Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While males and females are diagnosed far more often with ADHD however, girls and women can also have it. However, stereotypes, prejudices about referrals and internalized symptoms as well as the presence of comorbidities may make it difficult for them to be properly assessed and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to cover up their ADHD symptoms and conform to social expectations, but these can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are some of adult women's most frequent ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD can be prone to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It is often difficult for them to keep on top of deadlines, emails, and meetings. They are also more likely to miss important dates or events. They may also have difficulty to focus in noisy or busy environments. This can result in missed opportunities and lower level of productivity.
These challenges can cause frustration for many adults suffering from ADHD. They might feel that they are a reflection of themselves or their performance. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience low self-esteem and a negative perception of their body. They may also struggle to maintain relationships and develop effective coping strategies. In some cases they resort to unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking or drugs. This could make people less likely to recognize their struggles and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are often sensitive to failure and criticism which can cause them to internalize their problems and struggle to get assistance. They may also have relationship problems and find it difficult to find a meaningful job. They could also be more prone to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In some instances the symptoms may result in a mental illness that is non-suicidal, like self-harm (NSSI), that can be expressed through cutting or burning.
While it's more prevalent in boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist into adulthood and can impact various aspects of life. Women must recognize the symptoms and seek an evaluation by a health professional. A positive diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed and feel as if their lives are in chaos. They may fail to meet deadlines for work or have trouble keeping the track of their household or work tasks like paying bills or making appointments. Their finances and their home could be disorganized and they may have a difficult time to keep good 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 cause broken or strained connections and feelings of being isolated. Inattention, forgetfulness and a tendency "zone out" during conversations can cause misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Read Full Report of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and mood swings are more prevalent in women with ADHD than men and can be disruptive to both personal and professional life. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of their families, work and the society, and might be more sensitive to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are ways to control the effects of these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle changes, the use of specialized organization tools, and prescription stimulant drugs.
Women who suffer from ADHD might be able cover up their ADHD symptoms better than males and can result in being undiagnosed until later in life. They are also more likely to have comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression that can increase 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 to the hormones and chromosomes. Gender is the internal belief in self-identity as a man, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health problems are often diagnosed by both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are at risk for depression and anxiety. These feelings can become more severe when you're unable to keep track of your daily tasks and appointments. This could lead to health issues such as missed health checkups or payments that are late, or even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and apathy of ADHD can also create relationship issues with coworkers, partners and even friends.
Many women develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms, which can make it difficult for others to see that they are struggling to stay focused and organized. These strategies for coping may be healthy, such as establishing an agenda for the day or setting phone reminders, or they could be harmful depending on alcohol or drugs to help them function or cope with their issues. These strategies can cause women to feel anxious and unsecure, leading them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can trigger feelings of anxiety or depression.
Additionally, women with ADHD often feel a sense of not being accepted or achieving social norms and this can lead to feelings of self-doubt and anger. They might also experience difficulties at work such as difficulty with organizational skills adhering to company policies or adhering to a routine 9-to-5 routine. They may have difficulty managing their finances due to disorganization and impulsive spending, or they might have difficulty keeping up with work-related tasks or completing homework.
ADHD can be a long-lasting condition that requires continuous support, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite the disorder's prevalence yet, it is often 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 changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They could be easily upset or overly excited, lose track time, or be late to events. They may also have difficulties understanding body language and picking up social cues. This could cause issues at work or in relationships. They might be susceptible to arguing or spend too much time in pursuits and hobbies that aren't important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining friendships or making connections due to their inability to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at forming ways to cope with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them than men to be diagnosed. They could, for instance develop routines to help them stay organized or utilize apps to remind themselves of their appointments. They could also alter their behavior to conform with societal expectations and norms. They may even try to hide their symptoms with drugs or alcohol. This could have serious health consequences over time.
Certain people with ADHD do not outgrow the symptoms. About 60% of women suffering from ADHD in their childhood will continue to have it into adulthood. This is in contrast to 30% of males.
Professional therapy can be beneficial for those who can not see relief from medications or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options, including counseling, career coaching, and life coaching. There are also stimulants. Exercise is an effective method to boost your mood and boosting your energy. It releases neurotransmitters that boost motivation and focus. It can also reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women with ADHD often have issues with emotional reaction. They may have difficulty regulating their emotions and communicating them in a proper manner. This can cause anger for themselves and others. For example, a woman with ADHD may become angry when her partner critiques her, but she might not be able to calm down and discuss the problem in a more rational way. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause her reaction" by identifying body signals like flushed skin or breath shortness that suggest she is stressed or overwhelmed.
This inability to regulate their emotions can lead to more frustration and misunderstandings in relationships and can make those with ADHD more susceptible to anxiety and depression. It can also cause issues in social interactions, since it can be difficult to gauge the mood of others and recognize social cues.
In some cases, people with ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even if they genuinely care about them. In some cases they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid feeling them.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easier for doctors to overlook the symptoms of ADHD. Many people disguise their ADHD symptoms and, when they do show up, they're more likely to be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related, and therefore misdiagnosed. It's a good idea to speak with a mental health professional who has worked with girls and women with ADHD in the event that you're experiencing these symptoms. They can validate your experiences, teach you how to utilize strategies like pacing and self-awareness and provide psychoeducation for your family which can help you understand how to recognize and respond to your ADHD symptoms in the near future.