Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Women and girls can have ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently but it is also possible for women to be affected by the disorder. But lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it harder for them to be assessed and treated.
Many women devise coping strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms and meet societal expectations, but they can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are some of adult women's most common ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by their daily tasks. It can be difficult for them to keep the track of deadlines, emails and meetings. They are also more likely to forget important dates or events. They may also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This could cause them to miss out on opportunities and lower quality work.
These challenges can lead to frustration for many adults suffering from ADHD. They might feel that they are a reflection of themselves or their performance. Many adults with ADHD end up having a low sense of self and a negative view of their body. They may also struggle to maintain stable relationships and develop effective strategies for coping. In some cases they may resort to unhealthy coping behaviors that include excessive alcohol or drugs. This can make it harder for others to understand the signs of struggle and delay the diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are particularly sensitive to failure and criticism and can lead them to internalize their problems and find it difficult to seek assistance. They may also have issues with relationships and may are unable to find a meaningful job. They can also be more prone to depression, anxiety, and mood swings. In some cases the symptoms may lead to a mental condition such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI) which can be exhibited through cutting or burning.
ADHD is more prevalent among both boys and men, but symptoms can persist and impact the entire life of. Women must recognize the symptoms and seek out an evaluation by a medical professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to more manageable symptoms and an improved quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often feel overwhelmed and feel like their lives are chaotic. They may not meet deadlines or find it difficult to manage household chores like paying bills and keeping the track of appointments. Their finances and their home could be disorganized and they may have a difficult time to keep good relationships and a stable job.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and miscommunications with partners, friends, and coworkers. These issues can cause strained or broken connections, and feelings of loneliness. Inattention, forgetfulness and a tendency "zone out" in conversations could cause misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience signs of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. These can be disruptive in both their professional and personal lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD might be overwhelmed by the demands of family, work and the social world. They could also be sensitive to criticism and harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are solutions to reduce the impact of these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle changes and the use of specialized tools for organizing and prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD often find it easier than men to hide their ADHD symptoms and, as a consequence, may go undiagnosed until the age of adulthood. They are also more likely to suffer from multiple disorders that are comorbid, like anxiety and depression, which can compound the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also struggle to maintain stable relationships and jobs and suffer from low self esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's genetic 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 often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are at risk for depression and anxiety. These symptoms can be worsened if you are unable to keep track of your daily tasks and appointments. This could lead to health issues such as missed health checkups or payments that are late, or even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness and can cause relationships problems with friends, partners and coworkers.
Many women develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms that can make it difficult for others to notice they are struggling to stay focused and organized. These coping mechanisms may be healthy like making a daily plan or a phone reminder or even unhealthy, such as drinking alcohol or taking drugs to function or cope. These coping skills can create an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and anxiety for women, causing them to feel that they aren't successful or productive, which may add to feelings of depression and anxiety.
Women with ADHD may also feel that they aren't accepted or aren't meeting social expectations. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They might also experience difficulties at work, such as difficulties with organization skills and adhering to corporate guidelines or sticking to a regular 9-to-5 schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances because of their indecisiveness and uncontrolled spending, or they could struggle to complete work-related assignments or completing homework.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires constant support, especially when it affects women and girls. Despite the prevalence of the disorder however, it's still misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and not treated. The distinctive symptoms of ADHD in women are the result of stereotypes of referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities, and hormonal fluctuation.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be easily annoyed or overly exuberant, and they may lose track of time or be late for an event. They might also have trouble reading body language and recognizing social signals. This can cause problems at work or with relationships. For instance, they could have a tendency to get into fights easily, or spend too much time with hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They may also have difficulty keeping relationships or forming connections due to their inability to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are more adept in establishing coping mechanisms that can help them to manage their ADHD symptoms, which is why it's harder for them to get diagnosed than men. They could, for example, develop routines that assist them in staying organized, or utilize apps to remind themselves of their appointments. They may also alter their behavior to fit in with the norms and expectations of society. They could even conceal their symptoms by taking alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems and avoid serious health issues in the end.
Some people suffering from ADHD are not able to overcome the symptoms. About 60% of women suffering from ADHD in their childhood will have it until they reach adulthood. This is in contrast to 30% of males.
Professional therapy can be beneficial for those who can not experience relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options, such as life coaching, career coaching, and counseling, along with medications like stimulants. Exercise is also beneficial to boost your mood and boost your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters that boost attention and motivation and can help ease anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Girls and women with ADHD often have trouble with emotional reactivity. They may have difficulty regulating their emotions and expressing them appropriately. This can lead to anger for themselves and others. For instance, a person with ADHD might become enraged when her partner criticizes her, but she might not be able to settle down and discuss the issue in a more sensible manner. She also might struggle to "pause" her response by identifying body signals that indicate she's overwhelmed or overexcited, such as flushing skin or breath shortness.
This difficulty in regulating emotions can result in confusion and frustration and make those with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. adult male ADHD symptoms can also cause problems with social interactions because it's difficult to gauge people's moods or detect social cues.
In certain situations, ADHD people may appear in a way that they are emotionally detached and not interested in their friends or loved one, even though they care about them. In certain situations they might avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid experiencing them.
Gender bias is a frequent feature of clinicians and the effects of ADHD on women are often overlooked due to the nature of their symptoms. Many people disguise their ADHD symptoms and, when they do manifest, they're more likely to be seen as anxiety- or mood-related and thus misdiagnosed. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it may be beneficial to consult an experienced mental health professional who has experience in working with women and girls who suffer from ADHD. They can validate your experiences, teach you how to utilize strategies such as self-awareness and pacing and offer family psychoeducation to help you learn to recognize and respond to your ADHD symptoms in the future.