Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Women and girls can have ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often however, it is also feasible for women to be affected by the condition. But stereotypes, referral prejudice, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities can make it difficult to get them properly assessed and treated.
These strategies could be harmful and ineffective. Here are some of the adult women's most commonly reported ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD can be prone to feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. They often struggle to keep track of many deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They may also be more likely to forget important dates or events. They may also struggle to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This can cause them to miss out on opportunities and work that is less than satisfactory.
For many people with ADHD, these challenges can be seen as a reflection of their character or performance, which can lead to frustration. Many people with ADHD end up having a low sense of self and a negative view of their body. They may also have difficulty to maintain stable relationships and develop effective coping strategies. In some cases, they turn to unhealthy strategies for coping like excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it harder for others to understand that they're struggling, and can delay an accurate diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to criticism and failure and can lead them to internalize their problems and have difficulty seeking assistance. They may also have relationship problems and are unable to find work that is meaningful. They are also more prone to anxiety, depression, and mood fluctuations. In some instances, these symptoms can cause the development of a mental health issue such as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could be expressed through cutting, burning, or scratching.
ADHD is more common among men and boys, but symptoms can persist and impact many areas of your life. Women should be aware of the signs and seek an evaluation by a medical professional. A proper diagnosis can result in better-managed symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD feel overwhelmed as if they are in chaos. They may miss deadlines or have difficulty to manage household or work-related tasks like paying bills and keeping appointments. They might have a chaotic home and finances, and could struggle to maintain stable relationships and work.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can cause more frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with partners, friends, and coworkers. These issues can cause broken or stressed connections and feelings of loneliness. Forgetfulness, difficulty in listening and the tendency to "zone out" or to not pay attention, may lead to misunderstandings with loved ones.
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity and mood swings. These can be disruptive in their professional and personal lives. Women with untreated ADHD may be overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and society. They may also be sensitive to harsh criticism and harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are solutions to manage the impact of these symptoms. For severe ADHD symptoms adults include lifestyle modifications and the use of specialized tools for organizing, as well as prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a harder time than men to hide their ADHD symptoms and, as a result they are often not diagnosed until adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which can compound the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also struggle to keep their relationships stable and secure, and may suffer from low self esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the person's genetic makeup, chromosomes and hormones and anatomy. Gender refers to the internal feeling of self as a woman, man or nonbinary gender identity and mental health issues are often diagnosed on the basis of both.
3. Anxiety
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These feelings can become more severe when you're unable to keep the track of your daily tasks and appointments. This could lead to health issues such as missed health checkups or payments that are late, or even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness associated with ADHD can also create relationship issues with colleagues, partners, and friends.
Many women develop strategies to mask their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to recognize that they are having trouble staying organized and focused. These strategies for coping may be healthy, like creating an annual schedule or setting reminders for phone calls, or they may be unhealthy, such as relying on alcohol or drugs to help them perform or manage their issues. These coping strategies can lead to an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and stress for women, making them feel they are not successful or productive, which could cause anxiety and depression.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel that they don't belong or aren't meeting social expectations. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They may also encounter difficulties at work, including difficulties with organizational skills, adherence to corporate guidelines, or adhering to a 9-to-5 routine. They may be struggling to manage their finances due to disorganization or an impulsive spending. They may also struggle to keep up with work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires continuous care, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence it is undiagnosed and misunderstood. It is also untreated. The distinctive symptoms of ADHD in women are the result of stereotypes of referral biases, internalized symptomatology and comorbidities as well as hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are often unable to control their emotions and impulses. They can be easily annoyed or excessively excited, and they might lose track of their time or be late for events. They may also have difficulty understanding body language and picking up social cues. This could cause problems at work or with relationships. For example, they might get into arguments easily or they may spend too much time in pursuit of hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining friendships or making connections due to their inability to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at forming ways to cope with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to diagnose. For instance, they may develop routines to help them stay organized or rely on apps to remind them of their appointments. They may alter their behavior to conform to social expectations and norms. They might even attempt to hide their symptoms with drugs or alcohol. This could lead to grave health consequences in the long run.
Many people suffering from ADHD outgrow their symptoms, but there are some who don't. About 60% of women who have ADHD during childhood continue to suffer from the condition into adulthood, compared to 30% of men.
Professional therapy can be beneficial for those who do not experience relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options, like career coaching, counseling and life coaching. There are also stimulants. Exercise can also be beneficial to boost your mood and increase your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters that boost motivation and focus. It can also reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women with ADHD are frequently affected by emotional reactivity. They may have a difficult time to manage their emotions and express them in a proper manner and this can lead to frustration with others and themselves. For example, a woman with ADHD may become angry when her partner critiques her, but she may not be able to control her anger and discuss the issue in a more sensible manner. She also might struggle to "pause" her reaction by identifying body signals that indicate she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed like flushing skin or a shortness of breath.
This difficulty in regulating emotions can result in frustration and misunderstandings, and can make people with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also lead to difficulties with social interactions since it is difficult to discern people's moods and social cues.
In certain instances, people with ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even though they really are concerned about them. In some cases they might avoid situations that trigger strong emotions in order to avoid experiencing them.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easier for doctors to ignore the effects of ADHD. Women often hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do manifest they are more likely to be mistakenly diagnosed as depression or anxiety disorders. If you're experiencing trouble with these symptoms, it might be beneficial to consult an expert in mental health who is experienced in working with women and girls who have ADHD. They can validate your experience, teach you strategies such as self-awareness or pacing, as well as provide you with psychoeducation for your family to help you recognize and respond to future ADHD symptoms.