Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While males and females are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD but girls and women can also have it. But lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it harder for them to be assessed and treated.
These strategies can be unhealthy and not sustainable. Here are some of adult women's most commonly reported ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD tend to feel overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often struggle to keep track of numerous deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to miss important dates or events. They might also have trouble concentration in noisy or busy environments. This could result in missed opportunities as well as a lower quality of work.
These challenges can cause frustration for many people with ADHD. They might feel that they are a reflection of themselves or their performance. Many people with ADHD have an unsatisfactory self-image and a negative perception of their body. They may also have difficulty to maintain relationships and develop effective strategies for coping. In some instances they will resort to unhealthy coping behaviors that include excessive alcohol or drugs. This can make it more difficult for others to recognize that they're struggling and delay an accurate diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to failure and criticism and can lead them to internalize their issues and have difficulty seeking help. This is why they may struggle with relationships and have trouble finding work that is meaningful. They may also be more prone to anxiety, depression and mood fluctuations. In certain cases, the symptoms can lead to a mental condition, such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI) which can be expressed through cutting, burning or scratching.
While it's more common for boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD The symptoms can last into adulthood and can impact multiple areas of life. Women should recognize the signs and seek out an evaluation by a health professional. A positive diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often feel overwhelmed and like their lives are in chaos. They may miss work deadlines or have difficulty keeping the track of their household or work tasks like paying bills and keeping appointments. Their finances and home may be disorganized and they may find it difficult to maintain good relationships and a stable job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can cause more frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can result in broken or strained connections and feelings of loneliness. Inattention, forgetfulness and a tendency "zone out" in conversations can also cause misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. They can be disruptive in both their personal and professional lives. Women with untreated ADHD might feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, family and social life. They could also be sensitive to harsh criticism and harsh judgment.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specialized tools for organizing, as well as prescription stimulant drugs.
Women with ADHD typically have a harder time than men to hide their ADHD symptoms, and as a result they may not be diagnosed until the age of adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also struggle to keep their relationships stable and secure, and may be afflicted by low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the person's genetic makeup, chromosomes and hormones and anatomy. Gender refers to the internal sense of self as a man, woman or a nonbinary gender identity and mental health problems are often diagnosed on the basis of both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. These emotions may be exacerbated by the inability to keep the track of daily tasks and appointments, which can lead to health issues like missed appointments, late payments, and even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness of ADHD can also lead to issues with relationships with partners, coworkers and family members.
Many women develop strategies to disguise their symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to see that they have difficulty staying organized and focused. These strategies of coping can be healthy like creating a daily schedule or a reminder on the phone or even unhealthy, such as drinking alcohol or taking drugs to manage or function. These strategies for coping can make women feel anxious and unsecure which can cause them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can lead to depression or anxiety.
In addition, women who suffer from ADHD often feel a sense of not fitting in or achieving social norms and this can lead to low self-esteem and a sense of frustration. They may also face challenges at work, including difficulties with organizational skills adhering to company policies or adhering to a routine 9-to-5 schedule. They may be struggling with managing their finances due to disorganization and impulsive spending, or they could have difficulty keeping up with work-related assignments or finishing homework.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires continuous assistance, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite the prevalence of the disorder, it is still misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and untreated. Remaining stereotypes as well as referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities, and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the unique symptom presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They might become easily frustrated or overwhelmed, lose track of time or be late for events. They may also have difficulty reading body language and recognizing social cues. inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms can cause problems at work or with relationships. For instance, they could get into arguments easily or they may spend too much time in pursuit of hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They may also have difficulty maintaining friendships or making new connections due to their struggle to follow through on promises and commitments.
Women are more adept in establishing coping mechanisms that help them mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for them to be diagnosed than men. They could, for instance develop routines to assist them in staying organized, or use apps to remind themselves of their schedules. They may alter their lifestyle to conform to societal expectations and norms. They might even attempt to hide their symptoms using drugs or alcohol. This could lead to negative health effects over time.
Many people with ADHD outgrow their symptoms, but others don't. About 60% of women with ADHD during childhood will have it throughout their adulthood. This compares to 30% of men.
If you are unable to achieve relief with medication or lifestyle changes, professional treatment can be beneficial. There are many options, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling, along with medications like stimulants. Exercise is also a great way to improve your mood and increase your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters which boost motivation and attention. It can also help reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Women and girls with ADHD are often affected by emotional reactivity. They may have a difficult time to control their emotions and express them appropriately, which can cause frustration with themselves and others. A woman with ADHD might become angry when her partner criticizes her however, she may not be able calm down to talk about the issue in a rational way. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause" her reactions by identifying body signals that indicate she's feeling overwhelmed or stressed like a flushed skin or a shortness of breath.
This inability to regulate emotions can lead to confusion and frustration and make those with ADHD susceptible to depression or anxiety. It can also cause difficulties when it comes to social interactions, because it can be difficult to gauge other people's moods and detect social signals.
In certain situations, ADHD people may appear disconnected and uninterested in their friends or loved one even though they are concerned about them. In certain situations they might avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid feeling them.
Gender bias is a common feature among doctors and the effects of ADHD on women are often overlooked due to the nature of their symptoms. Women often hide their ADHD symptoms and when they do appear, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as mood or anxiety disorders. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it may be helpful to seek a mental health professional experienced in working with women and girls who suffer from ADHD. They can help validate your experiences, guide you how to use strategies such as self-awareness and pacing and offer family psychoeducation to help you learn to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the future.