Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can suffer from ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently but it is also possible for women to be affected by the disorder. But stereotypes, referral prejudice, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities can make it difficult to get them properly assessed and treated.
Many women devise coping strategies to cover up their ADHD symptoms and conform to social expectations, but they can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of adult women's most frequent ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by their daily tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of multiple deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They could also be more likely to forget important appointments or events. They may also struggle to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This could result in missed opportunities and lower level of productivity.
For many adults suffering from ADHD These challenges can feel like a reflection of their character or performance and lead to frustration. Many people with ADHD experience low self-esteem and a negative view of their body. They may also be struggling with maintaining stable relationships and establishing efficient coping strategies. In some cases, they turn to unhealthy coping methods that include excessive alcohol or drugs. This can make others less likely to recognize their struggles and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to failure and criticism, which can cause them to internalize their issues and find it difficult to seek help. In the end, they may have relationships and have trouble finding meaningful employment. They may also be more prone to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some instances the symptoms may cause a mental disorder such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI), that can be expressed by cutting or burning.
ADHD is more common in males and females, however symptoms can last and affect the entire life of. Women should be aware of the signs and seek a diagnosis by a medical professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to more manageable symptoms and an improved quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often complain of feeling overwhelmed and feeling like their lives are chaotic. They may not meet deadlines or have difficulty to keep track of work or household tasks, such as paying bills and keeping appointments. Their finances and their home could be messy and they may have a difficult time to keep healthy relationships and a stable job.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and miscommunications in relationships between partners, friends and coworkers. These issues can result in strained or broken connections and feelings of isolation. Forgetfulness, difficulty in listening and the tendency to "zone out" or to not pay attention, can also result in misunderstandings between loved ones.
Symptoms of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and mood swings are more common among women suffering from ADHD than in men and can be disruptive to personal and professional. Women who are not treated for ADHD may be overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and society. They may also be sensitive to criticism and harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are ways to manage the impact of these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle adjustments as well as the use of specific tools for organization, and prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD might be able to cover up their ADHD symptoms better than males which could lead to an undiagnosed condition until adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also struggle to maintain stable relationships and jobs, and may suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's hormones and chromosomes; gender refers to the internal perception of oneself as a male woman, woman, nonbinary or another gender identity. Mental health issues are often diagnoses by both.
3. Anxiety
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. These feelings can be exacerbated by the inability to keep track of appointments and daily tasks, which can lead to health issues like missed check-ups, late payments, and even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness which can lead to problems in relationships with family, friends and coworkers.
Many women develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms that can make it harder for others to recognize that they struggle to stay focused and organized. These strategies of coping could be healthy, such as creating an agenda for the day or setting phone reminders, or they may be unhealthy, such as relying on alcohol or drugs to help them function or cope with their issues. These coping skills can create an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and stress for women, which makes them feel that they aren't successful or productive, which can add to feelings of depression and anxiety.
Women who suffer from ADHD might 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 encounter challenges at work, such as difficulties with organizational skills, following corporate guidelines, or adhering to a 9-to-5 routine. They may have difficulty managing their finances due to disorganization or impulsive spending. They may also be struggling to complete homework assignments or other work.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires ongoing assistance, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence this disorder is undiagnosed and misunderstood. It is also not treated. The distinctive symptoms of ADHD in women are a result of stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities, and hormonal fluctuation.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are often unable to control their emotions and impulses. They can be easily annoyed or excessively exuberant, and they may lose track of time or be late for an event. ADHD symptoms adults may also have difficulty understanding body language or recognizing social signals. This can cause problems at work or in relationships. They could be susceptible to arguments or spend too much time with interests and hobbies that aren't important to them. They might also have trouble keeping friendships or making connections because they are unable to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are generally better in establishing coping mechanisms that aid in reducing their ADHD symptoms, which is why it's difficult for them to be diagnosed than men are. They could, for example create routines to aid in staying organized or utilize apps to remind them of their appointments. They might also alter their behavior in order to conform to social norms and expectations. They could even conceal their symptoms using drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms, which could have serious health consequences in the long run.
Many people with ADHD overcome their symptoms, but others do not. Around 60% of women who have ADHD during childhood will continue to have it throughout their adulthood. This compares to 30% of men.
If you're unable to get relief from lifestyle or medication professional help can be helpful. There are many options available, such as counseling, career coaching, and life coaching. You can also consider taking stimulants. Exercise is a great way to improve your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters that increase the ability to focus and motivate and can also ease anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women with ADHD often have issues with emotional reaction. They may find it hard to control their emotions and communicate them effectively and this can lead to frustration with others and themselves. A person suffering from ADHD may become angry when a friend criticizes her however, she may not be able to calm down to discuss the issue in a rational manner. She may also struggle to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals like a flushed face or breath shortness which indicate she is either overstimulated or overwhelmed.
This difficulty in regulating emotions can lead to confusion and anger and make those with ADHD susceptible to anxiety or depression. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions as it is difficult to discern people's moods or pick up social signals.
In certain situations, ADHD people may appear emotionally detached and uninterested towards their loved ones or friends even though they care about them. In other instances they might withdraw from triggering situations to avoid experiencing a strong emotion.
The nature of women's symptoms can make it easy for clinicians to overlook the effects of ADHD. Many women conceal their ADHD symptoms and when they do appear, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as mood or anxiety disorders. It's a good idea to speak with an expert in mental health who has experience working with girls and women with ADHD when you're experiencing these symptoms. They can confirm your experiences, teach you strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and provide you with psychoeducation for your family members to help you identify and address any future ADHD symptoms.