Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While boys and men are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD however, girls and women can also have it. However, lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities can make it more difficult for them to be assessed and treated.
These strategies are often harmful and unsustainable. Here are some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by 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 struggle to focus in noisy or busy environments. This can cause them to miss out on opportunities and produce lower quality work.
For many adults with ADHD, these challenges may be an expression of their character or performance, which can lead to frustration. Many people with ADHD have a low sense of self and a negative image of their body. They may also struggle to maintain stable relationships and develop effective strategies for coping. In some instances they will resort to unhealthy coping behaviors that include excessive alcohol or drug use. This can make it difficult for others to understand that they're struggling, and can delay an accurate diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD may be particularly sensitive to criticism or failure. This can cause them to internalize the issue and make it difficult for them to seek help. In the end, they may have relationships and have trouble finding meaningful employment. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood fluctuations. In certain instances, these symptoms can cause the development of a mental health issue such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which could be manifested through burning, cutting, or scratching.
Although it's more common in boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms can last into adulthood and can impact many aspects of life. It's essential for women to identify the signs and seek a thorough assessment from a health care professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often complain of feeling overwhelmed and like their lives are in chaos. They might miss deadlines at work or have difficulty keeping the track of their household or work tasks, such paying bills and scheduling appointments. Their finances and home may be cluttered, and they may struggle to keep healthy relationships and a stable job.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can lead to frustration and misunderstandings in relationships between partners, friends and colleagues. These issues can cause to broken or strained relationships, 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 emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and mood swings are more common in women with ADHD than men and can be extremely disruptive to personal and professional life. Women who are not treated for ADHD are often overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of family, work and the society, and may be particularly sensitive to criticism or harsh judgment.
There are ways to deal with these symptoms. For many adults treatment options include lifestyle modifications and the use of specialized organizational tools and prescription stimulant medication.
Read Full Report who suffer from ADHD often find it easier than men to conceal their ADHD symptoms and, as a result, may go undiagnosed until adulthood. They are also more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which can compound the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have issues maintaining healthy relationships and stable jobs and are susceptible to low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's biological makeup, chromosomes, hormones and anatomy; gender refers to the internal sense of self as a man, woman, nonbinary, or other gender identity; and mental health conditions are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety and depression. These feelings can become more severe if you are unable to keep on top of your daily activities and appointments. This can lead to health issues such as missed checkups, late payments and even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness of ADHD can also cause relationship issues with partners, coworkers and family members.
Many women develop coping strategies to hide their problems that can make it difficult for others to notice they struggle to stay focused and organized. These coping strategies may be healthy, such as establishing a daily schedule or setting reminders for phone calls, or they could be harmful and rely on alcohol or other drugs to manage or overcome their challenges. These coping skills can create an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and anxiety for women, which makes them feel that they aren't successful or productive, which could increase feelings of depression and anxiety.
Additionally, women with ADHD frequently feel the pressure of not fitting in or meeting the expectations of society, which can lead to feelings of self-doubt and anger. They may also encounter challenges at work, including issues with organization abilities, adhering to corporate guidelines, or adhering to a daily 9-to-5 schedule. They may struggle with managing their finances, because of their indecisiveness and uncontrolled spending, or they might struggle to complete work-related assignments or finishing homework.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires continuous support, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence, the disorder is still poorly understood and not properly diagnosed. It is also not treated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result stereotypes of referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They can be easily annoyed or excessively excited, and they might lose track of their time or be late for events. They may also have difficulties reading body language and picking up social cues. This can cause problems at work or with relationships. For instance, they could get into arguments easily or they may spend too much time with hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They might also have difficulty maintaining friendships or making new connections due to their struggle to stick to promises and commitments.
Women are generally better in developing coping mechanisms to help them mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for them to be diagnosed than men are. They might, for example develop routines to help them stay organized or use apps to remind themselves of their appointments. They might also change their behavior to fit in with the norms and expectations of society. They may even cover up their symptoms using alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems, which can cause serious health problems in the long term.
Many people who suffer from ADHD outgrow their symptoms, but others don't. About 60% of women with ADHD in childhood will have it throughout their adulthood. This is in contrast to 30% of males.
If you're unable to achieve relief with lifestyle or medication Professional treatment may be helpful. There are many options, like career coaching, counseling and life coaching. You can also consider taking stimulants. Exercise can also be a great way to improve your mood and increase your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters, which increase motivation and focus. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Women and girls with ADHD often struggle with emotional reactivity. They may have difficulty regulating their emotions and communicating them in a proper manner. This can lead to anger for themselves and others. A person with ADHD may get angry when her partner criticizes them, but she might not be able to talk about the issue in a rational way. She may also struggle to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals like a flushed face or breath shortness which indicate she is either overstimulated or overwhelmed.
This difficulty regulating their emotions can lead to more frustration and misunderstandings in relationships, and can make those with ADHD more prone to anxiety and depression. It can also cause issues with social interactions, as it is difficult to discern the mood of others and pick up on social cues.
In some instances, those who suffer from ADHD may seem emotionally detached and uninterested in their peers or loved ones, even if they genuinely care about them. In certain situations they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions in order to avoid experiencing them.
Gender bias is a common feature among medical professionals and the impact of ADHD on women are often overlooked due to the nature of their symptoms. Many women hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do manifest, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as anxiety or mood disorders. It is advisable to speak with an expert in mental health who has experience working with girls and women with ADHD when you're experiencing these symptoms. They can help validate your experiences, show you how to apply strategies like pacing and self-awareness, and provide family psychoeducation that can help you learn to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the future.