Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While men and boys are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD but girls and women are also susceptible to it. However, stereotypes, prejudices about referrals and internalized symptoms as well as comorbidities can make it difficult to get them properly assessed and treated.
These strategies could be harmful and unsustainable. Here are a few of the most common symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by daily tasks. It can be difficult to keep track of deadlines, emails and meetings. They are also more likely to forget important dates or events. They may also have difficulty concentrating in noisy or busy environments. This can lead them to miss opportunities and work that is less than satisfactory.
These challenges can lead to frustration for many people with ADHD. They might feel that they reflect of their own performance or of themselves. They can often suffer from low self-esteem and a negative image of themselves. They may also have difficulty to maintain stable relationships and develop effective strategies for coping. In some cases they may use unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking or drugs. This can make people less likely to recognize their struggles and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are often sensitive to criticism or failure. This can cause them to internalize the issue and make it difficult to seek assistance. They might also be afflicted by issues with relationships and may find it difficult to find work that is meaningful. They could also be more prone to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some cases the symptoms can cause a mental disorder, such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI), that can be exhibited through cutting, burning or scratching.
Although it's more common in boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist into adulthood and can impact various aspects of life. Women should be aware of the signs and seek a diagnosis by a health professional. A positive diagnosis can lead to better management of symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often report feeling overwhelmed and feeling like their lives are in chaos. They may miss deadlines or have difficulty to manage work or household tasks such as paying bills and keeping the track of appointments. Their home and finances could be disorganized and they may find it difficult to keep good relationships and a stable job.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with friends, partners and colleagues. These problems can lead to broken or strained connections and feelings of isolation. ADHD symptoms in adults males , forgetfulness and the tendency to "zone out" or to not pay attention, may result in misunderstandings between loved ones.
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity and mood swings. They can be disruptive in their professional and personal lives. Women with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of family, work and the society, and are more prone to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are solutions to reduce the impact of these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle changes and the use of specialized tools for organizing, as well as prescription stimulant drugs.
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a harder time than men to conceal their ADHD symptoms and, as a result they may not be diagnosed until adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women also have a difficult time trying to keep their relationships stable and secure and can suffer from low self esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's hormones and chromosomes. Gender refers to the internal perception of self-identity as a man woman, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health conditions are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who have ADHD are at risk for depression and anxiety. These feelings can be exacerbated when you're unable to keep on top of your daily activities and appointments. This can lead to health issues such as missed checkups or payments that are late, or even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness of ADHD can also create relationship issues with partners, coworkers, and friends.
Many women develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to see that they have difficulty staying focused and organized. These strategies of coping can be beneficial, like creating a daily schedule or a reminder on the phone or even unhealthy, such as relying on drugs or alcohol to function or cope. These coping strategies can cause women to feel anxious and unsure and make them doubt themselves and their abilities. This can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression.
In addition, women with ADHD often experience a sense of not being accepted or meeting the expectations of society which can cause feelings of self-doubt and anger. They might also experience difficulties at work, such as difficulties with organization skills and adhering to corporate guidelines or sticking to a standard 9-to-5 routine. They may have difficulty managing their finances due in part to disorganization or an impulsive spending. Also, they might struggle to keep up with homework assignments or other work.
ADHD can be a long-lasting condition that requires continuous assistance, especially when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence this disorder is misunderstood and underdiagnosed. It is also undertreated. The distinctive symptoms of ADHD in women are the result of stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology, comorbidities and hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They could be easily upset or excited, lose track of time or be late for events. They may also have difficulty reading body language and recognizing social signals. This can lead to problems at work or in relationships. For instance, they could have a tendency to get into fights easily, or spend too much time on hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They might also have trouble keeping friendships or making connections because they are unable to keep their promises and commitments.
Women tend to be better at building coping mechanisms that help them mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for them to be diagnosed than men. For instance, they may create routines to help keep track of their time or use apps to remind them of their appointments. They may also alter their behaviour to comply with the norms and expectations of society. They may even cover up their symptoms by taking alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems, which can cause serious health consequences in the end.
Some people with ADHD do not outgrow the symptoms. About 60 percent of women who suffer from ADHD in their childhood be affected into adulthood, compared to 30% of men.
For those who don't find relief through lifestyle changes or medication, professional treatment can be beneficial. There are a myriad of options available, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is a fantastic method of improving your mood and boosting your energy. It releases neurotransmitters to boost attention and motivation and can help ease anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble with emotional reaction. They may have a difficult time to manage their emotions and communicate them effectively, which can cause frustration with themselves and others. A person suffering from ADHD may become angry when a friend criticizes them however she may not be able to discuss the issue in a rational manner. She may also struggle to "pause" her reactions by recognizing bodily signals that indicate she's overwhelmed or overexcited like flushing skin or shortness of breath.
This inability to regulate their emotions can heighten frustration and misunderstandings in relationships and it can make people with ADHD more susceptible to depression or anxiety. It can also cause issues in social interactions, since it is difficult to discern the mood of others and detect social cues.
In certain instances, ADHD people may appear disconnected and uninterested in their friends or loved one even though they are concerned about them. In other cases they might withdraw from situations that trigger emotions to avoid feeling a strong emotion.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easier for doctors to ignore the effects of ADHD. Many women hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as mood or anxiety disorders. It can be helpful to seek out an expert in mental health who has worked with young girls and women with ADHD in the event that you're experiencing these symptoms. They can confirm your experience, teach you strategies like self-awareness and pacing, and provide you with family psychoeducation to help you recognize and address any future ADHD symptoms.