Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While boys and men are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD, women and girls may also be affected. But stereotypes, prejudices regarding referrals and internalized symptoms as well as other comorbidities can make it difficult to get them properly evaluated and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to cover up their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but they can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of the adult women's most common ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It can be difficult for them to keep on top of deadlines, emails, and meetings. They are also more likely to forget important events or appointments. They may also be unable to focus. staying focused in noisy or crowded environments. This can lead to missed opportunities as well as a lower quality of work.
For many adults with ADHD, these challenges may be an aspect of their personality or performance, which can lead to frustration. They often end up with a low self-esteem as well as a negative image of themselves. They may also be struggling to maintain relationships and develop effective strategies for coping. In some cases, they turn to unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking or drugs. This could make people less likely to recognize their struggles and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are particularly sensitive to failure and criticism which can cause them to internalize their problems and struggle to get help. As a result, they may struggle with relationships and have trouble finding work that is meaningful. They can also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood fluctuations. In some instances these symptoms may lead to the development of a mental health problem such as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can be manifested by burning, cutting or scratching.
Although it's more common in males and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist throughout adulthood and affect multiple areas of life. It's crucial for women to recognize the symptoms and seek an evaluation from a health care professional. A proper diagnosis can lead to more manageable symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed as if they are in chaos. They might miss deadlines or find it difficult to keep track of work or household tasks like paying bills and keeping track of appointments. They may be disorganized with their home and finances, and could struggle to maintain a stable relationship and work.
ADHD symptoms in adults males -type ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and misunderstandings in relationships with partners, friends and colleagues. These problems can lead to strained or even broken connections and feelings of isolation. Inattention, forgetfulness and a tendency "zone out" in conversations can also cause misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Signs of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and mood swings are more frequent among women suffering from ADHD than men and can be extremely disruptive to personal and professional life. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of work, family as well as society. They are more prone to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
There are ways to deal with these symptoms. For many adults, treatment options include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specific tools for organizing, as well as prescription stimulant medications.
Women with ADHD typically have a harder time than men to hide their ADHD symptoms and, as a consequence, may go undiagnosed until they reach adulthood. They are also more likely to have comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also struggle to keep their relationships stable and secure and can be afflicted by low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's biological makeup, chromosomes and hormones and anatomy; gender refers to the internal perception of self as a man, woman, nonbinary, or other gender identity and mental health problems are usually diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety and depression. These moods can be made worse due to the inability of keeping the track of daily tasks and appointments that can cause health problems such as missed check-ups, late payments or even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness which can lead to relationships problems with partners, friends, and coworkers.
Many women come up with strategies to disguise their symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to see that they have difficulty staying focused and organized. These strategies for coping may be healthy, like creating a daily schedule or establishing phone reminders or they may be unhealthy and rely on alcohol or drugs to help them manage or overcome their difficulties. These coping strategies can lead to a cycle of self-doubt and stress for women, causing them to feel that they aren't successful or productive, which may add to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Women who suffer from ADHD might also feel like they aren't accepted or aren't meeting social expectations. This can cause frustration and low self-esteem. They may also face challenges at work such as difficulty in establishing organizational skills, adhering to corporate policies or adhering to a routine 9-to-5 work schedule. They may struggle to manage their finances due to a lack of organization or excessive spending. Or, they may struggle to keep up with work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires constant assistance, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite the disorder's prevalence, it is still misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result of stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology and comorbidities as well as hormonal fluctuations.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be easily annoyed or overwhelmed, lose track of time or be late for events. They may also have difficulty understanding body language and picking up social signals. This can lead to problems at work or in relationships. For instance, they may have a tendency to get into fights easily, or they may spend too much time with hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They may also have difficulty maintaining friendships or making connections due to their inability to keep their promises and commitments.
Women tend to be better at building coping mechanisms that help them mask their ADHD symptoms, so it's harder for them to get diagnosed than men. For example, they might create routines to help stay organized or rely on apps to remind them of their appointments. They may also alter their behavior to fit in with societal expectations and norms. They may even cover up their symptoms using drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms, which could have serious health issues in the end.
Some people suffering from ADHD do not completely overcome the symptoms. Around 60% of women with ADHD in childhood will have it throughout their adulthood. This compares to 30% of males.
Professional treatment may be beneficial for those who could not find relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are many options, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling, together with stimulants and medications. Exercise can also be beneficial to boost your mood and boost your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters that increase motivation and focus. It can reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often have issues with emotional hyperactivity. They may have difficulty to regulate their emotions and express them appropriately and this can lead to frustration with their own self and others. A person suffering from ADHD may become angry when a friend criticizes them, but she might not be able to discuss the issue in a rational way. She may also struggle to "pause her reaction" by identifying body signals such as flushed skin or breath shortness that suggest she is stressed or overwhelmed.
This issue with regulating their emotions can lead to more frustration and misunderstandings in relationships and can make those with ADHD more susceptible to depression or anxiety. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions as it's difficult to gauge people's moods or pick up social signals.
In certain situations, ADHD people may appear disconnected and uninterested in their friends or loved one even though they care about them. In some instances they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid feeling them.
The nature of women's symptoms can make it easier for doctors to overlook the effects of ADHD. Many of them hide their ADHD symptoms and, when they do manifest, they're more likely to be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related and thus misdiagnosed. It is advisable to seek out a mental health professional who has experience working with young girls and women with ADHD when you're experiencing these symptoms. They can validate your experiences, teach you how to apply strategies such as self-awareness and pacing and offer family psychoeducation that can help you learn to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the near future.