Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While boys and men are diagnosed far more often with ADHD however, girls and women may also be affected. But persistent stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities can make it more difficult for them to be properly assessed and treated.
These strategies can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are some of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by the daily tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of numerous deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They may also be more likely to forget important appointments or events. They may also struggle to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This can lead them to miss out on opportunities and lower quality work.
These issues can cause frustration for many adults suffering from ADHD. They may believe that they reflect of their own performance or of themselves. They can often have a low self-esteem and negative body image. They may also have difficulty maintaining stable relationships and establishing efficient coping strategies. In some cases they resort to unhealthy strategies for coping that include excessive drinking or drug use. This can make others less likely to recognize their issues and delay a diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often sensitive to criticism or failure. This may cause them to internalize the problem and make it difficult for them to seek help. As a result, they may experience relationship difficulties and have difficulty finding work that is meaningful. They could be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In certain cases, the symptoms can lead to a mental condition that is non-suicidal, like harming oneself (NSSI) which can be exhibited through cutting or burning.
ADHD is more common among men and boys, but symptoms can linger and affect all aspects of your life. Women should be aware of the signs and seek a diagnosis by a medical professional. A proper diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and an improved quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often complain of feeling overwhelmed and like their lives are a mess. They might miss deadlines at work or have trouble keeping up with chores at home or at work like paying bills or keeping appointments. Their finances and their home could be messy, and they may struggle to keep healthy relationships and a stable job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and misunderstandings in relationships with friends, partners, and coworkers. These problems can lead strained or broken connections, and feelings of loneliness. The inability to remember, the difficulty in listening, and the tendency to "zone out" or to not pay attention, may lead to misunderstandings with loved ones.
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from symptoms of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. These can be disruptive in their personal and professional lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, family and social life. They may also be sensitive to harsh judgment and criticism.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. For many adults treatment options include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specialized organizational tools and prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD may be able to conceal their ADHD symptoms better than men, which can lead to being undiagnosed until later in life. They are more likely to suffer from multiple disorders that are comorbid, like depression and anxiety which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women also have a difficult time trying to keep stable relationships and jobs, and may suffer from low self esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's hormones and chromosomes; gender is the internal belief in oneself as a man woman, woman, nonbinary or other gender identity. Mental health issues are often diagnoses based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more susceptible to depression and anxiety. These emotions may be exacerbated by the inability to keep track of daily tasks and appointments and can result in health issues such as missing health check-ups, missed payments, and even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness of ADHD can also create problems with relationships with colleagues, partners, and friends.
Many women develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms that can make it difficult for others to notice they are struggling to stay focused and organized. These strategies of coping could be healthy, such as establishing an annual schedule or setting phone reminders, or they could be harmful depending on alcohol or other drugs to function or cope with their issues. These coping skills can create an environment of stress and self-doubt for women, which makes them feel they are not successful or productive, which may cause depression and anxiety.
Women with ADHD might also feel that they aren't accepted or don't meet social expectations. This can cause feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They may also encounter challenges at work, like difficulties with organizational skills, following corporate policies, or adhering to a routine of 9-5. They may be struggling to manage their finances due in part to disorganization or impulsive spending. Also, they might struggle to keep up with work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a long-lasting condition that requires ongoing care, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence, the disorder is still poorly understood and not properly diagnosed. It is also not treated. The lingering stigmas, referral bias internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the unique symptom-based presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may become easily frustrated or excessively excited, and they might lose track of time or be late for an event. severe ADHD symptoms in adults might also have trouble understanding body language and recognizing social cues. This could cause issues at work or in relationships. For example, they might have a tendency to get into fights easily, or spend too much time with hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They might also have difficulty maintaining friendships or making new connections because they struggle to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at building coping mechanisms that can help them to manage their ADHD symptoms, so it's harder for them to get diagnosed than men. They could, for example develop routines to help them stay organized or utilize apps to remind themselves of their schedules. They might also change their behavior to fit in with the norms and expectations of society. They may even cover up their symptoms using alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems, which can cause serious health consequences in the end.
Some people suffering from ADHD are not able to overcome the symptoms. About 60% of women who have ADHD in childhood continue to have the condition until they reach adulthood, compared to 30% of males.
For those who don't get relief from lifestyle or medication professional help can be helpful. There are a myriad of options available, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling, together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and boosting your energy. It releases neurotransmitters, which increase motivation and focus. It can also reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Women and girls with ADHD are often afflicted by emotional reaction. They may have trouble regulating their emotions and communicating them in a proper manner. This can lead to frustration for themselves as well as others. A person suffering from ADHD might become angry when her partner criticizes her however, she may not be able to discuss the matter in a rational manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause" her response by identifying body signals that indicate she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed, such as flushing skin or breath shortness.
This issue with regulating their emotions can lead to more frustration and miscommunications in relationships, and can make those with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions, since it is difficult to discern other people's moods and detect social cues.
In certain situations, ADHD people may appear in a way that they are emotionally detached and not interested in their loved ones or friends even though they care about them. In other instances, they may withdraw from triggering situations to avoid experiencing emotions that are intense.
The nature of women's symptoms can make it easy for healthcare professionals to overlook the effects of ADHD. Many women conceal their ADHD symptoms, and when they do manifest they are more likely to be mistakenly diagnosed as depression or anxiety disorders. If you're struggling with these symptoms, it may be helpful to seek a mental health professional experienced in working with girls and women with ADHD. They can help validate your experiences, teach you how to use strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and provide family psychoeducation that can help you learn to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the near future.