Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Women and girls can have ADHD. While both men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often however, it is also feasible for women to be affected by the condition. However, stereotypes, prejudices about referrals, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be properly assessed and treated.
These strategies are often harmful and not sustainable. Here are a few of the adult women's most frequent ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often struggle to keep track of many deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to miss important appointments or events. They may also have difficulty concentrating in noisy or busy environments. This can lead to missed opportunities as well as a lower level of productivity.
These challenges can cause frustration for many people with ADHD. They may believe that they reflect of themselves or their performance. Many adults with ADHD have an unsatisfactory self-image and a negative image of their body. They may also struggle to maintain relationships and come up with effective strategies to cope. In some instances they may resort to unhealthy coping behaviors like excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it difficult for others to recognize that they're struggling, and can delay an accurate diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are often sensitive to criticism and failure and can lead them to internalize their problems and find it difficult to seek help. They might also be afflicted by relationship problems and find it difficult to find a meaningful job. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood fluctuations. In some instances these signs can result in the development of a mental health problem such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can be manifested through burning, cutting, or scratching.
While it's more common for boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms can last into adulthood and impact various aspects of life. Women should be aware of the signs and seek out an evaluation by a medical professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better management of symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed as if they are chaotic. They may miss deadlines or find it difficult to keep track of work or household tasks such as paying bills and keeping the track of appointments. They might have a chaotic home and finances, and may struggle to keep relationships stable and maintain a job.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can lead to frustration and misunderstandings in relationships between friends, partners and coworkers. These issues can result in to broken or strained relationships and feelings of loneliness. The inability to listen, forgetfulness and a tendency "zone out" in conversations can also cause misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from symptoms of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. They can be disruptive both in their professional and personal lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands of family, work and social life. They may also be sensitive to harsh criticism and harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are ways to reduce the impact of these symptoms. For many adults, treatment options include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specific tools for organizing, as well as prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD may be able to cover up their ADHD symptoms better than men and can result in being undiagnosed until later in life. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression which can worsen the effects of untreated ADHD. Women also have a difficult time trying to keep their relationships stable and secure, and may suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's biological 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 on the basis of both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are at risk of developing anxiety and depression. These feelings can be exacerbated due to the inability of keeping the track of the daily schedule and appointments, which can lead to health problems such as missed check-ups, late payments or even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness and can cause relationships problems with partners, friends and colleagues.
Many women develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms that can make it harder for others to notice they are struggling to stay focused and organized. These strategies of coping can be beneficial, like setting up a daily schedule or a reminder on the phone or even unhealthy, such as using alcohol or drugs to function or cope. These strategies for coping can make women feel anxious and unsure and make them doubt themselves and their abilities. This can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel that they aren't accepted or don't meet social expectations. This can lead to frustration and low self-esteem. They may also experience issues at work, such as issues with organization abilities, adhering to corporate policies, or adhering to a routine of 9-5. They may have difficulty managing their finances due to disorganization or excessive spending. They may also have trouble keeping up with work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing assistance, especially when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence, the disorder is still misunderstood and underdiagnosed. It is also undertreated. The distinctive symptoms of ADHD in women are the result of stereotypes of referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities, and hormonal fluctuations.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They could be easily upset or overwhelmed, lose track of time or be late for events. They may also have difficulty reading body speech or recognizing social cues. This could cause problems at work or in relationships. For instance, they may get into arguments easily or they may spend too much time in pursuit of hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. combined ADHD symptoms in adults may also have difficulty keeping friendships and making new connections due to their struggle to follow through on promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at developing ways to cope with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them than men to get diagnosed. For instance, they could develop routines to help them keep track of their time or use apps to remind them of their appointments. They might also change their behavior to fit in with societal expectations and norms. They could even conceal their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems and avoid serious health issues in the long run.
Many people with ADHD outgrow their symptoms, but others don't. About 60% of women suffering from ADHD in childhood will continue to have it until they reach adulthood. This is in contrast to 30% of males.
For those who don't get relief from lifestyle changes or medication professional help can be beneficial. There are a myriad of options, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is an effective method to improve your mood and increasing your 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 are often afflicted by emotional reaction. They may have a difficult time to regulate their emotions and express them in a proper manner and can cause anger with their own self and others. A person suffering from ADHD might become angry when a friend critiques them, but she might not be able calm down to discuss the matter in a rational manner. She might also be unable to "pause her reaction" by identifying body signals such as flushed skin or shortness in breath which indicate she is either overstimulated or overwhelmed.
This inability to regulate their emotions can heighten frustration and miscommunications in relationships, and it can make people with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also lead to problems with social interactions because it's difficult to gauge people's moods and social signals.
In some instances, those with ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even when they truly love them. In some instances they might avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid experiencing them.
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 camouflage their ADHD symptoms, and when they do manifest they are more likely to be seen as anxiety- or mood-related, and therefore misdiagnosed. 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 girls and women with 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 respond to your ADHD symptoms in the near future.