Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can both suffer from ADHD. While both men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently, it is also possible for women to suffer from the disorder. But persistent stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities can make it more difficult for them to get properly assessed and treated.
These strategies are often harmful and ineffective. Here are a few of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are susceptible to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It can be difficult to keep track of deadlines, emails and meetings. They are also more likely to miss important appointments or events. They may also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. This could cause them to miss opportunities and lower quality work.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the challenges they face can be seen as an expression of their character or performance and lead to frustration. They often have a low self-esteem as well as a negative body image. They may also have trouble maintaining stable relationships and developing effective coping mechanisms. In some cases, they turn to unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it harder for others to recognize that they're struggling and delay an accurate diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are particularly sensitive to failure and criticism and can lead them to internalize their issues and struggle to get assistance. This is why they may experience relationship difficulties and have difficulty finding meaningful employment. They could also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some cases the symptoms can cause a mental disorder that is non-suicidal, like harming oneself (NSSI) which could be exhibited through cutting or burning.
While it's more prevalent in men and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms can last throughout adulthood and affect multiple areas of life. It's crucial for women to be aware of the signs and seek a thorough assessment from a health care professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better management of symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often feel overwhelmed and feel like their lives are a mess. They may miss deadlines or find it difficult to keep track of household chores like paying bills and keeping track of appointments. They might have a chaotic home and finances, and may struggle to keep relationships stable and maintain an employment.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can lead to frustration and misunderstandings in relationships between partners, friends and coworkers. These issues can cause to broken or strained relationships and feelings of isolation. The inability to remember, the difficulty in listening, and the tendency to "zone out" or not pay attention, may lead to misunderstandings with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity, and mood swings. These can be disruptive both in their professional and personal lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of work, family and the society, and are more prone to criticism or harsh judgement.
There are methods to manage these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specific organizational tools and 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 more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also struggle to keep their relationships stable and secure, and may be afflicted by low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's hormones and chromosomes; gender refers to the internal perception of oneself as a male, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health problems are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who have ADHD are at risk for anxiety and depression. These moods can be made worse due to the inability of keeping track of the daily schedule and appointments that can cause health problems such as missed appointments, late payments or even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness, which can lead to relationship problems with friends, partners, and coworkers.
Many women develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to recognize that they're having difficulty staying focused and organized. These coping strategies may be healthy, like creating an annual schedule or establishing phone reminders or they may be unhealthy and rely on alcohol or drugs to help them manage or overcome their issues. These coping strategies can cause women to feel anxious and unsure, leading them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can trigger depression or anxiety.
Women with ADHD may also feel that they aren't accepted or aren't meeting social expectations. This can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. They might also face challenges at work, such as issues with organization skills, following corporate guidelines, or adhering to a 9-to-5 routine. ADHD symptoms in adults quiz may have difficulty managing their finances because of their indecisiveness and uncontrolled spending, or they could be unable to keep up with work-related tasks or completing homework.
ADHD can be a lifetime condition that requires ongoing assistance, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite the disorder's prevalence however, it's still undiagnosed, misunderstood, and not treated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities and hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They could be easily frustrated or overly excited, and may lose track of their time or be late for events. They may also have difficulties reading body language and picking up social signals. This could cause issues at work or in relationships. They could be susceptible to arguments or spend too much time in pursuits and hobbies that aren't important to them. They might also have trouble keeping friendships or making connections because they are unable to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are better at developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to diagnose. They might, for example create routines to aid in staying organized or use apps to remind themselves of their schedules. They may also alter their behavior to fit in with societal expectations and norms. They could even conceal their symptoms by using drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms, which could have serious health consequences in the long run.
Some people with ADHD are not able to overcome the symptoms. About 60% of women who have ADHD in childhood continue to suffer from the condition until adulthood, as opposed to 30% of men.
If you're unable to get relief from lifestyle changes or medication professional help can be beneficial. There are a myriad of options, such as career coaching, life coaching, and counseling as well as medications such as stimulants. Exercise is also a great way to improve your mood and increase your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters that increase attention and motivation and can also ease anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Women and girls with ADHD are often afflicted by emotional hyperactivity. They may have a difficult time to manage their emotions and communicate them effectively, which can cause frustration with others and themselves. A person suffering from ADHD may become angry when a friend criticizes them however she may not be able to talk about the issue in a rational way. She also might struggle to "pause" her response by recognizing bodily signals that indicate she's overwhelmed or overexcited like flushing skin or breath shortness.
This inability to regulate their emotions can lead to more frustration and misunderstandings in relationships and can make those with ADHD more susceptible to depression or anxiety. It can also cause problems with social interactions because it is difficult to read people's moods or detect social cues.
In certain instances, ADHD people may appear disconnected and uninterested in their loved ones or friends, even though they care about them. In other situations they might withdraw from situations that trigger them to avoid feeling an intense emotion.
Gender bias is common among clinicians and the impact of ADHD on women are often overlooked due to the nature of their symptoms. Many women hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as anxiety or mood disorders. It can be helpful to speak with a mental health specialist who has worked with young girls and women with ADHD if you are experiencing these symptoms. They can help validate your experiences, teach you how to use strategies like pacing and self-awareness and provide psychoeducation for your family to help you learn to recognize and respond to your ADHD symptoms in the future.