Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in adult women are typically more difficult to identify than men, as women develop coping mechanisms in order to mask their symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle modifications and medication can assist them to improve their functioning and improve their quality of life.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have six symptoms from the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive subtypes lasting more than six months. These symptoms include:
1. Inattention
ADHD symptoms in women include difficulty keeping track of time, missing appointments, misplacing items, or getting easily distracted. Women can also struggle with procrastination and forgetfulness and working or studying in an environment which is noisy or bustling. They may have issues with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting others and uttering statements that they later regret.
Unlike boys and men who suffer from ADHD tend to be better at masking their symptoms. They might come up with healthy strategies for coping, such as relying upon a daily schedule and using phone reminders to remind them of important occasions. However, these strategies for coping can be unsustainable over the long term and may not be sufficient to cope with the demands of life. Additionally, their symptoms may be complicated by comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also exhibit hyperactivity and impulsivity. In adults, these symptoms are less obvious and could only affect a few areas of their lives, such as social or work-related interactions. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They might also have difficulty relaxing or finding a way to slow down, and may also have struggling to form and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from moderate to mild ADHD might not experience major issues at work or in their relationships, but they may have difficulty staying organized and following through on commitments. They may experience difficulties with schoolwork, finances or household chores. They often experience feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities. In severe cases, the condition can cause disturbances in a person's everyday life. They may also experience difficulties maintaining relationships or holding their job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD have a hard time organizing their work, home and personal things. They may also lose track important things like their keys, wallets and eyeglasses. They are also susceptible to lose their tempers and being easily distracted by other thoughts and activities. Their difficulty adhering to instructions and completing tasks can affect their academic performance as well as their work performance and relationships.
Women often hide their symptoms by using their emotions as a reason for their behavior, which makes it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. For instance, a woman might feel low self-esteem or anxiety as an explanation for her forgetfulness and inattention. She might also blame relationship issues or other complaints such as nausea and headaches on the stress of life or fluctuations in hormones (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal or menopausal).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious issues. For instance, girls and women with ADHD may be at a higher risk of adolescent sexual activity because of their impulsivity and difficulties with boundaries between people and planning. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs could be more prevalent. Inattention could result in delays in appointments and procedures with doctors. They may have erratic and disordered eating patterns or a higher BMI, as well as unhealthy coping strategies, such as nail-biting, skin picking, obsessive shopping and a lot of exercise.
A thorough evaluation by a medical professional or mental health professional is the best method of diagnosing ADHD. The specialist will also inquire with the patient about his or her emotional and physical well-being. They may also suggest diagnostic tests or an interview. A diagnosis can be a life-changing event for many adults who discover they've been struggling with an illness of the mind for years.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD have a harder time controlling their impulses. This could lead to other issues like self-injury, alcohol or drug abuse. This can cause issues in relationships as forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can result in miscommunications or conflicts with friends, family, and co-workers.
The term "impulsivity" refers to an urge to speak loud, purchase something on impulse, or act without thinking about the consequences. It is important to keep in mind that acting in a rash manner isn't always an indication of bad character, and some people require more time than others to process their thoughts before they act. However, it's recommended to speak with your doctor about this and to get tested for ADHD particularly when you observe that your symptoms are getting more severe.
Women who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty controlling their emotions. This can lead to depression and other mental health issues. The signs of depression can be difficult to recognize in women because they may resemble other health problems like headaches or insomnia. Some women with ADHD are hesitant to seek help due believe their symptoms are a result of low self-esteem.
It is important to understand that sex is a different concept than gender, and that your internal sense if identity is not dependent on the biological traits that determine if you are a woman, a man or a non-binary. However, many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty identifying with their assigned gender, and this can lead to feelings of guilt and despair. This can be made worse by the stress of living with untreated ADHD which can cause the absence of support from a professional or personal perspective.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they can have difficulties juggling adult responsibility. This can lead to problems at school or work and tensions with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty managing their finances or their home, and may be at risk for neglecting health-related issues like regular health checkups and exercising. They may also have difficulty to deal with negative emotions like anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms for women may include forgetting things, losing things, becoming easily distracted, having difficulty working with others, or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work. They could also be more likely to suffer from mood-related symptoms such as low self-esteem, low self confidence, or physical complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain.
It's important for women to identify their symptoms of ADHD and get an assessment. It is also beneficial to talk to a mental health professional about your concerns and to develop strategies to cope with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can aid, for instance, to change negative thinking patterns and increase coping skills. In addition the joining of a women's support group can provide valuable advice about living with ADHD and strategies for coping with everyday life.
It is also important to note that women who suffer from ADHD can experience different symptoms than males, and they can vary during transitional periods like puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, or hormone treatments during menopause. This is partly due hormonal fluctuations and also the fact that females have a greater hippocampal area, which plays a role in memory and learning. Women may also hide their ADHD symptoms better than men. This makes it harder to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Despite these challenges, it is still possible to lead a fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be difficult for women with ADHD to admit they have trouble with anxiety, getting a diagnosis and finding the appropriate treatment can make their lives so much better. It can also help women gain a better understanding of their behavior and how it affects others.
Anxiety is a common symptom of ADHD in women who are adults and it can look like:
It is difficult to stay focused or on task, daydreaming or seeming to be distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or could be boring. Having trouble focusing in the classroom or at work. Not remembering things or being late for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or feeling pressured at home or work. Finding ADHD symptom test for adults to relax or fall to sleep. Being easily disturbed or being a bit sensitive to criticism.
Women with ADHD are more likely to have a mood disorder that is co-existing, such as depression. They might also find it difficult to make friends. They could also experience issues with intimate relationships that result in a higher rate of intimate partner violence and a higher rate of substance abuse.
Girls and women can have difficulty getting a correct ADHD diagnose because their symptoms differ from those of boys and men. Health professionals must be aware of these differences to make an accurate diagnosis. This involves identifying specific characteristics that are more distinct, like a clear symptoms-profile, difficulties with social interactions and a tendency to use coping strategies to mask underachievement or performance problems, as well as the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is also crucial to think about the impact of hormone levels in women on the symptom profile she displays.