Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can both suffer from ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often but it is also possible for women to suffer from the condition. But lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it harder for them to be assessed and treated.
Many women devise coping strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and meet societal expectations, but these strategies can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD tend to feel overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often find it challenging to keep track of numerous deadlines, emails, and meetings. They are also more prone to forget important events or appointments. They may also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This can result in missed opportunities and lower quality of work.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the challenges they face can feel like a reflection of their character or performance, which can lead to frustration. They can often have a low self-esteem and negative image of themselves. They may also have difficulty to maintain stable relationships and develop effective coping strategies. In some cases they resort to unhealthy strategies for coping, such as excessive drinking or drugs. This can make it harder for others to see that they're struggling, and can delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD may be particularly sensitive to criticism or failure. This can cause them to internalize the problem and make it difficult to seek help. This is why they may struggle with issues with relationships and may have a difficult time finding meaningful employment. They could be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In certain instances these symptoms may cause the development of a mental health condition such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can be expressed through cutting, burning, or scratching.
Although it's more common in males and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD The symptoms can last throughout adulthood and affect multiple areas of life. Women should be aware of the signs and seek an evaluation by a health professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to more manageable symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often feel overwhelmed and like their lives are a mess. They may miss work deadlines or have difficulty keeping the track of their chores at home or at work, such paying bills and making appointments. They may be disorganized with their home and finances, and may struggle to keep relationships stable and maintain a job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can cause more frustration and miscommunications between friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can result in to broken or strained relationships, and feelings of loneliness. Inattention, forgetfulness and the tendency to "zone out" or not pay attention, can cause misunderstandings with loved ones.
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience signs of emotional instability, impulsivity and mood swings. They can be disruptive in both their personal and professional lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD may be overwhelmed by the demands of family, work and social life. They may also be sensitive to criticism and harsh judgment.
There are methods to manage these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle changes, 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 disguise their ADHD symptoms, and as a result they may not be diagnosed until they reach adulthood. They are also more likely to have multiple disorders that are comorbid, like depression and anxiety which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women also have a difficult time trying to maintain stable relationships and jobs and suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's hormones and chromosomes. Gender refers to the internal perception of oneself as a male woman, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health problems are usually diagnosed in relation to both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety. These moods can be made worse due to the inability of keeping the track of the daily schedule and appointments that can cause health problems such as missed check-ups, late payments and even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness of ADHD can also lead to issues with relationships with coworkers, partners and family members.
Many women come up with strategies to mask their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to notice that they're having difficulty staying focused and organized. These strategies of coping could be healthy, like creating an agenda for the day or establishing phone reminders or they may be unhealthy, such as relying on alcohol or drugs to help them function or cope with their difficulties. These strategies can make women feel anxious and unsecure and make them doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can trigger feelings of anxiety or depression.
Women who suffer from ADHD might also feel like they aren't accepted or don't conform to social norms. This can cause feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They may also experience difficulties at work, such as difficulties with organizational abilities, adhering to corporate policies, or adhering to a 9-to-5 routine. They may have difficulty managing their finances due to disorganization or excessive spending. They may also struggle to keep up with work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a lifetime condition that requires constant support, especially when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence it is misunderstood and underdiagnosed. It is also untreated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result of stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities, and hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They may become easily frustrated or excessively excited, and may lose track of their time or be late for an event. They may also have difficulty reading body language and picking up social signals. This could cause issues at work or with relationships. They might be susceptible to arguing or spend too much time in pursuits and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have difficulty maintaining relationships or creating new connections due to the fact that they struggle to keep their promises and commitments.
Women tend to be better in developing coping mechanisms to help them mask their ADHD symptoms, making it harder for them to get diagnosed than men are. They could, for example create routines to assist them in staying organized, or use apps to remind themselves of their appointments. They may also alter their lifestyle to conform to societal expectations and norms. They could even conceal their symptoms by taking alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems, which can cause serious health consequences in the long term.
Many people with ADHD get over their symptoms, but others don't. About symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults of women with ADHD in their childhood have the condition until adulthood, as opposed to 30% of males.
Professional treatment can be beneficial for those who can not find relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options, such as life coaching, career coaching, and counseling, together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is also beneficial to boost your mood and boost your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters that boost the ability to focus and motivate and can help ease anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Women and girls with ADHD often struggle with emotional reactivity. They may have a difficult time to manage their emotions and communicate them effectively and can cause anger with their own self and others. For instance, a woman with ADHD may become angry when her partner is critical of her, but she might not be able to settle down and discuss the issue in a sensible manner. She might also be unable to "pause her reaction" by identifying body signals like flushed skin or shortness in breath that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
This inability to regulate emotions can cause confusion and frustration and make those 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 or pick up social signals.
In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their peers or loved ones, even though they genuinely care about them. In other situations they might withdraw from situations that trigger them to avoid feeling a strong emotion.
Gender bias is common among clinicians and the effects of ADHD on women are often overlooked because of the nature of their symptoms. Many of them hide their ADHD symptoms when they do appear they are more likely to be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related and thus misdiagnosed. If you're struggling with these symptoms, it can be beneficial to consult a mental health professional experienced in working with girls and women who have ADHD. They can validate your experiences, guide you how to use strategies like pacing and self-awareness and offer family psychoeducation that can help you learn to recognize and respond to your ADHD symptoms in the near future.