Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can suffer from ADHD. While both men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often however, it is also feasible for women to be affected by the disorder. However, stereotypes, prejudices about referrals, internalized symptoms, and the presence of comorbidities may make it difficult for them to be appropriately assessed and treated.
These strategies can be unhealthy and ineffective. Here are some of the adult women's most frequent ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It is often difficult to keep track of deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to miss important appointments or events. They might also have trouble staying focused in noisy or crowded surroundings. This can cause them to miss opportunities and produce lower quality work.
These issues can cause frustration for many adults suffering from ADHD. They may feel that they reflect of their own performance or of themselves. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience an unsatisfactory self-image and a negative view of their body. They may also have difficulty maintaining stable relationships and establishing efficient coping strategies. In some instances, they use unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive alcohol or drug use. This can make it difficult for others to see that they're struggling and delay an accurate diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are often sensitive to criticism and failure which can cause them to internalize their problems and have difficulty seeking assistance. They may also have problems with relationships and find it difficult to find work that is meaningful. They are also more prone to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In certain instances these signs can lead to the development of a mental health issue such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which could be manifested by burning, cutting or scratching.
Although it's more common in men and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD The symptoms can last into adulthood and impact multiple areas of life. Women should recognize the signs and seek a diagnosis by a medical professional. A positive diagnosis can result in better-managed symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often feel overwhelmed and feel like their lives are a mess. They might miss deadlines or find it difficult to keep track of household chores, such as paying bills and keeping track of appointments. They may be disorganized with their home and finances, and may struggle to maintain stable relationships and a job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and misunderstandings in relationships between friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can result in fractured or even strained relationships and feelings of loneliness. Forgetfulness, difficulty in listening, and the tendency to "zone out", or stop paying attention, may cause misunderstandings with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience signs of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. These can cause disruption in both their personal and professional lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of work, family and the society, and may be particularly sensitive to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are solutions to reduce the impact of these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specialized tools for organization, and prescription stimulant medications.
Women with ADHD may be able to cover up their ADHD symptoms better than men and can result in an undiagnosed condition until adulthood. They are more likely to be suffering from comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships and a stable job, and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's hormones and chromosomes; gender refers the internal sense of oneself as a man woman, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health issues are often diagnoses based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are at risk for anxiety and depression. These symptoms can be worsened if you are unable to keep on top of your daily activities and appointments. This can cause health problems such as missed health checkups, late payments and even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and apathy of ADHD can also cause relationship issues with partners, coworkers, and friends.
Many women come up with strategies to mask their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to see that they are having trouble staying organized and focused. These strategies of coping can be healthy like creating a daily schedule or a reminder on the phone, or unhealthy, like drinking alcohol or taking drugs to manage or function. These coping strategies can lead to an environment of self-doubt and anxiety for women, causing them to feel that they aren't successful or productive, which could add to feelings of depression and anxiety.
Women with ADHD might also feel that they don't fit in or aren't meeting social expectations. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They may also experience issues at work, such as difficulties with organizational abilities, adhering to corporate policies, or adhering to a 9-to-5 routine. They may struggle to manage their finances due to a lack of organization or an impulsive spending. Or, they may be struggling to complete work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a lifelong condition that requires ongoing support, especially when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence it is poorly understood and not properly diagnosed. It is also undertreated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are the result of stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology, comorbidities, and hormonal fluctuation.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They might become easily frustrated or overly excited, lose track time, or be late to events. They may also have difficulties understanding body language and picking up social signals. This could cause problems at work or in relationships. For instance, they may have a tendency to get into fights easily, or they may spend too much time with hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They may also have difficulty keeping friendships and making new connections because they struggle to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them than men to get diagnosed. For example, they might create routines to help remain organized or rely on apps to remind them of appointments. They may 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 manage and avoid serious health consequences in the long term.
Many people who suffer from ADHD get over their symptoms, but others do not. About ADHD adult symptoms of women suffering from ADHD in childhood will have it throughout their adulthood. This compares to 30% of males.
For those who don't get relief from lifestyle or medication professional help can be beneficial. There are a variety of options, such as life coaching, career coaching, and counseling along with medications like stimulants. Exercise is also a great way to improve your mood and increase your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters that boost the motivation and focus. It can also help reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women with ADHD often have issues with emotional reactivity. They may have trouble regulating their emotions and communicating them in a proper manner. This can cause frustration for both themselves and others. For instance, a person with ADHD might become enraged when her spouse is critical of her, but she may not be able to control her anger and talk about the issue in a sensible manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals like a flushed face or breath shortness that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
This issue with regulating emotions can result in confusion and anger, and can make people with ADHD susceptible to depression or anxiety. It can also cause problems when it comes to social interactions, because it can be difficult to gauge the mood of others and recognize social cues.
In certain situations, ADHD people may appear disconnected and uninterested in their friends or loved one even though they care about them. In certain situations they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions in order to avoid feeling them.
Gender bias is a common feature among clinicians and the effects of ADHD on women are often omitted because of the nature of their symptoms. Many of them camouflage their ADHD symptoms, and when they do manifest, they're more likely to be seen as anxiety- or mood-related, which can lead to misdiagnosis. It can be helpful to seek out a mental health professional who has worked with women and young girls with ADHD in the event that you're experiencing these symptoms. They can help validate your experiences, teach you how to apply strategies like pacing and self-awareness and provide psychoeducation for your family which can help you understand how to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the future.