Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While men and boys are diagnosed far more often with ADHD however, girls and women are also susceptible to it. However, lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it difficult for them to be assessed and treated.
These strategies are often harmful and ineffective. Here are some of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by daily tasks. It is often difficult to keep the track of deadlines, emails and meetings. They could also be more likely to miss important events or appointments. They might also have trouble concentrating in noisy or busy environments. This could result in missed opportunities and lower level of productivity.
These challenges can cause frustration for many people with ADHD. They might feel that they are a reflection of themselves or their performance. Many adults with ADHD end up having a low sense of self and a negative view of their body. They may also have difficulty to maintain relationships and develop effective strategies for coping. In some cases they may resort to unhealthy coping behaviors, such as excessive alcohol or drugs. This can make it harder for others to see the signs of struggle and delay a diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD may be particularly sensitive to criticism or failure. This can cause them to internalize the issue and make it difficult for them to seek help. They may also experience problems with relationships and find it difficult to find work that is meaningful. They may be more susceptible to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In certain cases the symptoms can cause a mental disorder that is non-suicidal, like harming oneself (NSSI) which can be expressed by cutting or burning.
While it's more prevalent in males and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD The symptoms can last into adulthood and can impact many aspects of life. Women should be aware of the signs and seek an evaluation by a health professional. A correct diagnosis can result in more manageable symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often feel overwhelmed and like their lives are in chaos. They may miss deadlines or have difficulty to manage work or household tasks like paying bills and keeping appointments. Their finances and their home could be disorganized and they may have a difficult time to maintain healthy relationships and a stable job.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and miscommunications between friends, partners, and coworkers. These issues can cause broken or strained connections and feelings of loneliness. ADHD symptoms adults to listen, forgetfulness and a tendency to "zone out" in conversations could cause misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Signs of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and mood swings are more frequent in women with ADHD than in men and can be extremely disruptive to personal and professional. Women who are not treated for ADHD might feel overwhelmed by the demands of family, work, and society. They could also be sensitive to harsh criticism and harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are solutions to reduce the impact of these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specific tools for organization and prescription stimulant medication.
Women with ADHD typically have a harder time than men to conceal their ADHD symptoms and, as a consequence, may go undiagnosed until the age of adulthood. They are more likely to be suffering from comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety which can worsen the effects of untreated ADHD. Women also have a difficult time trying to keep stable relationships and jobs and suffer from low self esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's genetic makeup, chromosomes, hormones and anatomy. Gender refers to the internal feeling of self as a woman, man, nonbinary, or other gender identity and mental health problems are often diagnosed on the basis of both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety. These feelings can be exacerbated when you're unable to keep on top of your daily activities and appointments. This can cause health problems such as missed health checkups or late payments, and can even lead to debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness of ADHD can also lead to relationship issues with partners, coworkers and family members.
Many women develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to recognize that they are having trouble staying organized and focused. These strategies of coping can be healthy like setting up a daily schedule, or a phone reminder or even unhealthy, such as using alcohol or drugs to manage or function. These strategies for coping can make women feel anxious and unsure which can cause them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can trigger feelings of anxiety or depression.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel that they don't belong or don't conform to social norms. This can lead to frustration and low self-esteem. They may also experience issues at work, such as difficulties with organization skills, adherence to corporate policies, or adhering to a routine of 9-5. They may be struggling with managing their finances because of their indecisiveness and uncontrolled spending, or they might struggle to complete work-related tasks or completing homework.
ADHD can be a lifelong condition that requires constant support, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence it is misunderstood and underdiagnosed. It is also undertreated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result of stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology and comorbidities as well as hormonal fluctuation.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They can be easily annoyed or excessively exuberant, and they may lose track of their time or be late for an event. They may also have difficulty reading body language and recognizing social signals. This can lead to problems at work or with relationships. They might be susceptible to arguments or spend too much time with interests and hobbies that are not important to them. They may also have difficulty keeping relationships or forming connections due to their inability to keep their commitments and promises.
Women tend to be better at building coping mechanisms that help them mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for them to be diagnosed than men. They could, for example develop routines to assist them in staying organized, or utilize apps to remind them of their appointments. They might alter their behavior to conform to social norms and expectations. They may also try to conceal their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs. This can have negative health effects over time.
Some people suffering from ADHD do not completely overcome the symptoms. About 60% of women who have ADHD in childhood continue to have the condition into adulthood, compared to 30% of males.
Professional treatment can be beneficial for those who do not experience relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a myriad of options, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling as well as medications such as stimulants. Exercise is an effective method to boost your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters, which increase the motivation and focus. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Women and girls with ADHD often struggle with emotional reactivity. ADHD in adults women symptoms may have difficulty regulating their emotions and expressing them appropriately. This can lead to frustration for both themselves and others. A woman with ADHD might become angry when a friend criticizes her however she may not be able calm down to talk about the issue in a rational manner. She also might struggle to "pause" her reactions by identifying body signals that indicate she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed like a flushed skin or breath shortness.
This inability to regulate their emotions can heighten frustration and misunderstandings in relationships, and it can make people with ADHD more susceptible to anxiety and depression. It can also cause difficulties with social interactions since it is difficult to discern people's moods or detect social cues.
In some instances, those who suffer from ADHD might appear to be emotionally detached and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even if they really love them. In other cases, they may withdraw from situations that trigger them to avoid feeling emotions that are intense.
The nature of women's symptoms can make it easy for clinicians to overlook the effects of ADHD. Women often hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do show up they are more likely to be mistakenly diagnosed as depression or anxiety disorders. If you're experiencing trouble with these symptoms, it might be beneficial to consult a mental health professional experienced in working with women and girls who suffer from ADHD. They can confirm your experience, teach you strategies like self-awareness and pacing, and provide you with psychoeducation for your family to help you identify and respond to future ADHD symptoms.