Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While males and females are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD however, girls and women can also have it. However, stereotypes, prejudices about referrals and internalized symptoms as well as comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be properly evaluated and treated.
These strategies are often harmful and not sustainable. Here are a few of the adult women's most commonly reported ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are susceptible to feel overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often struggle to keep track of multiple deadlines, emails, and meetings. They could also be more likely to miss important events or appointments. ADHD symptoms in adult men might also have trouble concentrating in noisy or busy environments. This can result in missed opportunities and a lower quality of work.
These issues can cause frustration for many people with ADHD. They might feel that they reflect of themselves or their performance. They can often end up with a low self-esteem and a negative image of their body. They may also be struggling with maintaining stable relationships and establishing efficient coping strategies. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy strategies for coping that include excessive drinking or drugs. This can make others less likely to acknowledge their struggles and delay a diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be more sensitive to criticism or failure. This can lead them to internalize their problems and make it difficult to seek assistance. They may also have problems with relationships and are unable to find work that is meaningful. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some instances, the symptoms can result in a mental illness, such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI), that can be expressed by cutting or burning.
ADHD is more prevalent among males and females, however symptoms can last and affect all aspects of your life. Women should recognize the signs and seek an evaluation by a health professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to more manageable symptoms and an improved quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD report feeling overwhelmed and feel as if their lives are chaotic. They may miss deadlines or find it difficult to manage household chores, such as paying bills and keeping track of appointments. Their finances and home may be disorganized and they may find it difficult to maintain good relationships and a stable job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and miscommunications in relationships between partners, friends and colleagues. These problems can lead strained or broken connections and feelings of loneliness. The inability to listen, forgetfulness, and a tendency to "zone out" in conversations can also contribute to misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity, and mood swings. These can cause disruption both in their personal and professional lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD may be overwhelmed by the demands of work, family and the social world. They might also be sensitive to harsh judgment and criticism.
There are methods to manage these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle adjustments as well as the use of specific tools for organization, and prescription stimulant drugs.
Women who suffer from ADHD might be able conceal their ADHD symptoms better than men, which can lead to being undiagnosed until later in life. They are also more likely to have comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which can compound the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships and stable jobs and are susceptible to low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's chromosomes and hormones; gender is the internal belief in oneself as a male woman, a nonbinary, or any other gender identity. Mental health issues are usually diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more susceptible to depression and anxiety. These feelings can become more severe if you are 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. ADHD can trigger emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness and can cause relationships problems with friends, partners and colleagues.
Many women develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, which can make it difficult for others to recognize that they are struggling to stay focused and organized. These strategies of coping could be healthy, like creating an annual schedule or establishing phone reminders or they may be unhealthy, such as relying on alcohol or drugs to help them function or cope with their issues. These strategies for coping can make women feel anxious and unsecure, leading them to doubt themselves and their abilities. This can lead to depression or anxiety.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel that they don't belong or don't conform to social norms. This can cause anxiety and low self-esteem. They might also experience difficulties at work, such as difficulties in establishing organizational skills and adhering to corporate guidelines or sticking to a standard 9-to-5 work schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances due to impulsive and disorganized spending, or they may have difficulty keeping up with work-related tasks or completing homework.
ADHD can be a long-lasting condition that requires ongoing support, 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 and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology and comorbidities as well as hormonal fluctuation.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are often unable to control their emotions and impulses. They could be easily frustrated or overly excited, and they might lose track of their time or be late for events. They may also have difficulties understanding body language and picking up social cues. This can lead to issues at work or in relationships. For example, they might be easily entangled in arguments or spend too much time in pursuit of hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They may also have difficulty keeping friendships and making new connections because they struggle to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at developing ways to cope with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them than men to be diagnosed. For instance, they could create routines to help keep track of their time or use apps to remind them of their appointments. They might also alter their behavior to comply with social norms and expectations. They might even hide their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems and avoid serious health problems in the long run.
Some people suffering from ADHD do not outgrow the symptoms. About 60% of women who have ADHD in their childhood will have it into adulthood. This is in contrast to 30% of men.
Professional treatment can be beneficial for those who could not experience relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options available, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling along with medications like stimulants. Exercise is a great way of improving your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters that increase motivation and focus. It can help ease anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are frequently affected by emotional hyperactivity. They may have trouble regulating their emotions and how they express them. This can lead to frustration for themselves as well as others. A person suffering from ADHD might become angry when her partner criticizes her however she may not be able to talk about the issue in a rational manner. She may also struggle to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals such as flushed skin or a short breath that suggest she is stressed or overwhelmed.
This issue with regulating emotions can cause frustration and misunderstandings and make those with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also lead to difficulties in social interactions as it's difficult to gauge people's moods or detect social signals.
In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD might appear emotionally distant and disinterested in their friends or loved ones, even if they truly care about them. In other instances they may avoid situations that trigger emotions to avoid feeling a strong emotion.
Gender bias is a common feature among doctors, and the effects of ADHD on women are often omitted due to the nature of their symptoms. Many women conceal their ADHD symptoms and when they do manifest, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as mood or anxiety disorders. If you're struggling with these symptoms, it can be beneficial to talk to a mental health professional experienced in working with girls and women who have ADHD. They can validate your experience, teach you strategies such as self-awareness or pacing, and provide you with psychoeducation for your family to help you identify and address any the upcoming ADHD symptoms.