Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can both suffer from ADHD. While both men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently however, it is also feasible for women to be affected by the disorder. But stereotypes, referral prejudice and internalized symptoms as well as other comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be appropriately evaluated and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms and conform to social expectations, but these strategies can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of adult women's most commonly reported ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by the daily tasks. They often struggle to keep track of many deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They are also more likely to forget important dates or events. combined ADHD symptoms in adults might also have trouble concentration in noisy or busy surroundings. This can lead them to miss opportunities and produce lower quality 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 experience an unsatisfactory self-image and a negative perception of their body. They may also have trouble maintaining stable relationships and establishing efficient coping strategies. In some cases they resort to unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking or drug use. This could make others less likely to acknowledge their problems and delay diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are particularly sensitive to criticism and failure which can cause them to internalize their difficulties and struggle to get help. This is why they may have relationships and have trouble finding work that is meaningful. They could be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some instances, the symptoms can lead to a mental condition such as non-suicidal harming oneself (NSSI) which could be exhibited through cutting or burning.
ADHD is more prevalent among males and females, however symptoms can linger and affect all aspects of your life. Women should recognize the signs and seek a diagnosis by a medical professional. A proper diagnosis can result in better control of symptoms and an improved quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed and feel as if their lives are in chaos. They may miss work deadlines or have trouble keeping up with household or work tasks like paying bills or making appointments. They may have a disorganized home and finances, and may struggle to maintain a stable relationship and work.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and miscommunications between friends, partners, and coworkers. These problems can lead to strained or even broken connections and feelings of being isolated. Forgetfulness, difficulty in listening, and the tendency to "zone out", or stop paying attention, can lead to misunderstandings with loved ones.
Signs of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and mood swings are more prevalent in women with ADHD than men and can be disruptive to both your personal and professional. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of family, work as well as society. They might be more sensitive to criticism or harsh judgement.
The good news is that there are options to reduce the impact of these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle changes and the use of specialized tools for organization, and prescription stimulant drugs.
Women with ADHD often find it easier than men to hide their ADHD symptoms and, as a consequence they are often not diagnosed until adulthood. They are also more likely to have multiple disorders that are comorbid, like 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 the hormones and chromosomes. Gender refers to the internal perception of oneself as a man woman, a nonbinary, or other gender identity. Mental health problems are often diagnosed by both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These feelings can be exacerbated by the inability to keep on top of daily tasks and appointments and can result in health problems such as missed health check-ups, missed payments or even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness and can cause relationships problems with family, friends, and coworkers.
Many women develop coping mechanisms to hide their problems, which can make it harder for others to see that they struggle to stay focused and organized. These strategies of coping can be beneficial, like creating a daily schedule or a phone reminder, or unhealthy, like drinking alcohol or taking drugs to manage or function. These strategies can cause women to feel stressed and insecure which can cause them to doubt themselves and their abilities. This can lead to depression or anxiety.
Women with ADHD may also feel that they don't belong or don't conform to social norms. This can cause feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They might also experience difficulties at work, including difficulties with organizational skills adhering to company policies or adhering to a routine 9-to-5 schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances, because of their indecisiveness and uncontrolled spending, or they could be unable to keep up with work-related tasks or completing homework.
ADHD is a chronic condition that requires ongoing support, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence it is undiagnosed and misunderstood. It is also undertreated. The distinctive symptoms of ADHD in women are a result stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities, and hormonal fluctuations.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They may be easily annoyed or excited, lose track of time, or be late to events. They may also have difficulties understanding body language and recognizing social cues. This can lead to problems at work or in relationships. They may be prone to arguing or spend too much time with interests and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining friendships or making connections due to their inability to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are better at developing ways to cope with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to be diagnosed. They could, for example, develop routines that assist them in staying organized, or use apps to remind themselves of their appointments. They might also change their behaviour to comply with societal expectations and norms. They might even attempt to conceal their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs. This can have grave health consequences in the long run.
Certain people with ADHD do not completely overcome the symptoms. About 60% of women who have ADHD during childhood continue to be affected into adulthood, compared to 30% of men.
Professional treatment can be beneficial for those who can not find relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are many options available, like career coaching, counseling, and life coaching. There are also stimulants. Exercise can also be a great way to improve your mood and increase 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 find it hard to regulate their emotions and communicate them effectively and this can lead to frustration with others and themselves. A woman with ADHD may get angry when a friend criticizes her, but she might not be able to calm down to discuss the matter in a rational manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause" her reaction by identifying bodily cues that she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed, such as flushing skin or breath shortness.
This difficulty in regulating emotions can cause confusion and anger and make people with ADHD susceptible to anxiety or depression. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions, since it can be difficult to gauge the mood of others and recognize social cues.
In some cases, people with ADHD might appear emotionally distant and disinterested in their friends or loved ones, even if they really are concerned about them. In some cases, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid feeling them.
The nature of women's symptoms can make it easy for clinicians to overlook the effects of ADHD. Women often hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do manifest, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as anxiety or mood disorders. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it can be helpful to seek an experienced mental health professional who has experience in working with girls and women with ADHD. They can confirm your experiences, teach you strategies such as self-awareness or pacing, and also provide you with psychoeducation for your family to help you recognize and manage future ADHD symptoms.