Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While boys and men are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD but girls and women can also have it. But persistent stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it harder for them to get properly assessed and treated.
These strategies are often harmful and ineffective. Here are some of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adult women.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are susceptible to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of multiple deadlines, emails, and meetings. They are also more likely to forget important dates or events. They may also have difficulty to concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. This can cause them to miss opportunities and lower quality work.
For many adults with ADHD the challenges they face can feel like an aspect of their personality or performance, which can lead to frustration. They can often have a low self-esteem as well as a negative image of themselves. They may also have difficulty to keep relationships stable and develop effective strategies for coping. In some cases, they turn to unhealthy coping methods that include excessive alcohol or drugs. This can make it difficult for others to understand that they're struggling, and can delay a diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often sensitive to criticism or failure. This can lead them to internalize the issue and make it difficult for them to seek assistance. This is why they may have relationship difficulties and have difficulty finding work that is meaningful. They could also be more prone to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In some cases the symptoms may cause a mental disorder that is non-suicidal, like self-harm (NSSI), that can be exhibited through cutting, burning or scratching.
ADHD is more common among males and females, however symptoms can persist and impact the entire life of. It's crucial for women to identify the symptoms and seek an evaluation from a health care professional. A positive diagnosis can result in better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD feel overwhelmed, as if their lives are chaotic. They might miss deadlines at work or struggle to keep the track of their the tasks at home or at work, such paying bills and making appointments. They may have a disorganized home and finances, and could struggle to keep relationships stable and maintain work.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and confusion in relationships between friends, partners and coworkers. These issues can result in fractured or even strained relationships and feelings of being isolated. Forgetfulness, difficulty in listening and the tendency to "zone out", or stop paying 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 who are not treated for ADHD are often overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of work, family, and society, and are more prone to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
There are methods to manage these symptoms. For many adults treatment options include lifestyle changes and the use of specially designed organizational tools, as well as prescription stimulant medication.
Women with ADHD often find it easier than men to hide their ADHD symptoms and, as a result, may go undiagnosed until the age of adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression which can worsen the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have issues maintaining healthy relationships and a steady job, and can 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 perception of self as a woman, man or nonbinary gender identity and mental health issues are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These emotions may be exacerbated due to the inability of keeping track of the daily schedule and appointments that can cause health issues like missed appointments, late payments and even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and apathy of ADHD can also create issues with relationships with colleagues, partners and even friends.
Many women develop coping 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 could be healthy like making a daily plan or a phone reminder or even unhealthy, such as relying on drugs or alcohol to cope or function. These coping strategies can lead to a cycle of stress and self-doubt for women, which makes them feel like they are not doing enough or productive, which could cause anxiety and depression.
In addition, women with ADHD often experience a sense of not fitting in or meeting the expectations of society and this can lead to low self-esteem and a sense of frustration. They might also face difficulties at work, like difficulties with organizational 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 have difficulty keeping up with work-related assignments or finishing homework.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires constant support, especially when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence it is undiagnosed and misunderstood. It is also not treated. The distinctive symptoms of ADHD in women are a result stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology, comorbidities, and hormonal fluctuations.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be easily annoyed or excessively exuberant, and they may lose track of their time or be late for an event. They may also have difficulties understanding body language and recognizing social cues. This can lead to problems at work or in relationships. They could be susceptible to arguments or spend too much time with interests and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have difficulty maintaining friendships or making new connections due to their struggle to stick to promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at developing ways to cope with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them 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 behavior to fit in with the norms and expectations of society. They might even hide their symptoms using alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems with their symptoms, which could have serious health problems in the long term.
Many people with ADHD overcome their symptoms, but some don't. About 60% of women who have ADHD in childhood will have it into adulthood. This is compared to 30% of males.
Professional treatment can be beneficial for those who do not see relief from medications or lifestyle changes. There are many options, such as life coaching, career coaching, and counseling, as well as medications such as stimulants. Exercise is also an excellent way to boost your mood and increase your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters that increase the ability to focus and motivate and can also ease anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Women and girls with ADHD often have trouble with emotional reactivity. They may find it hard to regulate their emotions and express them in a proper manner and this can lead to frustration with their own self and others. For instance, a woman with ADHD might become enraged when her spouse criticizes her, but she might not be able to calm down and discuss the issue in a rational manner. adult male ADHD symptoms might also be unable to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals like a flushed face or breath shortness that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
This difficulty in regulating emotions can lead to confusion and anger and make people with ADHD prone towards anxiety or depression. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions, since it can be difficult to read the mood of others and pick up on social signals.
In certain instances, people with ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even if they truly are concerned about them. In other situations they may avoid triggering situations to avoid experiencing emotions that are intense.
The nature of women's symptoms can make it easy for healthcare professionals to ignore the effects of ADHD. Many of them hide their ADHD symptoms when they do manifest they are more likely to be seen as anxiety- or mood-related, which can lead to misdiagnosis. It's a good idea to seek out a mental health professional who has worked with women and young girls with ADHD when you're experiencing these symptoms. They can validate your experiences, show you how to apply strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and provide family psychoeducation which can help you understand how to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the near future.