Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While men and boys are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD but girls and women can also have it. However, stereotypes, prejudices about referrals and internalized symptoms as well as other comorbidities can make it difficult to get them properly evaluated and treated.
Many women devise coping strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms and meet societal expectations, but they can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are a few of the most common symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD tend to feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of multiple deadlines, emails, and meetings. They are also more likely to forget important appointments or events. They may also find it difficult to focus in noisy or busy environments. This could result in missed opportunities as well as a lower quality of work.
For many adults with ADHD the challenges they face may be an expression of their character or performance, and can cause frustration. They often suffer from low self-esteem as well as a negative body image. They may also be struggling to keep relationships stable and develop effective coping strategies. In some cases they may resort to unhealthy coping behaviors that include excessive alcohol or drugs. This could make others less likely to acknowledge their issues and delay a diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often sensitive to criticism or failure. This may cause them to internalize their problems and make it difficult to seek help. In the end, they may experience issues with relationships and may have a difficult time finding meaningful work. They could be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some cases the symptoms may lead to a mental condition such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI) which could be exhibited through cutting, burning or scratching.
While it's more prevalent in boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD The symptoms can last throughout adulthood and affect many aspects of life. Women should recognize the signs and seek a diagnosis from a healthcare professional. A proper diagnosis can lead to better control of symptoms and an improved quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often feel overwhelmed and like their lives are chaotic. They might miss deadlines or find it difficult to keep track of work or household tasks, such as paying bills and keeping appointments. They may have a disorganized home and finances, and may struggle to maintain stable relationships and an employment.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and misunderstandings in relationships with friends, partners and colleagues. These problems can lead to broken or strained relationships and feelings of isolation. Forgetfulness, difficulty listening and a tendency to "zone out" in conversations could cause misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity and mood swings. These can be disruptive in both their personal and professional lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD are often overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of family, work and the society, and are more prone to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
There are ways to deal with these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle modifications and the use of specific tools for organizing and prescription stimulant medications.
Women with ADHD typically have a harder time than men to conceal their ADHD symptoms and, as a result they may not be diagnosed until the age of adulthood. They are more likely to be suffering from comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships and a steady job, and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's biological makeup, chromosomes, hormones, and anatomy; gender refers to the internal sense of self as a man, woman or a nonbinary gender identity and mental health issues are often diagnosed on the basis of both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety. adult ADHD symptoms quiz can be worsened when you're unable to keep track of your daily tasks and appointments. This can lead to health issues like missed appointments, late payments and even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness which can lead to relationships problems with friends, partners, and coworkers.
Many women develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, which can make it harder for others to notice they have trouble staying focused and organized. These strategies for coping may be healthy, such as establishing an agenda for the day or setting phone reminders, or they may be unhealthy depending on alcohol or other drugs to manage or overcome their difficulties. These coping skills can create an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and stress for women, which makes them feel they are not successful or productive, which could increase feelings of depression and anxiety.
Women who suffer from ADHD might also feel that they don't fit in or don't meet social expectations. This can cause feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They might also experience difficulties at work such as difficulty with organizational skills, adhering to corporate policies or adhering to a routine 9-to-5 schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances due in part to disorganization or an impulsive spending. Also, they might struggle to keep up with work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires ongoing support, especially when it affects women and girls. Despite the disorder's prevalence, it is still misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and untreated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result of stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology, comorbidities, and hormonal fluctuation.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They might become easily frustrated or excited, lose track of time, or be late to events. They might also have difficulty understanding body language or recognizing social cues. This could cause problems at work or in relationships. For instance, they may get into arguments easily or they may spend too much time in pursuit of 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 commitments and promises.
Women are generally better in developing coping mechanisms to aid in reducing their ADHD symptoms, so it's difficult for them to be diagnosed than men are. They could, for example create routines to assist them in staying organized, or utilize apps to remind them of their appointments. They could also alter their lifestyle to conform to societal expectations and norms. They may even cover up their symptoms using alcohol or drugs to manage with their symptoms, which could have serious health problems in the long term.
Many people suffering from ADHD outgrow their symptoms, but there are some who don't. About 60% of women who have ADHD in their childhood will continue to have it throughout their adulthood. This is compared to 30% of males.
Professional therapy can be beneficial for those who could not find relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling, as well as medications such as 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
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often affected by emotional hyperactivity. They may have a difficult time to regulate their emotions and express them in a proper manner, which can cause frustration with others and themselves. A woman with ADHD may become angry when her partner criticizes them, but she might not be able calm down to discuss the matter in a rational manner. She also might struggle to "pause" her response by identifying bodily cues that she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed like flushing skin or shortness of breath.
This inability to regulate their emotions can cause more stress and misunderstandings in relationships, and can make those with ADHD more prone to anxiety and depression. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions as it is difficult to discern people's moods and social signals.
In some cases, people with ADHD might appear emotionally distant and disinterested in their friends or loved ones, even when they truly love them. In other instances they might withdraw from situations that trigger emotions to avoid feeling an intense emotion.
The nature of women's symptoms can make it easy for healthcare professionals to overlook the effects of ADHD. Many people disguise their ADHD symptoms and, when they do appear in the future, they're more likely be seen as anxiety- or mood-related and thus misdiagnosed. It can be helpful to seek out a mental health professional who has experience working with young girls and women with ADHD if you are experiencing these symptoms. They can validate your experiences, teach you strategies such as self-awareness or pacing, and also provide you with psychoeducation for your family to help you recognize and manage the upcoming ADHD symptoms.