Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While boys and men are diagnosed far more often with ADHD but girls and women may also be affected. But lingering stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it difficult for them to get properly assessed and treated.
These strategies can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are a few of the adult women's most frequent ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by the daily tasks. They often struggle to keep track of numerous deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to miss important appointments or events. They may also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This could cause them to miss opportunities and work that is less than satisfactory.
These issues can cause frustration for many adults suffering from ADHD. They may believe that they reflect of their own performance or of themselves. They may have a low self-esteem and negative image of themselves. They may also have difficulty maintaining stable relationships and establishing efficient coping strategies. In some cases they may turn to unhealthy coping methods, such as excessive alcohol or drugs. This can make it difficult for others to see that they're struggling, and can delay the diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to criticism and failure, which can cause them to internalize their issues and find it difficult to seek help. They might also be afflicted by issues with relationships and may are unable to find a meaningful job. They may also be more susceptible to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In certain instances, these symptoms can cause the development of a mental health condition such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can be manifested through burning, cutting or scratching.
ADHD is inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms among men and boys, but symptoms can last and affect many areas of your life. It's crucial for women to recognize the signs and seek a thorough examination from a medical professional. A proper diagnosis can lead to more manageable symptoms and an improved quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD feel overwhelmed as if they are in chaos. They may not meet deadlines or find it difficult to manage household or work-related tasks such as paying bills and keeping track of appointments. They might have a chaotic home and finances, and struggle to maintain stable relationships and an employment.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and miscommunications with friends, partners, and coworkers. These issues can cause to broken or strained relationships, and feelings of loneliness. Inattention, forgetfulness and a tendency to "zone out" in conversations could result in arguments and miscommunications with loved ones.
Signs of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and mood swings are more frequent in women with ADHD than in men, and can be highly disruptive to both personal and professional life. Women with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of their families, work as well as society. They may be particularly sensitive to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
There are ways to deal with these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle modifications and the use of specialized organization tools, and prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD often find it easier than men to hide their ADHD symptoms and, as a result, may go undiagnosed until they reach adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also struggle to keep stable relationships and jobs and can suffer from low self esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's biological makeup, chromosomes and hormones and anatomy; gender refers to the internal perception of self as a man, woman or nonbinary gender identity; and mental health conditions are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more susceptible to depression and anxiety. These feelings can be exacerbated when you're unable keep the track of your daily tasks and appointments. This can lead to health issues such as missed health checkups or late payments, and can even lead to 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 mask their symptoms, which can make it harder for others to see that they are struggling to stay focused and organized. These strategies of coping could be healthy, such as creating a daily schedule or setting reminders for phone calls, or they may be unhealthy depending on alcohol or other drugs to function or cope with their issues. These strategies for coping can cause women to feel anxious and unsecure, leading them to doubt their capabilities and self-confidence. This can trigger feelings of anxiety or depression.
Additionally, women with ADHD often experience a sense of not fitting in or meeting societal expectations which can cause feelings of self-doubt and anger. They may also experience difficulties at work, including difficulties with organization skills, adherence to corporate policies, or adhering to a daily 9-to-5 schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances because of their indecisiveness and uncontrolled spending, or they may be unable to keep up with work-related assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a lifelong condition that requires continuous support, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence, it is still undiagnosed, misunderstood, and undertreated. Remaining stereotypes and referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the unique symptom presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They may become easily frustrated or overly excited, and they might lose track of time or be late to events. They might also have difficulty reading body language or picking up on social cues. This could cause problems at work or in relationships. They might be susceptible to arguments or spend too much time with interests and hobbies that aren't important to them. They may also have difficulty keeping friendships or making connections due to their inability to keep their commitments and promises.
Women tend to be better at building coping mechanisms that can help them to manage their ADHD symptoms, so it's more difficult for them to be diagnosed than men are. They might, for example create routines to assist them in staying organized, or utilize apps to remind them of their appointments. They may alter their behavior to conform to societal expectations and norms. They may even cover up their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems and avoid serious health issues in the long run.
Some people with ADHD do not outgrow the symptoms. Around 60% of women suffering from ADHD during childhood will continue to have it throughout their adulthood. This compares to 30% of men.
If you're unable to get relief from lifestyle changes or medication Professional treatment may be helpful. There are many options, such as career coaching, counseling, and life coaching. There are also stimulants. Exercise can also be a great way to improve your mood and boost your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters which boost motivation and attention. It can also reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often afflicted by 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. A woman with ADHD may get angry when a friend critiques them however she may not be able to calm down to discuss the matter in a rational way. She may also struggle to "pause her reaction" by identifying body signals such as flushed skin or breath shortness that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
This issue with regulating their emotions can lead to more frustration and miscommunications in relationships, and can make those with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also lead to difficulties in social interactions as it is difficult to discern people's moods or pick up social cues.
In certain instances, people with ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even when they truly love them. In some cases they might avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid experiencing them.
The nature of women's symptoms can make it easy for clinicians to ignore the effects of ADHD. Many women hide their ADHD symptoms and when they do show up, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as mood or anxiety disorders. It is advisable to speak with a mental health specialist who has experience working with young girls and women with ADHD when you're experiencing these symptoms. They can validate your experience, teach you strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and also provide you with psychoeducation for your family to help you recognize and address any the upcoming ADHD symptoms.
