Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While men and boys are diagnosed far more often with ADHD but girls and women can also have it. But persistent stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it difficult for them to get properly evaluated and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to cover up their ADHD symptoms and meet societal expectations, but they can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of adult women's most commonly reported ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD tend to feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. It is often difficult to keep track of deadlines, emails and meetings. They could also be more likely to miss important appointments or events. They may also be unable to focus. concentration in noisy or busy surroundings. This can cause them to miss opportunities and lower quality work.
These challenges can cause frustration for many people with ADHD. They might feel that they reflect of themselves or their performance. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience low self-esteem and a negative image of their body. They may also have trouble maintaining stable relationships and developing effective coping mechanisms. In some cases they will turn to unhealthy coping methods that include excessive alcohol or drugs. This can make it difficult for others to see that they're struggling, and can delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD may be particularly sensitive to criticism or failure. This can lead them to internalize their problems and make it difficult for them to seek help. As a result, they may struggle with issues with relationships and may have a difficult time finding meaningful work. They are also more prone to anxiety, depression and mood fluctuations. In some cases, the symptoms can result in a mental illness, such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI), that can be expressed by cutting, burning or scratching.
Although it's more common in boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist throughout adulthood and affect various aspects of life. It is crucial for women to identify the symptoms and seek an examination from a medical professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to more manageable symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD report feeling overwhelmed as if they are in chaos. They may miss work deadlines or struggle to keep the track of their chores at home or at work, such paying bills and keeping appointments. Their finances and their home could be disorganized and they may have a difficult time to maintain good relationships and a stable job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and misunderstandings in relationships with friends, partners, and coworkers. These problems can lead to fractured or even strained relationships and feelings of loneliness. The inability to listen, forgetfulness and a tendency "zone out" in conversations could cause misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
The signs of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and mood swings are more common among women suffering from ADHD than in men and can be disruptive to both your personal and professional. Women who are not treated for ADHD may be overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and society. They may also be sensitive to criticism and harsh judgment.
There are methods to manage these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle modifications as well as the use of specific organization tools, and prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD may be able to cover up their ADHD symptoms better than men, which can lead to an undiagnosed condition until adulthood. They are also more likely to have co-occurring disorders, like anxiety and depression that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have issues maintaining healthy relationships and stable jobs and may suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's hormones and chromosomes; gender is the internal belief in oneself as a male woman, a nonbinary, or other gender identity. Mental health conditions are usually diagnosed by both.
3. Anxiety
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These feelings can become more severe when you're unable keep track of your daily tasks and appointments. This could lead to health issues like missed appointments, late payments and even debt. ADHD can trigger emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness and can cause relationships problems with family, friends and colleagues.
Many women develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to notice that they are having trouble staying focused and organized. These strategies for coping could be healthy like making a daily plan, or a phone reminder, or unhealthy, like using alcohol or drugs to function or cope. These strategies can make women feel stressed and insecure which can cause them to doubt their capabilities and self-confidence. This can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety.
In addition, women with ADHD frequently feel the pressure of not fitting in or meeting the expectations of society which can cause feelings of self-doubt and anger. They may also face challenges at work, such as difficulties with organizational skills adhering to company policies or sticking to a standard 9-to-5 work schedule. They may be struggling to manage their finances due to disorganization or impulsive spending. Or, Read Full Report may be struggling to complete work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires constant support, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite the disorder's prevalence, it is still undiagnosed, misunderstood, and not treated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are the result of stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology and comorbidities as well as hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be easily annoyed or overly excited, and they might lose track of their time or be late for an event. They may also have difficulties understanding body language and picking up social cues. This can cause problems at work or with relationships. They could be susceptible to arguments or spend too much time on interests and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have trouble keeping relationships or forming connections due to their inability to keep their commitments and promises.
Women are more adept at developing ways to cope with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to get diagnosed. They could, for example create routines to assist them in staying organized, or utilize apps to remind them of their appointments. They could change their behavior in order to comply with social expectations and norms. They may even cover up their symptoms using drugs or alcohol to cope, which can cause serious health consequences in the long run.
Many people suffering from ADHD overcome their symptoms, but some do not. About 60 percent of women who suffer from ADHD in their childhood suffer from the condition until they reach adulthood, compared to 30% of men.
Professional therapy can be beneficial for those who do not find relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are many options, such as life coaching, career coaching, and counseling, together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is also beneficial to boost your mood and boost your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters that boost motivation and attention. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Girls and women with ADHD are often affected by emotional reaction. They may find it hard to regulate their emotions and communicate them effectively and can cause anger with their own self and others. For instance, a person with ADHD may become angry when her spouse critiques her, but she might not be able to calm down and discuss the problem in a more rational way. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause her reaction" by identifying body signals like flushed skin or a short breath that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
This inability to regulate their emotions can heighten frustration and misunderstandings in relationships and can make those with ADHD more susceptible to anxiety or depression. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions as it's difficult to gauge people's moods or pick up social cues.
In certain instances, people with ADHD might appear to be emotionally detached and disinterested in their friends or loved ones, even though they genuinely are concerned about them. In some instances, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions in order to avoid feeling them.
Gender bias is a common feature among clinicians, and the effects of ADHD on women are often overlooked because of the nature of their symptoms. Many people disguise their ADHD symptoms when they do manifest, they're more likely to be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related, which can lead to misdiagnosis. It is advisable to consult a mental health specialist who has experience working with women and young girls 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 identify and respond to the upcoming ADHD symptoms.