Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can both suffer from ADHD. While both men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often but it is also possible for women to suffer from the disorder. But lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can make it more difficult for them to get properly assessed and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and meet societal expectations, but these strategies can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are some of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adult women.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD tend to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of multiple deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They may also be more likely to miss important events or appointments. They may also have difficulty to focus in noisy or busy environments. This can result in missed opportunities and a lower level of productivity.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the challenges they face can feel like a reflection of their character or performance and lead to frustration. They can often suffer from low self-esteem as well as a negative image of their body. They may also have difficulty to keep relationships stable and develop effective coping strategies. In some cases, they resort to unhealthy coping behaviors like excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it difficult for others to understand that they're struggling and delay the diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often sensitive to criticism or failure. This can lead them to internalize the problem and make it difficult to seek help. They may also experience relationship problems and struggle to find work that is meaningful. They are also more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some cases these signs can cause the development of a mental health issue like non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could be expressed through cutting, burning or scratching.
While it's more prevalent in boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist into adulthood and impact many aspects of life. It's crucial for women to be aware of the symptoms and seek an assessment from a health care professional. A proper diagnosis can result in better-managed symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often complain of feeling overwhelmed and feel like their lives are a mess. They might miss deadlines at work or have trouble keeping track of the tasks at home or at work, such paying bills and keeping appointments. Their finances and their home could be cluttered and they may find it difficult to keep healthy relationships and a stable job.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and misunderstandings in relationships with friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can result in strained or broken connections and feelings of loneliness. Inattention, forgetfulness, and the tendency to "zone out" or not pay attention, can also result in misunderstandings between loved ones.
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience signs of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. These can cause disruption in their personal and professional lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of work, family as well as society. They are more prone to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
There are ways to deal with these symptoms. For many adults, treatment options include lifestyle changes and the use of specially designed tools for organization, as well as prescription stimulant medication.
Women who suffer from ADHD may be able to cover up their ADHD symptoms better than men which could lead to an undiagnosed condition that can last until the age of. They are also more likely to have comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which can compound the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also have trouble maintaining healthy relationships and a stable job and may suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's hormones and chromosomes. Gender refers the internal sense of oneself as a man, woman, nonbinary or other gender identity. Mental health conditions are often diagnoses based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These symptoms can be worsened if you are unable to keep the track of your daily tasks and appointments. This can cause health problems like missed appointments or late payments, and can even lead to debt. ADHD can trigger emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness, which can lead to relationship problems with partners, friends and coworkers.
Many women develop strategies to mask their symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to see that they have difficulty staying organized and focused. These strategies for coping may be healthy, such as creating a daily schedule or establishing phone reminders or they may be unhealthy, such as relying on alcohol or drugs to help them perform or manage their issues. These strategies can cause women to feel anxious and unsure and make them doubt their capabilities and self-confidence. This can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression.
Women who suffer from ADHD might also feel that they aren't accepted or aren't meeting social expectations. This can cause feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They might also experience difficulties at work, including difficulties with organization skills, adhering to corporate policies or sticking to a standard 9-to-5 routine. They may be struggling to manage their finances due to a lack of organization or an impulsive spending. Or, they may struggle to keep up with assignments or homework.
ADHD can be a lifelong condition that requires continuous assistance, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite the disorder's prevalence however, it's still under-diagnosed, misunderstood and not treated. The distinctive symptoms of ADHD in women are a result stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology and comorbidities as well as hormonal fluctuations.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They might become easily frustrated or excited, lose track of time, or be late to events. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or picking up on social signals. This can lead to issues at work or in relationships. They may be prone to arguments or spend too much time on interests and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining friendships or making connections because they are unable to keep their commitments and promises.
Women are more adept at forming coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to get diagnosed. They could, for instance develop routines to help them stay organized or utilize apps to remind themselves of their appointments. They might also change their behavior to fit in with societal expectations and norms. They could even conceal their symptoms by taking drugs or alcohol to cope, which can cause serious health problems in the long term.
Certain people with ADHD do not completely overcome the symptoms. About 60% of women with ADHD during childhood will suffer from it into adulthood. This is compared to 30% of males.
Professional treatment may be beneficial for those who do not experience relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are many options available, including career coaching, counseling and life coaching. There are also stimulants. Exercise can also be beneficial to boost your mood and boost your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters that increase attention and motivation and can reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often afflicted by emotional hyperactivity. They may have a difficult time to manage their emotions and express them appropriately, which can cause frustration with their own self and others. symptoms for ADHD in adults with ADHD may get angry when her partner critiques them however, she may not be able calm down to discuss the matter in a rational way. She might also be unable to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals like flushed skin or shortness in breath that suggest she is stressed or overwhelmed.
This difficulty in regulating emotions can lead to confusion and frustration and make people with ADHD susceptible to anxiety or depression. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions, since it can be difficult to gauge other people's moods and recognize social signals.
In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD might appear to be emotionally detached and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even if they truly care about them. In some cases, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid experiencing them.
The nature of women's symptoms can make it easy for healthcare professionals to overlook the symptoms of ADHD. Many women hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do show up, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as mood or anxiety disorders. It's a good idea to seek out a mental health specialist who has experience working with girls and women with ADHD if you are experiencing these symptoms. They can validate your experience, instruct you on strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and provide you with psychoeducation for your family members to help you recognize and manage future ADHD symptoms.