Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can suffer from ADHD. While both men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently, it is also possible for women to be affected by the disorder. But stereotypes, prejudices regarding referrals and internalized symptoms as well as the presence of comorbidities may make it difficult for them to be properly assessed and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but these can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are some of 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 have a difficult time to keep track of many deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They could also be more likely to miss important dates or events. They may also have difficulty concentration in noisy or busy surroundings. This can lead them to miss out on opportunities and work that is less than satisfactory.
For many adults suffering from ADHD These challenges can be seen as a reflection of their character or performance, and can cause frustration. They may have a low self-esteem and negative body image. They may also be struggling to keep relationships stable and develop effective coping strategies. In some cases they resort to unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking or drugs. This can make it more difficult for others to see that they're struggling and delay a diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often sensitive to criticism or failure. This may cause them to internalize the issue and make it difficult to seek help. They may also experience relationship problems and struggle to find work that is meaningful. They could also be more prone to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In some instances these symptoms may cause the development of a mental health issue such as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can be manifested by burning, cutting, or scratching.
ADHD is more common among both boys and men, but symptoms can persist and impact the entire life of. Women should recognize the signs and seek out an evaluation from a healthcare professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often report feeling overwhelmed and feel like their lives are a mess. They may miss work deadlines or struggle to keep the track of their the tasks at home or at work like paying bills or making appointments. Their finances and home may be messy, and they may struggle to keep healthy relationships and a stable job.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can cause more frustration and miscommunications with friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can result in strained or even broken connections and feelings of isolation. The inability to listen, forgetfulness and a tendency to "zone out" in conversations could contribute to misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
The signs of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and mood swings are more prevalent in women with ADHD than men, and can be highly disruptive to both personal and professional life. adult ADHD symptoms in men who are not treated for ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of family, work and the society, and are more prone to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are solutions to reduce the impact of these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle adjustments, the use of specialized organization tools, and prescription stimulant drugs.
Women who suffer from ADHD often find it easier than men to disguise their ADHD symptoms and, as a result, may go undiagnosed until they reach adulthood. They are more likely to be suffering from comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women also have a difficult time trying to keep stable relationships and jobs and be afflicted by low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's hormones and chromosomes; gender is the internal belief in oneself as a man woman, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health issues are usually diagnosed in relation to both.
3. Anxiety
Women who have ADHD are at risk of developing anxiety and depression. These feelings can be exacerbated when you're unable keep the track of your daily tasks and appointments. This could lead to health issues like missed appointments, late payments and even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness of ADHD can also lead to issues with relationships with partners, coworkers and even friends.
Many women come up with strategies to mask their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to recognize that they're having difficulty staying focused and organized. These strategies for coping may be healthy, such as creating an agenda for the day or setting phone reminders, or they may be unhealthy depending on alcohol or other drugs to perform or manage their difficulties. These coping strategies can trigger a cycle of self-doubt and stress for women, making them feel that they aren't successful or productive, which may increase feelings of depression and anxiety.
In addition, women who suffer from ADHD often experience a sense of not being accepted or meeting societal expectations and this can lead to low self-esteem and frustration. They might also experience difficulties at work, including difficulties in establishing organizational skills adhering to company policies or adhering to a routine 9-to-5 work schedule. They may struggle with managing their finances, because of their indecisiveness and uncontrolled spending, or they might be unable to keep up with work-related tasks or completing homework.
ADHD can be a lifelong condition that requires ongoing assistance, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite the prevalence of the disorder yet, it is often under-diagnosed, misunderstood and untreated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are the result of stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology, comorbidities, and hormonal fluctuation.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They might become easily frustrated or overly excited, lose track time or be late to events. They also might have trouble reading body speech or recognizing social cues. This can lead to problems at work or with relationships. For instance, they could have a tendency to get into fights easily, or they may spend too much time with 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 better at developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to get diagnosed. For instance, they could develop routines to help them stay organized or rely on apps to remind them of their appointments. They might also change their behavior to conform with norms and expectations set by society. They might even hide their symptoms using alcohol or drugs to manage and avoid serious health consequences in the long run.
Many people with ADHD overcome their symptoms, but there are some who do not. Around 60% of women suffering from ADHD in childhood will suffer from it into adulthood. This compares to 30% of men.
If you're unable to find relief through lifestyle changes or medication professional help can be beneficial. There are a variety of options, including counseling, career coaching, and life coaching. There are also stimulants. Exercise is an effective method to boost your mood and boosting your energy. It releases neurotransmitters that increase the ability to focus and motivate and can help ease anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women with ADHD often have issues with emotional reaction. They may have trouble regulating their emotions and how they express them. This can cause frustration for themselves as well as others. For example, a woman with ADHD might become enraged when a friend is critical of her, but she might not be able to calm down and talk about the issue in a more sensible manner. She might also be unable to "pause her reaction" by identifying body signals like flushed skin or shortness in breath which indicate she is either overstimulated or overwhelmed.
This inability to regulate emotions can lead to confusion and anger and make those with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions, since it can be difficult to read the mood of others and pick up on social cues.
In some instances, those with ADHD may seem emotionally detached and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even though they genuinely love them. In some cases, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid feeling them.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easy for healthcare professionals to overlook the symptoms of ADHD. Many women conceal their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear, they are more likely to be mistakenly diagnosed as depression or anxiety disorders. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it can be beneficial to talk to an expert in mental health who is experienced in working with girls and women who have ADHD. They can help you validate your experiences, teach you how to utilize strategies such as self-awareness and pacing and provide psychoeducation for your family which can help you understand how to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the future.