Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While males and females are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD however, girls and women are also susceptible to it. But lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can make it more difficult for them to get properly evaluated and treated.
These strategies are often harmful and not sustainable. Here are some of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It is often difficult to keep on top of deadlines, emails and meetings. They are also more likely to forget important events or appointments. They may also find it difficult to focus in noisy or busy environments. This can lead to missed opportunities as well as a lower level of productivity.
For many adults with ADHD the challenges they face can be seen as an aspect of their personality or performance, which can lead to frustration. They may end up with a low self-esteem and negative image of their body. They may also struggle to maintain stable relationships and develop effective strategies for coping. In some instances, they use unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive alcohol or drug use. This may make people less likely to recognize their problems and delay diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD may be particularly sensitive to criticism or failure. This can cause them to internalize the problem and make it difficult to seek assistance. In the end, they may have relationship difficulties and have difficulty finding meaningful employment. They are also more prone to anxiety, depression, and mood fluctuations. In certain cases, 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 men and boys, but symptoms can last and affect all aspects of your life. It's essential for women to recognize the symptoms and seek an examination from a medical professional. A positive diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often feel overwhelmed and feel like their lives are a mess. They may fail to meet deadlines for work or struggle to keep track of chores at home or at work like paying bills or making appointments. ADHD in adult men symptoms and finances could be messy, and they may struggle to maintain healthy relationships and a stable job.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and miscommunications with partners, friends and colleagues. These problems can lead to strained or even broken connections and feelings of loneliness. Inattention, forgetfulness and the tendency to "zone out", or stop paying attention, may result in misunderstandings between loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity, and mood swings. These can be disruptive in their professional and personal lives. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of family, work, and society, and are more prone to criticism or harsh judgement.
The good news is that there are options to manage the impact of these symptoms. For many adults, treatment options include lifestyle changes and the use of specially designed organizational tools and prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be more able than men to conceal their ADHD symptoms and, as a consequence they may not be diagnosed until adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships and stable jobs, and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's hormones and chromosomes; gender refers the internal sense of oneself as a male, woman, nonbinary or other gender identity. Mental health issues are often diagnosed in relation to both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These feelings can be exacerbated due to the inability of keeping track of the daily schedule and appointments, which can lead to health problems such as missed health check-ups, missed payments and even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to relationship problems with partners, friends and colleagues.
Many women develop coping mechanisms to hide their problems, which can make it difficult for others to notice they have trouble staying focused and organized. These strategies of coping can be beneficial, like setting up a daily schedule, or a phone reminder or even unhealthy, such as relying on drugs or alcohol to cope or function. These coping strategies can trigger an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and anxiety for women, causing them to feel that they aren't successful or productive, which may increase feelings of anxiety and depression.
Women with ADHD might also feel like they don't belong or aren't meeting social expectations. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They might also face challenges at work, such as difficulties with organization skills, adherence to corporate policies, or adhering to a daily 9-to-5 schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances due to disorganization or excessive spending. They may also struggle to keep up with work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD is a chronic condition that requires continuous care, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite the prevalence of the disorder yet, it is often under-diagnosed, misunderstood and untreated. The lingering stigmas and referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the distinctive symptom manifestation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They may be easily annoyed or excited, lose track of time or be late for events. They may also have difficulty reading body language and picking up social cues. This can lead to issues at work or in relationships. They may be prone to arguments or spend too much time in pursuits and hobbies that are not important to them. They may also have difficulty maintaining friendships or making connections because they are unable to keep their commitments and promises.
Women are more adept at developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to get diagnosed. They might, for example, develop routines that help them stay organized or utilize apps to remind themselves of their appointments. They may also alter their behavior to fit in with norms and expectations set by society. They may even try to hide their symptoms using alcohol or drugs. This could lead to serious health consequences over time.
Some people with ADHD do not completely overcome the symptoms. About 60 percent of women with ADHD during childhood continue to suffer from the condition into adulthood, compared to 30% of men.
If you are unable to find relief through medication or lifestyle changes, professional treatment can be helpful. There are a variety of options available, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling, together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is an effective method to improve your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters that boost motivation and focus. It can reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Girls and women with ADHD are frequently affected by emotional reactivity. They may have difficulty to regulate their emotions and express them appropriately and this can lead to frustration with others and themselves. For example, a woman with ADHD might become enraged when a friend critiques her, but she may not be able to settle down and discuss the issue in a more rational manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause" her response by identifying body signals that indicate she's feeling overwhelmed or stressed like a flushed skin or a shortness of breath.
This inability to regulate their emotions can heighten frustration and miscommunications in relationships, and it can make people with ADHD more prone to anxiety and depression. It can also cause difficulties with social interactions since it is difficult to read people's moods or pick up social signals.
In some instances, those who suffer from ADHD may seem emotionally detached and uninterested in their peers or loved ones, even if they truly care about them. In other instances they might withdraw from triggering situations to avoid experiencing emotions that are intense.
The nature of women's symptoms can make it easier for doctors to overlook the symptoms of ADHD. Many women conceal their ADHD symptoms and when they do manifest they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as anxiety or mood disorders. If you're struggling with these symptoms, it may be helpful to seek an expert in mental health who is experienced in working with girls and women who have ADHD. They can confirm your experiences, teach you strategies such as self-awareness or pacing, as well as provide you with psychoeducation for your family to help you identify and manage future ADHD symptoms.