Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While men and boys are diagnosed far more often with ADHD but girls and women are also susceptible to it. However, lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it difficult for them to get properly evaluated and treated.
These strategies could be harmful and unsustainable. Here are some of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD in adult women.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are susceptible to feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. They often struggle to keep track of multiple deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to forget important events or appointments. They may also have difficulty staying focused in noisy or crowded surroundings. This can cause them to miss opportunities and produce lower quality work.
These challenges can lead to frustration for many adults with ADHD. They may feel that they are a reflection of their own performance or of themselves. They can often suffer from low self-esteem and a negative image of their body. They may also be struggling to keep relationships stable and come up with effective strategies to cope. In some cases they resort to unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking or drugs. This can make it difficult for others to recognize that they're struggling, and can delay an accurate diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to failure and criticism which can cause them to internalize their problems and find it difficult to seek help. This is why they may have relationship difficulties and have difficulty finding meaningful work. They may also be more prone to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some instances the symptoms may lead to a mental condition that is non-suicidal, like self-harm (NSSI) which could be exhibited through cutting or burning.
Although it's more common in males and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD The symptoms can last into adulthood and can impact many aspects of life. It's crucial for women to be aware of the signs and seek a thorough evaluation from a health care professional. A proper diagnosis can result in better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often feel overwhelmed and like their lives are chaotic. They may fail to meet deadlines for work or have difficulty keeping up with chores at home or at work like paying bills and making appointments. They might have a chaotic home and finances, and may struggle to maintain a stable relationship and an employment.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can cause more frustration and miscommunications with friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can result in to broken or strained relationships, and feelings of loneliness. Forgetfulness, difficulty in listening and the tendency to "zone out", or stop paying attention, can also cause misunderstandings with loved ones.
Signs of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and mood swings are more common among women suffering from ADHD than men, and can be highly disruptive to both your personal and professional. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and society. They could also be sensitive to harsh judgment and criticism.
The good news is that there are solutions to reduce the impact of these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle changes and the use of specific tools for organization, as well as prescription stimulant medications.
Women with 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 also more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also struggle to keep stable relationships and jobs and be afflicted by low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the hormones and chromosomes. Gender refers the internal sense of oneself as a male, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health conditions are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who have ADHD are at risk for depression and anxiety. These feelings can be exacerbated when you're unable keep track of your daily tasks and appointments. This could lead to health issues such as missed checkups or payments that are late, or even debt. ADHD can cause emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness which can lead to relationships problems with family, friends, and coworkers.
Many women come up with strategies to hide their symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to recognize that they're having difficulty staying organized and focused. These strategies for coping may be healthy, such as establishing a daily schedule or establishing phone reminders or they may be unhealthy and rely on alcohol or other drugs to function or cope with their issues. These coping strategies can trigger an environment of self-doubt and stress for women, making them feel that they aren't successful or productive, which may cause depression and anxiety.
Additionally, women with ADHD frequently feel the pressure of not fitting in or achieving social norms, which can lead to low self-esteem and a sense of frustration. They may also encounter issues at work, including issues with organization skills, following corporate guidelines, or adhering to a daily 9-to-5 schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances due in part to disorganization or excessive spending. Or, they may struggle to keep up with work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD is a chronic condition that requires lifelong support, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite the disorder's prevalence however, it's still undiagnosed, misunderstood, and not treated. The distinctive symptoms of ADHD in women are the result of stereotypes of referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They could be easily frustrated or excessively excited, and may lose track of their time or be late for events. They might also have trouble understanding body language and recognizing social signals. This could cause issues at work or with relationships. For instance, they could be easily entangled in arguments or spend too much time on hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They may also have difficulty maintaining relationships or creating new connections due to the fact that they struggle to follow through on promises and commitments.
Women are generally better at building coping mechanisms that can help them to manage their ADHD symptoms, which is why it's more difficult for them to be diagnosed than men are. They could, for example create routines to aid in staying organized or utilize apps to remind them of their appointments. They may also alter their behavior to fit in with the norms and expectations of society. They may even try to hide their symptoms with drugs or alcohol. This could have grave health consequences in the long run.
Many people with ADHD overcome their symptoms, but there are some who do not. Around 60% of women with ADHD in childhood will continue to have it into adulthood. This is compared to 30% of males.
Professional treatment may be beneficial for those who do not find relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options, like career coaching, counseling, and life coaching. You can also consider taking stimulants. Exercise can also be an excellent way to boost your mood and boost your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters, which increase the motivation and focus. what are ADHD symptoms in adults can also help reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are frequently affected by emotional hyperactivity. They may struggle with controlling their emotions and expressing them appropriately. This can cause frustration for both themselves and others. A person with ADHD may become angry when a friend criticizes her however she may not be able to talk about the issue in a rational way. She might also be unable to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals such as flushed skin or shortness in breath that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
This issue with regulating emotions can result in confusion and frustration, and can make people with ADHD prone towards anxiety or depression. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions, since it can be difficult to gauge other people's moods and pick up on social signals.
In certain instances, people who suffer from ADHD might appear to be emotionally detached and uninterested in their peers or loved ones, even if they genuinely love them. In certain situations they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions in order to avoid experiencing them.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easy for clinicians to overlook the effects of ADHD. Many women hide their ADHD symptoms and when they do show up they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as anxiety or mood disorders. It can be helpful to consult an expert in mental health who has experience working with women and young girls with ADHD when you're experiencing these symptoms. They can confirm your experience, teach you strategies like self-awareness and pacing, and provide you with psychoeducation for your family members to help you identify and manage the upcoming ADHD symptoms.