Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can suffer from ADHD. While both men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often, it is also possible for women to be affected by the disorder. But stereotypes, prejudices regarding referrals, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be appropriately assessed and treated.
Many women devise coping strategies to hide 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 tend to feel overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of many deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They may also be more likely to forget important dates or events. They may also have difficulty to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This could result in missed opportunities as well as a lower level of productivity.
For many adults with ADHD the challenges they face can be seen as an expression of their character or performance and lead to frustration. Many people with ADHD end up having low self-esteem and a negative view of their body. They may also be struggling with maintaining stable relationships and developing efficient coping strategies. In some instances, they turn to unhealthy coping methods that include excessive alcohol or drug use. This can make it more difficult for others to understand the signs of struggle and delay an accurate diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be more sensitive to criticism or failure. This can lead them to internalize their problems and make it difficult to seek assistance. In the end, they may have issues with relationships and may have a difficult time finding meaningful work. They are also more prone to anxiety, depression and mood fluctuations. In some cases these symptoms may lead to the development of a mental health condition such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which may be manifested by burning, cutting or scratching.
ADHD is more common in males and females, however symptoms can linger and affect the entire life of. Women should recognize the signs and seek a diagnosis by a health professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and an improved quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed, as if their lives are in chaos. They may fail to meet deadlines for work or have trouble keeping the track of their household or work tasks like paying bills or making appointments. Their finances and their home could be disorganized and they may have a difficult time to maintain healthy relationships and a stable job.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can lead to frustration and confusion in relationships between partners, friends and coworkers. These issues can result in broken or stressed connections and feelings of isolation. The inability to remember, the difficulty in listening and the tendency to "zone out", or stop paying attention, can result in misunderstandings between loved ones.
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience signs of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. They can be disruptive both in their professional and personal lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD are often overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of their families, work, and society, and may be particularly sensitive to criticism or harsh judgement.
The good news is that there are ways to reduce the impact of these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specialized organizational tools, as well as prescription stimulant medication.
Women who suffer from ADHD may be able to cover up their ADHD symptoms better than males, which can lead to an undiagnosed condition that can last until the age of. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression which can worsen the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have issues maintaining healthy relationships and a stable job and are susceptible to low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the chromosomes and hormones; gender is the internal belief in self-identity as a man, woman, nonbinary or another gender identity. Mental health issues are often diagnoses by both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are at risk for depression and anxiety. These feelings can be exacerbated when you're unable to keep the track of your daily tasks and appointments. This can cause health problems such as missed checkups or payments that are late, or even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness, which can lead to relationships problems with family, friends, and coworkers.
Many women develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms and make it harder for others to see that they struggle to stay focused and organized. These coping mechanisms may be healthy like setting up a daily schedule, or a phone reminder or even unhealthy, such as using alcohol or drugs to function or cope. These coping strategies can trigger an unhealthy cycle of stress and self-doubt for women, which makes them feel like they are not doing enough or productive, which can cause anxiety and depression.
Women with ADHD might also feel like they don't belong or don't meet social expectations. This can cause feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They may also face challenges at work, such as difficulties with organization skills, adhering to corporate policies or sticking to a standard 9-to-5 work schedule. They may struggle with managing their finances due to disorganization and impulsive spending, or they could struggle to complete work-related assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing assistance, especially when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence it is undiagnosed and misunderstood. It is also not treated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result of stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology and comorbidities as well as hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They may become easily frustrated or excessively excited, and they might lose track of their time or be late for events. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or picking up on social cues. This can lead to problems at work or in relationships. They might be susceptible to arguments or spend too much time in pursuits 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 at developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to get diagnosed. For instance, they could create routines to help stay organized or rely on apps to remind them of their appointments. They could also alter their behaviour to comply with norms and expectations set by society. They may even cover up their symptoms using alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems and avoid serious health issues in the end.
Many people with ADHD outgrow their symptoms, but there are some who don't. About 60% of women who have ADHD in childhood continue to suffer from the condition until adulthood, as opposed to 30% of males.
Professional treatment can be beneficial for those who could not find relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a myriad of options available, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling along with medications like stimulants. Exercise is a great way of improving your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters that increase attention and motivation and can also ease anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often afflicted by emotional reactivity. They may find it hard to manage their emotions and express them in a proper manner, which can cause frustration with their own self and others. A person suffering from ADHD may become angry when her partner criticizes her however, she may not be able calm down to talk about the issue in a rational way. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause" her reactions by recognizing bodily signals that indicate she's feeling overwhelmed or stressed like flushing skin or breath shortness.
This inability to regulate their emotions can cause more stress and miscommunications in relationships, and can make those with ADHD more susceptible to anxiety or depression. It can also cause problems in social interactions, since it can be difficult to read other people's moods and detect social signals.
In certain instances, people who suffer from ADHD may seem emotionally detached and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even when they genuinely care about them. In some cases they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions in order to avoid feeling them.
Gender bias is a frequent feature of doctors and the impact of ADHD on women can be easily overlooked due to the nature of their symptoms. Many of them hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear, they're more likely to be seen as anxiety- or mood-related, which can lead to misdiagnosis. It's a good idea to consult an expert in mental health who has experience working with girls and women with ADHD if you are experiencing these symptoms. ADHD symptoms in adults quiz can validate your experiences, show you how to utilize strategies like pacing and self-awareness, and provide family psychoeducation to help you learn to recognize and respond to your ADHD symptoms in the future.