Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Women and girls can have ADHD. While both men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often but it is also possible for women to suffer from the condition. However, stereotypes, prejudices about referrals and internalized symptoms as well as the presence of comorbidities may make it difficult for them to be appropriately assessed and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but they can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are some of the adult women's most frequent ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of many deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to miss important events or appointments. They may also be unable to focus. concentrating in noisy or busy environments. This can lead to missed opportunities as well as a lower level of productivity.
These issues can cause frustration for many adults suffering from ADHD. They may believe that they reflect of their own performance or of themselves. Many adults with ADHD experience low self-esteem and a negative image of their body. They may also have difficulty to keep relationships stable and come up with effective strategies to cope. In some cases they will use unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking or drug use. This may make others less likely to recognize their issues and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to criticism and failure which can cause them to internalize their issues and find it difficult to seek help. They might also be afflicted by problems with relationships and are unable to find work that is meaningful. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In certain instances these symptoms may result in the development of a mental health issue like non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can be expressed through cutting, burning, or scratching.
While it's more prevalent in boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist throughout adulthood and affect various aspects 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 with ADHD report feeling overwhelmed as if they are in chaos. They might miss deadlines or have difficulty to manage household chores, such as paying bills and keeping the track of appointments. Their finances and their home could be messy and they may find it difficult to maintain healthy relationships and a stable job.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and miscommunications between friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can result in broken or strained connections and feelings of loneliness. Inattention, forgetfulness and the tendency to "zone out" or to not pay attention, may result in misunderstandings between loved ones.
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience signs of emotional instability, impulsivity, and mood swings. These can be disruptive both in their professional and personal lives. ADHD symptoms in adults females with untreated ADHD might be overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and society. They might also be sensitive to harsh judgment and criticism.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle adjustments, the use of specialized tools for organization, and prescription stimulant medications.
Women with ADHD typically have a harder time than men to conceal their ADHD symptoms and, as a consequence they may not be diagnosed until adulthood. They are also more likely to have comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also struggle to maintain stable relationships and jobs, and may suffer from low self esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's hormones and chromosomes. Gender refers to the internal perception of oneself as a male woman, a nonbinary, or other gender identity. Mental health problems are often diagnoses based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety. These moods can be made worse due to the inability of keeping the track of daily tasks and appointments, which can lead to health issues such as missing check-ups, late payments or even debt. extreme ADHD symptoms adults can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness and can cause relationship problems with family, friends and coworkers.
Many women develop strategies to mask their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to recognize that they're having difficulty staying focused and organized. These strategies for coping may be healthy, such as creating an annual schedule or setting reminders for phone calls, or they may be unhealthy and rely on alcohol or other drugs to function or cope with their challenges. These coping strategies can make women feel stressed and insecure which can cause them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. severe ADHD symptoms in adults can trigger depression or anxiety.
In addition, women with ADHD often experience a sense of not being accepted or achieving social norms and this can lead to low self-esteem and a sense of frustration. They may also encounter difficulties at work, including difficulties with organizational skills, following corporate guidelines, or adhering to a daily 9-to-5 schedule. They may struggle with managing their finances due to impulsive and disorganized spending, or they could have difficulty keeping up with work-related tasks or completing homework.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires ongoing assistance, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence, the disorder is still undiagnosed and misunderstood. It is also not treated. Remaining stereotypes as well as referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities, and hormonal changes all contribute to the distinctive symptom manifestation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They could be easily upset or excited, lose track of time, or be late to events. They might also have difficulty understanding body language or recognizing social cues. This can lead to problems at work or with relationships. They could be susceptible to arguments or spend too much time with interests and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have trouble keeping friendships or making connections because they are unable to keep their commitments and promises.
Women are more adept in developing coping mechanisms to help them mask their ADHD symptoms, so it's harder for them to get diagnosed than men are. They might, for example create routines to assist them in staying organized, or use apps to remind themselves of their appointments. They may also alter their behaviour to comply with the norms and expectations of society. They may even try to hide their symptoms with alcohol or drugs. This could lead to grave health consequences in the long run.
Certain people with ADHD do not completely overcome the symptoms. About 60% of women with ADHD during childhood will suffer from it throughout their adulthood. This compares to 30% of males.
Professional therapy can be beneficial for those who could not find relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options available, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling as well as medications such as stimulants. Exercise is also beneficial to boost your mood and increase your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters to boost the ability to focus and motivate and can help ease anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women with ADHD are frequently affected by emotional hyperactivity. They may have difficulty regulating their emotions and how they express them. This can lead to frustration for both themselves and others. A person suffering from ADHD might become angry when her partner 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 recognizing bodily signals that indicate she's feeling overwhelmed or stressed, such as flushing skin or breath shortness.
This issue with regulating emotions can result in frustration and misunderstandings and make those with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also cause issues when it comes to social interactions, because it can be difficult to gauge the mood of others and detect social cues.
In certain instances, 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 situations they may avoid situations that trigger emotions to avoid feeling a strong emotion.
Gender bias is common among doctors and the effects of ADHD on women can be easily overlooked because of the nature of their symptoms. Many women conceal their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear, they are more likely to be mistakenly diagnosed as depression or anxiety disorders. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it may be beneficial to talk to an experienced mental health professional who has experience in working with girls and women who have ADHD. They can help validate your experiences, show you how to apply strategies like pacing and self-awareness, and provide family psychoeducation which can help you understand how to recognize and respond to your ADHD symptoms in the future.