that are not completed. This could be a vegetable garden that was planted, but not watered, or an organization system you put together and then put on your nightstand to accumulate dust.
People with inattentive ADHD also struggle with a constant feeling of disorganization, both at home and at work. You may have difficulty finding important documents keys, bills or even keys and misplace items on a regular basis. You might also keep losing the track of time and end up being late for work, meetings or school.
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 say or do things without considering the consequences. For instance they may speak over other people or make unintentional noises in solitude. They might have difficulty sitting still and adjusting their seat or pace. They can have trouble maintaining a job and might have frequent conflicts with coworkers and managers.
In some cases, the mood swings and emotional turmoil caused by ADHD can lead to frustration and miscommunication in relationships. This is especially true when it comes to romantic relationships and at work. People who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to having co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD can face a variety of difficulties in seeking treatment and diagnosis that include gender bias and a tendency to cover up their symptoms or undervalue the severity of them. The rise of famous women such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano who have shared their own struggles with ADHD has increased awareness, yet many girls and young women aren't aware of the condition.
4. Anxiety
An anxiety disorder is characterized by constant anxiety. While everyone is anxious or nervous at times anxiety disorders are defined by constant high levels of anxiety. You might experience an incessant feeling of anxiety or fear, as well as a rapid pulse, difficulty maintaining calm, and having trouble thinking clearly. You might also feel an underlying sense of danger in situations you know aren't dangerous. The most commonly encountered forms of anxiety are general anxiety disorder, phobias and agoraphobia and separation anxiety, panic disorders and selective Mutism.
Anxiety is more prevalent in women suffering from ADHD compared to men. It tends worsen around certain life events, like menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or perimenopausal. This can make it difficult to manage everyday tasks and social interactions, and can lead to feelings such as low self-esteem or unsatisfaction.
You are very sensitive to rejection, and you have a hard acceptance of criticism. You can easily interpret feedback incorrectly, or anticipate rejection. You might get upset over small issues that others don't see an issue with.
Mood swings are also one of the adult female adhd symptoms, and you might find that your emotions are unstable or difficult to control. You could also be prone to self-injury that is not suicidal, such as burning, scrubbing or hitting yourself.
If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, it's crucial to receive a diagnosis. It can help you better identify your issues and give you strategies for improving your quality of life. You can take an ADHD test online, or talk to your doctor to get a professional assessment. In some cases a doctor might prescribe medication to ease your symptoms. In certain instances your doctor may suggest the combination of lifestyle changes and cognitive behavior therapy. In either scenario, it's essential to begin making positive changes in your life as soon as you can. This can help you regain control of your life and make you feel more confident and capable.