Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Women and girls can have ADHD. While related resource site and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently, it is also possible for women to be affected by the condition. But persistent stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it harder for them to be assessed and treated.
These strategies are often harmful and not sustainable. Here are some of the adult women's most common ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It can be difficult to keep track of deadlines, emails and meetings. They may also be more likely to overlook important events or appointments. adult female ADHD symptoms may also struggle to focus in noisy or busy environments. This could result in missed opportunities and a lower level of productivity.
These issues can cause frustration for many people with ADHD. They might feel that they reflect of themselves or their performance. They often suffer from low self-esteem and a negative body image. They may also be struggling with keeping relationships stable and developing effective coping mechanisms. In some cases, they turn to unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it difficult for others to see the signs of struggle and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to failure and criticism and can lead them to internalize their problems and struggle to get assistance. They may also experience issues with relationships and may find it difficult to find a meaningful job. They could also be more susceptible to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In some cases, the symptoms can result in a mental illness that is non-suicidal, like self-harm (NSSI) which can 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 into adulthood and can impact various aspects of life. Women should be aware of the signs and seek out an evaluation by a health professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed, as if their lives are chaotic. They may not meet deadlines or find it difficult to manage household chores like paying bills and keeping track of appointments. Their finances and their home could be cluttered and they may have a difficult time to maintain healthy relationships and a steady job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and miscommunications with partners, friends, and coworkers. These issues can cause strained or broken connections and feelings of loneliness. Forgetfulness, difficulty in listening 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 both their professional and personal lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD may be overwhelmed by the demands of work, family and social life. They may also be sensitive to criticism and harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are ways to reduce the impact of these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle changes as well as the use of specific tools for organization, and prescription stimulant drugs.
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 they reach adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also have trouble maintaining healthy relationships and stable jobs, and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the hormones and chromosomes; gender refers to the internal perception of oneself as a male woman, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health conditions are often diagnosed in relation to both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more susceptible to anxiety and depression. These moods can be made worse due to the inability of keeping track of appointments and daily tasks that can cause health issues such as missing check-ups, late payments and even debt. ADHD can trigger emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness, which can lead to relationship problems with family, friends, and coworkers.
Many women develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to see that they're having difficulty staying focused and organized. These strategies of coping could be healthy, such as creating an annual schedule or setting phone reminders, or they could be harmful and rely on alcohol or drugs to help them perform or manage their issues. These coping strategies can trigger an environment of self-doubt and anxiety for women, which makes them feel that they aren't successful or productive, which could add to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Additionally, women with ADHD often experience a sense of not fitting in or achieving social norms which can cause low self-esteem and frustration. They may also face challenges at work such as difficulty with organizational skills adhering to company policies or sticking to a standard 9-to-5 routine. They may have difficulty managing their finances due in part to disorganization or excessive spending. Or, they may have trouble keeping up with work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a lifelong condition that requires continuous support, especially when it affects women and girls. Despite the prevalence of the disorder, it is still undiagnosed, misunderstood, and undertreated. Remaining stereotypes and referral biases internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the unique symptom-based presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They may be easily annoyed or overwhelmed, lose track of time or be late for events. They might also have difficulty understanding body language or picking up on social cues. This can lead to problems at work or in relationships. For example, they might have a tendency to get into fights easily, or spend too much time with hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They may also have difficulty keeping friendships and making new connections due to their struggle to follow through on promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them than men to diagnose. They could, for instance create routines to help them stay organized or utilize apps to remind them of their schedules. They might alter their behavior in order to comply with social norms and expectations. They may even try to hide their symptoms with drugs or alcohol. This could have serious health consequences over time.
Many people suffering from ADHD overcome their symptoms, but others do not. About 60% of women with ADHD in their childhood will have it into adulthood. This compares to 30% of males.
Professional therapy can be beneficial for those who could not see relief from medications or lifestyle changes. There are many options available, like career coaching, counseling, and life coaching. You can also take stimulants. Exercise can also be an excellent way to boost your mood and increase your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters which boost motivation and attention. It can also reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Women and girls with ADHD often have trouble with emotional hyperactivity. They may have difficulty to manage their emotions and communicate them effectively and can cause anger with others and themselves. A person with ADHD may get angry when a friend criticizes her however, she may not be able calm down to talk about the issue in a rational way. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause" her reaction by identifying bodily cues that she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed, such as flushing skin or breath shortness.
This issue with regulating their emotions can heighten frustration and misunderstandings in relationships and can make those with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also cause difficulties with social interactions, as it can be difficult to gauge the mood of others and detect social cues.
In some cases, ADHD people may appear in a way that they are emotionally detached and not interested in their friends or loved one even though they care about them. In some cases, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid feeling them.
Gender bias is a frequent feature of medical professionals, and the effects of ADHD on women are often omitted because of the nature of their symptoms. Women often hide their ADHD symptoms and when they do appear, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as mood or anxiety disorders. If you're experiencing trouble with these symptoms, it might be helpful to seek a mental health professional experienced in working with girls and women with ADHD. They can validate your experiences, guide you how to use strategies such as self-awareness and pacing and offer family psychoeducation which can help you understand how to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the near future.