Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can suffer from ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often, 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 for them to be properly assessed and treated.
These strategies could be harmful and unsustainable. Here are some of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD tend to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. They often struggle to keep track of numerous deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They may also be more likely to miss important events or appointments. They may also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This could cause them to miss opportunities and produce lower quality work.
These issues 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 end up having a low sense of self and a negative perception of their body. They may also be struggling to maintain relationships and develop effective coping strategies. In some cases, they turn to unhealthy strategies for coping that include excessive drinking or drugs. This could make people less likely to recognize their struggles and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to criticism and failure which can cause them to internalize their difficulties and struggle to get assistance. They may also experience issues with relationships and may find it difficult to find meaningful employment. They may also be more prone to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some instances these signs can result in the development of a mental health issue like non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can be expressed through cutting, burning, or scratching.
ADHD is more prevalent among both boys and men, but symptoms can last and affect all aspects of your life. Women must recognize the symptoms and seek a diagnosis by a health professional. A proper diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often complain of feeling overwhelmed and feel like their lives are a mess. They may fail to meet deadlines for work or have difficulty keeping track of the tasks at home or at work, such paying bills and making appointments. Their finances and their home could be cluttered, and they may struggle to maintain healthy relationships and a stable job.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and miscommunications with partners, friends and colleagues. These issues can result in broken or strained connections and feelings of loneliness. The inability to listen, forgetfulness and a tendency to "zone out" during conversations can cause misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Symptoms of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and mood swings are more frequent among women suffering from ADHD than in men and can be disruptive to both personal and professional. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of family, work as well as society. They are more prone to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are options to manage 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 medications.
Women with ADHD tend to be more able than men to hide their ADHD symptoms, and as a result, may go undiagnosed until the age of adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also struggle to keep stable relationships and jobs and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's hormones and chromosomes. Gender refers to the internal perception of oneself as a male woman, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health issues are often diagnoses based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety. These feelings can become more severe when you're unable to keep on top of your daily activities and appointments. This can lead to health issues such as missed health checkups, late payments and even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness which can lead to problems in relationships with partners, friends and colleagues.
Many women develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to notice that they're having difficulty staying focused and organized. These strategies of coping could be healthy, such as creating an annual schedule or establishing phone reminders or they could be harmful depending on alcohol or drugs to help them function or cope with their challenges. These strategies can cause women to feel stressed and insecure which can cause them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety.
In symptoms of ADHD in adult women , women who suffer from ADHD frequently feel the pressure of not fitting in or meeting societal expectations which can cause low self-esteem and frustration. They may also experience difficulties at work, such as difficulties with organization skills, adherence to corporate policies, or sticking to a daily 9-to-5 schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances due in part to disorganization or impulsive spending. Also, they might struggle to keep up with homework assignments or other work.
ADHD can be a lifelong condition that requires ongoing assistance, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence it is undiagnosed and misunderstood. It is also not treated. Lingering stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the distinctive symptom manifestation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They could be easily frustrated or overly excited, and may lose track of time or be late for an event. They might also have trouble understanding body language and recognizing social cues. This could cause issues at work or in relationships. For example, they might get into arguments easily or spend too much time on hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They might also have trouble keeping friendships and creating new connections due to the fact that they struggle to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are generally better in establishing coping mechanisms that help them mask their ADHD symptoms, so it's more difficult for them to be diagnosed than men. For instance, they could develop routines to help them stay organized or rely on apps to remind them of their appointments. They may also alter their behavior to fit in with the norms and expectations of society. They may also try to hide their symptoms using drugs or alcohol. This could have grave health consequences in the long run.
Certain people with ADHD are not able to overcome the symptoms. About 60% of women with ADHD in their childhood will have it throughout their adulthood. This is compared to 30% of men.
Professional treatment can be beneficial for those who do not see relief from medications or lifestyle changes. There are many options available, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling along with medications like stimulants. Exercise is an effective method to boost your mood and boosting your energy. It releases neurotransmitters to boost the ability to focus and motivate and can also ease anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Women and girls with ADHD are frequently affected by emotional reactivity. find more info may have trouble regulating their emotions and how they express them. This can cause anger for themselves and others. A person suffering from ADHD may become angry when a friend criticizes her, but she might not be able calm down to talk about the issue in a rational manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause" her reactions by recognizing bodily signals that indicate she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed, such as flushing skin or breath shortness.
This inability to regulate their emotions can lead to more frustration and miscommunications in relationships, and it can make people with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also cause difficulties with social interactions since it is difficult to discern people's moods or detect social cues.
In some instances, those who suffer from ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even when they genuinely care about them. In other situations they might withdraw from situations that trigger them to avoid feeling a strong emotion.
Gender bias is a frequent feature of clinicians and the impact of ADHD on women can be easily overlooked because of the nature of their symptoms. Many women hide their ADHD symptoms and when they do show up they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as mood or anxiety disorders. It's a good idea to speak with a mental health specialist who has worked with women and young girls with ADHD in the event that you're experiencing these symptoms. They can help validate your experiences, guide you how to apply strategies like pacing and self-awareness and provide psychoeducation for your family which can help you understand how to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the near future.