Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While boys and men are diagnosed far more often with ADHD, women and girls may also be affected. But persistent stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it harder for them to be properly assessed and treated.
These strategies could be harmful and unsustainable. Here are some of the adult women's most common ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with 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 miss important appointments or events. They may also have difficulty concentrating in noisy or busy environments. This can lead them to miss opportunities and produce lower quality work.
For many adults with ADHD, these challenges can be seen as a reflection of their character or performance, which can lead to frustration. They may end up with a low self-esteem as well as a negative image of themselves. They may also struggle to maintain relationships and come up with effective strategies to cope. In some instances they will turn to unhealthy coping methods like excessive drinking or drugs. This may make others less likely to recognize their problems and delay diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be more sensitive to criticism or failure. This may cause them to internalize their problems and make it difficult to seek help. They may also have issues with relationships and may find it difficult to find meaningful employment. They may also be more prone to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In certain cases the symptoms may lead to a mental condition such as non-suicidal harming oneself (NSSI), that can be expressed by cutting or burning.
While it's more common for boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist throughout adulthood and affect multiple areas of life. It's essential for women to be aware of the symptoms and seek an examination from a medical professional. A correct diagnosis can result in better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often report feeling overwhelmed and feel like their lives are in chaos. They may miss work deadlines or have difficulty keeping up with the tasks at home or at work, such paying bills and making appointments. They may be disorganized with their home and finances, and could struggle to maintain a stable relationship and an employment.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and misunderstandings in relationships with partners, friends, and coworkers. These problems can lead to strained or even broken connections and feelings of loneliness. Forgetfulness, difficulty listening, and a tendency to "zone out" during conversations can contribute to misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
The signs of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and mood swings are more prevalent among women suffering from ADHD than men and can be extremely disruptive to both your personal and professional. Women with untreated ADHD are often overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of family, work and the society, and are more prone to criticism or harsh judgement.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle changes as well as the use of specific tools for organization, and prescription stimulant drugs.
Women with 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 be suffering from comorbid disorders like depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also have trouble maintaining healthy relationships and a stable job, and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's chromosomes and hormones; gender refers to the internal perception of self-identity as a man woman, a nonbinary, or any other gender identity. Mental health problems are usually diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. These symptoms can be worsened when you're unable keep the track of your daily tasks and appointments. This could lead to health issues such as missed health checkups or late payments, and can even lead to debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness of ADHD can also create problems with relationships with coworkers, partners, and friends.
Many women develop strategies to mask their symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to recognize that they're having difficulty staying organized and focused. These strategies of coping can be healthy like making a daily plan or a phone reminder or even unhealthy, such as relying on drugs or alcohol to cope or function. These strategies can make women feel stressed and insecure which can cause them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can trigger feelings of anxiety or depression.
Women who suffer from ADHD might also feel like they don't belong or don't conform to social norms. This can cause anxiety and low self-esteem. They might also face issues at work, like issues with organization skills, adherence to corporate policies, or sticking to a daily 9-to-5 schedule. They may be struggling to manage their finances due to disorganization or impulsive spending. Also, they might struggle to keep up with assignments or homework.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires lifelong support, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence, it is still under-diagnosed, misunderstood and untreated. Remaining stereotypes and referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities, and hormonal changes all contribute to the unique symptom-based presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They may become easily frustrated or overly excited, and they might lose track of their time or be late to events. They may also have difficulty understanding body language and picking up social cues. This could cause issues at work or in relationships. They might be susceptible to arguing or spend too much time in pursuits and hobbies that aren't important to them. They might also have trouble keeping relationships or forming connections due to their inability to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are generally better in establishing coping mechanisms that help them mask their ADHD symptoms, which is why it's difficult for them to be diagnosed than men. They could, for example create routines to help them stay organized or utilize apps to remind them of their schedules. They may alter their behavior to conform to societal norms and expectations. They might even hide their symptoms by using drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms, which could have serious health issues in the end.
Many people who suffer from ADHD get over their symptoms, but some do not. About 60% of women who have ADHD in childhood continue to be affected until they reach adulthood, compared to 30% of men.
ADHD in adults symptoms women can be beneficial for those who could not see relief from medications or lifestyle changes. There are many options, such as career coaching, life coaching, and counseling, as well as medications such as stimulants. Exercise is a fantastic method of improving your mood and boosting your energy. It releases neurotransmitters which boost motivation and attention. It can also help reduce anxiety and stress.
5. ADHD symptoms in adult women to emotional stimuli
Girls and women with ADHD often struggle with emotional hyperactivity. They may have difficulty to manage their emotions and communicate them effectively and can cause anger with themselves and others. For instance, a woman with ADHD might become enraged when her partner critiques her, but she might not be able to control her anger and discuss the issue in a more sensible manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause her reaction" by identifying body signals like a flushed face or breath shortness that suggest she is stressed or overwhelmed.
This inability to regulate their emotions can lead to more frustration and misunderstandings in relationships and can make those with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also cause issues with social interactions, as it is difficult to discern the mood of others and detect social signals.
In some cases, ADHD people may appear in a way that they are emotionally detached and not interested in their loved ones or friends even though they are concerned about them. In some instances they might avoid situations that trigger strong emotions in order to avoid feeling them.
Gender bias is a common feature among medical professionals and the impact of ADHD on women are often omitted 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. It's a good idea to seek out a mental health professional who has worked with young girls and women with ADHD in the event that you're experiencing these symptoms. They can confirm your experience, instruct you on strategies like self-awareness and pacing, as well as provide you with psychoeducation for your family to help you recognize and respond to future ADHD symptoms.