Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in women who are more difficult to spot than in men, because women develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and medication can improve their quality of life and function.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have six symptoms from the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive subtypes lasting more than six months. These symptoms include:
1. Attention!
Symptoms of ADHD in adults women often include difficulty keeping track of time, missed appointments, misplacing objects or becoming easily distracted. Women may also struggle with the habit of procrastination, forgetfulness or working or studying in a noisy, crowded environment. They may have issues with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting others and uttering remarks that later become regrettable.
In contrast to men and boys who suffer from ADHD tend to be better in hiding their symptoms. They may develop healthy coping mechanisms that include having a regular schedule or setting up phone reminders for important occasions. These coping strategies may not be sustainable over time and may not be sufficient to handle the demands of everyday life. In addition, their symptoms may be exacerbated by comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression.
Many people suffering from ADHD display impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms too. In adults, these symptoms are more subtle and may only affect a few areas of their lives like work or social interactions. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They might also have difficulty relaxing or finding a way of calming down, as well as difficulty in forming and maintaining friendships.
People who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD don't have major difficulties in their careers or relationships, however they have trouble staying well-organized and have a tough in executing their commitments. They may have issues with household chores, finances or schoolwork, and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their jobs. Those with severe symptoms are severely disrupted in their day-to-day lives and can have trouble keeping a job or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD struggle with organizing their home, work and personal things. They also tend to lose track of important things such as their glasses, wallets, and keys. They are also prone to losing their temper and becoming easily distracted by their thoughts and activities. Their inability to follow instructions and complete tasks negatively impacts their academic performance, as well as their relationships.
Women often cover up their symptoms by using their emotions as a reason for their behavior, making it harder to get diagnosed and treated. For example women may feel low self-esteem or anxiety as an explanation for her lack of attention and forgetfulness. She might also blame relationship issues or somatic complaints such as nausea and headaches on the stress of life or fluctuations in hormones (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal or menopausal).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious problems. For instance, women and girls who suffer from ADHD could be at greater risk of adolescent sexual activity due to their impulsivity and issues with boundaries within the group and planning. They are more likely to use alcohol or drugs to help themselves. Their inattention can lead to missing appointments with doctors and procedures. They could have unbalanced eating habits or an elevated BMI. They might also engage in unhealthy strategies for coping such as shopping excessively, nail-biting and skin picking.
The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to conduct an exhaustive examination by an experienced mental health professional or health care professional. In addition to looking at the patient's emotional and physical health, the professional might seek feedback from close family members and friends. They may recommend tests in the lab or an interview. Many adults are shocked to learn that they have been suffering from mental illness for many years.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD tend to have more trouble controlling their impulses than men, and this may cause problems such as self-injury, alcohol or substance abuse, or other mental health issues. This can cause issues in relationships, since forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts with family, friends and co-workers.
Symptoms of impulsivity include the tendency to blurt things out, purchasing something on a whim and then jumping into the purchase without contemplating the consequences. It's important to keep in mind that acting impulsively isn't always an indication of bad character. In fact, certain people require more time than others to think through their thoughts before acting. It's still important to speak to your doctor and get tested for ADHD when you notice your symptoms are becoming more severe.
It's also common for females with ADHD to have difficulty controlling their emotions, and this can lead to depression, as well as other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be hard to identify in women because they may resemble other health issues, such as chronic headaches and insomnia. Some women with ADHD find it hard to seek help since they believe their symptoms are indicative of low self-esteem or a personality flaw.
It is crucial to realize that sex and gender are different concepts, and that the physical characteristics that determine if you're a man, woman or a nonbinary individual don't alter your personal identity. Many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their gender. This can lead them to feel ashamed and despair. The stress of not being treated for ADHD can make these feelings worse and can result in losing support from family or colleagues.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they might struggle with adult obligations and interactions. This can cause problems at school or work, as well as strained relationships with family, friends and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD can also have difficulty managing their finances and home. They could be at risk of ignoring health issues such as regular checkups and exercises. They may also have difficulty dealing with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms in women can include the inability to remember things, loosing things, getting easily distracted, having trouble working with others or feeling overwhelmed by work. They are also more likely to experience mood-related issues like low self-esteem, low self-confidence, or physical complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain.
It's crucial for women to be aware of their symptoms of ADHD and seek an assessment. It's also beneficial to speak with an expert in mental health about their difficulties and develop strategies to cope with ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help change negative thinking patterns and enhance coping skills. In addition being a part of a women's supportive group can give valuable information regarding living with ADHD and strategies to cope with everyday life.
It is important to remember that women who suffer from ADHD can experience different symptoms from men. They can experience changes during transitional times like puberty or pregnancy. They can also change in response to hormone treatments during the menopause. This is due to hormone fluctuations, and also the fact that women have a bigger hippocampal region that plays a key role in memory and education. Women also have the ability to mask their ADHD symptoms better than males. This makes it difficult to receive a correct diagnosis. It is possible to lead an enjoyable and fulfilling life with ADHD despite these obstacles.
5. inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms can be hard for women suffering from ADHD admitting they have anxiety issues, but getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make a significant changes in their lives. It can also help them comprehend their behavior and how it impacts other people.
Anxiety can be a major sign of ADHD in women who are adults and can manifest as:
Distraction, like daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding tedious or difficult tasks. Problems with concentration at school or at work. Not remembering or being late for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of people around you or under pressure at work or at home. Finding it difficult to relax or fall asleep. Being easily agitated or overly sensitive to rejection and criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from a co-existing mood disorder, like depression. They may also find it difficult to make friends. They may also experience difficulties in their intimate relationships that can result in an increase in the amount of violence between partners and drug abuse.
It can be difficult for women and girls to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis as symptoms for girls and women differ from those in boys and men. To accurately diagnose ADHD, health care providers must be aware of the distinctions. This involves identifying specific traits, such as the presence of a distinct symptoms profile, difficulties with social interactions, a tendency to develop coping strategies that mask underachievement and performance problems, and the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is important to also take into consideration the impact hormone levels of women have on her symptom presentations.