ADHD in Adult Women Symptoms
Women with ADHD may have difficulty getting the help they need. However with therapy and medication the symptoms can be controlled.
Symptoms can include restlessness, difficulty keeping track of daily tasks and deadlines, forgetfulness, impulsivity and mood swings. These symptoms can lead to unhealthy relationships, or co-occurring disorders like eating disorders.
1. Hyperfocus
For people suffering from ADHD hyperfocus is the tendency to completely focus on an activity and avoid distractions. This is a wonderful skill when it's used for tasks such as writing or painting, but when it's applied to other activities like watching TV or social media, the results can be less productive. In this way, hyperfocus is a common symptom of ADHD for women who are adults that can cause significant difficulties at work or in their personal lives.
Women may also experience the inattentive-type symptoms of ADHD (difficulty staying on task or forgetting important tasks) more than they do the hyperactivity/impulsive symptoms. Due to this, their ADHD symptoms can be more difficult to detect. They may not be able to keep track of their bills or schedule, and may be unable to keep and maintain friendships.
Hyperfocus can cause women suffering from ADHD to become unproductive or have unhealthy relationships at work or home. Emotional dysregulation is a key sign of ADHD for women who are adults, and it can be worsened by hormonal changes in menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
It can be difficult for others to see when you're stuck in hyperfocus, and they might not be aware of what you're talking about when you return. This can be a source of frustration for everyone affected. However, it is possible to devise strategies that will enable you to break out of your hyperfocus and take back control of your time. For example, try setting an alarm for 15 minutes to remind you to not spend your time online or to switch between tasks while watching TV. A simple movement of the body can help to regain your focus.
Hyperfocus can be a superpower for those with ADHD. It helps them accomplish amazing things, like winning gold medals at the Olympics, or performing major artistic tasks. This is only possible if the person can recognize their own impulsive behaviors and learn to manage their attention, and switch off hyperfocus when needed. This is difficult for most people who don't have a system that holds them accountable and help set realistic limits.
2. Procrastination
Women with ADHD typically have difficulty to start projects or tasks. They tend to put off tasks until the last minute and then feel overwhelmed by their workload and are unable to motivate themselves to begin. They might also have a difficult time keeping track of time and overestimate how long tasks will take to complete.
Procrastination is a major issue for a lot of people. However, it can be a problem for those suffering from ADHD. It can be difficult to keep up with your administrative tasks like making an appointment with health services, scheduling appointments with doctors, or responding to your friends promptly. It can also result in stress and anxiety which can affect your health.
It is also possible that you have difficulty planning for future events, or finishing your homework. You may get caught up in the details of planning that you fail to achieve any progress and you don't get the task done at all. You may also find it difficult to keep in touch with your friends or family members or find it difficult to read non-verbal signals of other people. You might talk excessively and go off on tangents or struggle to grasp social boundaries.
Some women who suffer from ADHD experience difficulties when it comes to building relationships and making new friends. They may also have trouble managing their work and keeping up with their household chores. They may be low-self-esteemed and find it difficult to interact with other people. Some of them aren't able to understand body language or pick up on social signals. This could make them appear distant and inaccessible.
While it's true that women with ADHD are less likely to be diagnosed than men, many women do experience the symptoms of the disorder. Some suffer from high-functioning ADHD, which is when symptoms don't cause significant disruption to their lives. Some people have mild symptoms or symptoms that affect only certain areas of their lives like school and work.
For those who do have ADHD, it's important to know that you can improve your functioning by seeking treatment. Treatment choices include therapy and medication. There are also accommodations that you can request from your workplace or educational institution. They can assist you to better manage your symptoms and help you set yourself up for success.
3. Impulsivity
Many people with ADHD struggle to control their emotions, which can lead to an impulsive behavior that can lead to social problems. This can be seen as a person uttering words without thinking, buying something at a whim, or getting into arguments with family members. ADHD sufferers may also have difficulty waiting for their turn, and may not be aware of social boundaries. This can cause relationship problems and an insecurity about themselves that can impact women's mental health.
This condition is more prevalent for those who suffer from the inattention type of ADHD. It can cause issues at school or work like being late to deadlines, ignoring important dates and misplacing personal items. It can also cause issues at home, like having difficulty completing chores or household chores, and finding it difficult to get started or complete projects. Women who struggle with impulsive symptoms can find themselves feeling overwhelmed by the demands of their daily lives and may feel like they're failing in life or aren't up to their peers.
Many people suffering from ADHD aren't able to identify their impulsive behaviors, but it is crucial to seek help if these occur. Requesting an evaluation from an therapist is a great idea if you are experiencing mood fluctuation, low self-esteem or a lack of confidence that affects your daily life. You can also reach Salience for an evaluation and treatment.
Traditionally, females and girls have been diagnosed with ADHD less than boys. It's not because girls or women are less susceptible to the disorder, but because the condition typically presents differently for women. symptoms of ADHD in adults to develop a comorbid disorder or develop strategies for coping that hide the symptoms. They're also more likely to have issues with relationships, which can further obscure their symptoms.
There are medications that can improve the quality of life for women who are adults with ADHD. There are stimulants, such as methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, amphetamine salts, and the lisdexamfetamine. Nonstimulants, including atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), can be used by those who are unable to take stimulants because of health issues or serious adverse effects. Group therapy and psychotherapy can be beneficial for certain individuals.
4. Emotional Dysregulation
ADHD in adult women is usually a result of emotional dysregulation, which manifests as frequent and intense emotions that are insignificant to the circumstances. Women with this symptom have trouble managing their emotions and can result in an impulsive behavior that can harm relationships and career success. They may also have trouble understanding and expressing their emotions, causing them to be overwhelmed by their emotions.
Adults with ADHD are less likely to comprehend emotional dysregulation than hyperactivity or impulsivity. It may cause problems with self-control in conversations, impulsive speaking and interrupting others and having trouble understanding social boundaries, leading to problems like getting angry or disrupting other people's conversations or activities. It could also be a problem identifying and expressing emotions, such as anger and frustration, anxiety, sadness depression, and fear.
Women with emotional dysregulation might have difficulty maintaining relationships and working effectively. They are more likely to suffer from stress, irritability, or low self-esteem. They are also more prone to anxiety and depression, which may contribute to their symptoms of ADHD. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid conditions, such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. They may also suffer from depression and anxiety which can complicate treatment.
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently experience symptoms that overlap. This can make it more difficult to diagnose the condition than men with the same symptoms. This is due in part to the fact that women exhibit fewer externalizing signs than men. These are more obvious for some. However, it is crucial to take into consideration all of a patient's symptoms when diagnosing them, and not just their external symptoms.
Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a distinct concept. Sex refers back to a person's biology and chromosomal makeup, while gender refers to the person's self-image as a woman, man, nonbinary, or other gender. The male-to-female ADHD ratio is higher in the early years, but increases with age. Because of this, women suffering from ADHD often go undiagnosed. A diagnosis can help them manage their symptoms improve their relationships, set them up for success at work and home and aid in letting them feel more fully.