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, referral prejudice and internalized symptoms as well as comorbidities can make it difficult to get them properly assessed and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to cover up their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but these can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often struggle to keep track of multiple deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to overlook important events or appointments. They may also struggle to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This could result in missed opportunities as well as a lower level of productivity.
For many adults suffering from ADHD, these challenges may be an expression of their character or performance, which can lead to frustration. Many people who suffer from ADHD have 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 instances, they resort to unhealthy strategies for coping like excessive drinking or drugs. This can make others less likely to recognize their issues and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD might be more sensitive to criticism or failure. This can cause them to internalize their problems and make it difficult to seek help. This is why they may experience relationship difficulties and have difficulty finding meaningful employment. They could be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some cases, these symptoms can lead to the development of a mental health problem such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which may be manifested by burning, cutting or scratching.
ADHD is more common in both boys and men, but symptoms can persist and impact the entire life of. Women should recognize the signs and seek an evaluation by a health professional. A proper diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often feel overwhelmed and like their lives are chaotic. They may miss work deadlines or have trouble keeping track of chores at home or at work like paying bills and keeping appointments. Their finances and their home could be disorganized, and they may struggle to keep good relationships and a stable job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and miscommunications between partners, friends and colleagues. These issues can cause strained or even broken connections and feelings of being isolated. The inability to remember, the difficulty in listening and the tendency to "zone out" or not pay attention, may cause misunderstandings with loved ones.
Symptoms of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and mood swings are more common in women with ADHD than men and can be disruptive to both personal and professional. Women who are not treated for ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of their families, work and the society, and are more prone to criticism or harsh judgement.
The good news is that there are ways to control the effects of these symptoms. For many adults, treatment options include lifestyle changes and the use of specially designed tools for organizing, as well as prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a harder time than men to conceal their ADHD symptoms and, as a consequence they may not be diagnosed until adulthood. They are also more likely to suffer from multiple disorders that are comorbid, like depression and anxiety, which can compound the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships and a steady job and may suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's biological makeup, chromosomes and hormones and anatomy; gender refers to the internal feeling of self as a woman, man or nonbinary gender identity; and mental health conditions are often diagnosed on the basis of both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are at risk of developing anxiety and depression. These moods can be made worse due to the inability of keeping on top of daily tasks and appointments and can result in health issues like missed health check-ups, missed payments or even debt. ADHD can cause emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness and can cause problems in relationships with friends, partners and colleagues.
Many women come up with strategies to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to see that they're having difficulty staying organized and focused. These strategies of coping could be healthy, like creating an annual schedule or setting reminders for phone calls, or they could be harmful, such as relying on alcohol or drugs to help them perform or manage their issues. These coping strategies can lead to an environment of self-doubt and anxiety for women, causing them to feel that they aren't successful or productive, which could cause depression and anxiety.
Women with ADHD might also feel like they don't belong or aren't meeting social expectations. This can cause feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They may also face challenges at work, including difficulties with organization skills and adhering to corporate guidelines or sticking to a regular 9-to-5 work schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances due to disorganization or excessive spending. Also, they might be struggling to complete work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing assistance, especially when it affects girls and women. Despite what are the symptoms for ADHD in adults , the disorder is still misunderstood and underdiagnosed. 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 with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They may be easily annoyed or excited, lose track of time or be late to events. They may also have difficulty understanding body speech or recognizing social cues. This could cause issues at work or with 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 tend to be better in developing coping mechanisms to can help them to manage their ADHD symptoms, making it harder for them to get diagnosed than men. They could, for instance create routines to help them stay organized or use apps to remind themselves of their schedules. They could also alter their behavior to conform with societal expectations and norms. she said could even conceal their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs to manage, which can cause serious health issues in the end.
Some people suffering from ADHD do not completely overcome the symptoms. About 60% of women who have ADHD in their childhood have the condition into adulthood, compared to 30% of males.
Professional therapy can be beneficial for those who can not find relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options, including career coaching, counseling and life coaching. There are also stimulants. Exercise is also beneficial to boost your mood and boost your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters, which increase motivation and focus. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Girls and women with ADHD often have trouble with emotional reaction. They may find it hard to manage their emotions and express them appropriately and can cause anger with their own self and others. A person suffering from ADHD may become angry when her partner criticizes her however she may not be able to calm down to talk about the issue in a rational way. She may also struggle to "pause" her reaction by recognizing bodily signals that indicate she's overwhelmed or overexcited like a flushed skin or shortness of breath.
This inability to regulate emotions can result in confusion and anger and make people with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also cause issues with social interactions, as it is difficult to discern the mood of others and recognize social signals.
In certain instances, people who suffer from ADHD may seem emotionally detached and disinterested in their friends or loved ones, even if they genuinely are concerned about them. In other instances, they may withdraw from situations that trigger emotions to avoid feeling an intense emotion.
Gender bias is common among clinicians and the impact of ADHD on women are often overlooked because of the nature of their symptoms. Many women hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as mood or anxiety disorders. It is advisable to seek out an expert in mental health 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 like self-awareness and pacing, and also provide you with family psychoeducation to help you recognize and address any the upcoming ADHD symptoms.