Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can both suffer from ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently, it is also possible for women to suffer from the disorder. But stereotypes, prejudices regarding referrals and internalized symptoms as well as comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be appropriately evaluated and treated.
Many women develop coping strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and meet societal expectations, but these can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are a few of the most common symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It can be difficult to keep track of deadlines, emails, and meetings. They are also more likely to miss important events or appointments. They may also find it difficult to focus in noisy or busy environments. This can cause them to miss out on opportunities and lower quality work.
For many people with ADHD, these challenges can be seen as an expression of their character or performance, which can lead to frustration. Many adults with ADHD experience a low sense of self and a negative perception of their body. They may also be struggling with maintaining stable relationships and developing efficient coping strategies. In some cases, they use unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it more difficult for others to understand the signs of struggle and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are often sensitive to failure and criticism and can lead them to internalize their difficulties and have difficulty seeking help. They may also have problems with relationships and are unable to find work that is meaningful. They may also be more susceptible to depression, anxiety, and mood fluctuations. In certain cases, the symptoms can result in a mental illness that is non-suicidal, like harming oneself (NSSI) which could be expressed by cutting or burning.
ADHD is more common among males and females, however symptoms can linger and affect the entire life of. It is crucial for women to recognize the symptoms and seek an evaluation from a health care professional. A positive diagnosis can lead to better management of symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed and feel as if their lives are chaotic. They might miss deadlines at work or have difficulty keeping up with chores at home or at work like paying bills or making appointments. Their home and finances could be messy, and they may struggle to maintain healthy relationships and a stable job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and miscommunications between partners, friends, and coworkers. These problems can lead to broken or strained relationships and feelings of isolation. Inattention, forgetfulness, and the tendency to "zone out" or not pay attention, can lead to misunderstandings with loved ones.
ADHD and adults symptoms of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and mood swings are more prevalent among women suffering from ADHD than in men and can be extremely disruptive to personal and professional. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of work, family and the society, and might be more sensitive to criticism or harsh judgement.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle modifications as well as the use of specific tools for organization, and prescription stimulant drugs.
Women with ADHD typically have a harder time than men to conceal their ADHD symptoms and, as a consequence, may go undiagnosed until adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also struggle to keep their relationships stable and secure and be afflicted by low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's chromosomes and hormones; gender refers to the internal perception of oneself as a man, woman, nonbinary or other gender identity. Mental health problems are often diagnoses based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who have ADHD are at risk of developing depression and anxiety. These moods can be made worse by the inability to keep on top of daily tasks and appointments and can result in health issues like missed health check-ups, missed payments, and even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and apathy of ADHD can also create relationship issues with colleagues, partners and family members.
Many women develop strategies to mask their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to see that they have difficulty staying focused and organized. These strategies of coping could be healthy, such as establishing a daily schedule or establishing phone reminders or they may be unhealthy and rely on alcohol or drugs to help them manage or overcome their difficulties. These coping strategies can lead to an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and stress for women, causing them to feel like they are not doing enough or productive, which can cause depression and anxiety.
Additionally, this hyperlink with ADHD frequently feel the pressure of not fitting in or meeting the expectations of society and this can lead to feelings of self-doubt and anger. They may also encounter challenges at work, including difficulties with organization skills and adhering to corporate guidelines or sticking to a regular 9-to-5 routine. They may be struggling to manage their finances due in part to disorganization or excessive spending. They may also struggle to keep up with homework assignments or other work.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires lifelong assistance, especially when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence, the disorder is still undiagnosed and misunderstood. It is also not treated. The lingering stigmas, referral bias, internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal changes all contribute to the unique symptom-based presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They may become easily frustrated or overly excited, and they might lose track of time or be late for an event. They may also have difficulty reading body language and recognizing social cues. This can cause issues at work or with relationships. For instance, they may be easily entangled in arguments or they may spend too much time on hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining friendships or making connections due to their inability to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are generally better in establishing coping mechanisms that aid in reducing their ADHD symptoms, making it difficult for them to be diagnosed than men. For instance, they could develop routines to help them remain organized or rely on apps to remind them of appointments. They may alter their behavior in order to comply with social expectations and norms. They might even hide their symptoms using alcohol or drugs to manage and avoid serious health problems in the end.
Many people with ADHD outgrow their symptoms, but some don't. Around 60% of women who have ADHD in their childhood will continue to have it throughout their adulthood. This is in contrast to 30% of males.
If you're unable to achieve relief with lifestyle or medication, professional treatment can be helpful. There are a variety of options, including career coaching, counseling, and life coaching. You can also take stimulants. Exercise is also beneficial to boost your mood and increase your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters to boost attention and motivation and can help ease anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Women and girls with ADHD are frequently affected by emotional reactivity. They may have difficulty regulating their emotions and communicating them in a proper manner. This can lead to frustration for themselves as well as others. For instance, a woman with ADHD may become angry when her spouse is critical of her, but she might not be able to calm down and discuss the issue in a more rational manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause her reaction" by identifying body cues like a flushed face or breath shortness that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
This issue with regulating their emotions can lead to more frustration and miscommunications in relationships, and can make those with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also cause problems when it comes to social interactions, because it can be difficult to gauge the mood of others and recognize social signals.
In certain situations, ADHD people may appear in a way that they are emotionally detached and not interested in their loved ones or friends, even though they care about them. In some cases they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid experiencing them.
symptoms for ADHD in adults of women's symptoms could make it easier for doctors to overlook the effects of ADHD. Many women hide their ADHD symptoms and when they do manifest they are more likely to be mistakenly diagnosed as depression or anxiety disorders. It is advisable to speak with an expert in mental health who has worked with girls and women with ADHD in the event that you're experiencing these symptoms. They can help validate your experiences, teach you how to use strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and provide family psychoeducation that can help you learn to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the future.