ADHD in Adult Women Symptoms
Women with ADHD might find it difficult to get the help that they require. However through therapy and medication, symptoms can be managed.
Symptoms include restlessness, forgetfulness and impulsivity, mood swings, and difficulty managing daily activities. These symptoms can result in unhealthy relationships, or co-occurring disorders such as eating disorders.
1. Hyperfocus
For people suffering from ADHD hyperfocus is the tendency to totally be absorbed in a task and completely ignore any distractions. When it is used for tasks such as writing or making art, this is an extremely useful skill. However, if it is extended to other tasks, like watching TV or interacting with social media, the results can be less productive. Hyperfocus is a symptom of ADHD that affects women and can cause issues at work and in their personal lives.
Women may also experience the inattentive-type symptoms of ADHD (difficulty staying on task or forgetting important tasks) more than they do the hyperactivity/impulsive symptoms. Because of this, women's ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to identify. They may not be able keep track of their bills or schedule, and may struggle to maintain friendships.
Hyperfocus can cause women suffering from ADHD to become ineffective or have unhealthy relationships at home or at work. Dysregulation of emotions is a primary sign of ADHD in women of all ages and can be exacerbated by hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
It can be difficult for others to see when you're stuck in hyperfocus, and they may not know what you're talking about when you return to them. This can be a source of frustration for everyone involved. However, it's possible to develop strategies that will help you snap out of hyperfocus and regain control of your time. For instance, set a timer for 15 minutes to remind you to not spend your time on the internet or switch between tasks while watching TV. You can also break your focus with a simple gesture.
Hyperfocus can be a great advantage for people suffering from ADHD. It allows them to achieve incredible things, like winning gold medals at the Olympics, or completing major artistic projects. However, this is only true when they are able to recognize their own impulsive tendencies, and learn to manage their attention and stop their hyperfocus if necessary. For most people, this will require an effective support system that is willing to keep them accountable and help them set reasonable boundaries.
2. Procrastination
Women with ADHD have a difficult time beginning tasks or working on projects. They often put off projects and tasks until the last minute, and then become overwhelmed by their workload and struggle to find motivation to get started. They may also have a difficult time keeping track of their time and overestimate the time required to complete their tasks.
Procrastination is common in many people however for those with ADHD it can lead to many issues. It can be challenging to keep up with life admin tasks such as making an appointment with health services, scheduling appointments with your doctor, or responding to your friends promptly. Stress and anxiety may also be a result, which can affect your health.
You may also be having trouble planning for future events, or doing your homework. You might get so engrossed in the details of planning that you don't achieve any progress and you don't get the job done. You might also find it hard to communicate with family members and acquaintances or to interpret nonverbal signals from others. You might talk too much, ramble off on topics, or have trouble understanding the boundaries of social interaction.
Some women who suffer from ADHD struggle to make new friendships and forming relationships. They may also struggle to maintain their jobs and complete household chores. They might have low self-esteem and find it challenging to connect with other people. Some of them aren't able to understand body language or pick up on social signals. This could cause them to appear aloof and unapproachable.
While it is true that women who suffer from ADHD are less likely to be diagnosed than men, a lot of women are affected by the symptoms of the disorder. Some have what's known as high-functioning ADHD, which is when symptoms don't cause significant disruption to their lives. Others have mild or specific symptoms that affect only certain areas of their lives, including school and work.
Those who have ADHD must be aware that they can improve their performance by seeking treatment. Treatment choices include therapy and medication. There are also accommodations that you can ask for from your workplace or educational institution. They can help you manage your symptoms better and set you up to be successful.
3. Impulsivity
People with ADHD frequently have trouble controlling their emotions. This can result in an impulsive behavior that could cause social difficulties. This may manifest as a tendency to speak out in a way that is not thinking, purchasing things on impulse or engaging in disputes. People with ADHD are also unable to keep their place in conversations and often struggle to comprehend social boundaries. This can lead to issues with relationships and an insecurity about themselves that can affect women's mental health.
This is a more frequent occurrence in adults with the inattention-deficit kind of ADHD. It can cause problems at school or work including not meeting deadlines, forgetting important events and misplacing personal belongings. It can also create problems at home, such as struggling to complete chores and household chores and finding it difficult to get started or complete projects. Women with impulsive behaviors may feel overwhelmed by their day-to-day obligations. They may feel like they are being a failure in their lives or that they aren't able to measure up to others.
Many people suffering from ADHD are unable to recognize their impulsive behaviors, however it is crucial to seek help if these occur. Asking for an evaluation from a therapist is a good idea if you are experiencing mood swings, low self-esteem, or a lack in confidence that affects your daily routine. You can also contact Salience for an evaluation and treatment.
Women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD less frequently than boys. This isn't because girls and women are less prone to the disorder, but because the condition typically presents differently for women. This means they're more likely to develop coping mechanisms that hide symptoms or have a co-morbid condition. They also are more likely to have issues with relationships, which can make their symptoms more difficult to identify.
There are medications that can treat ADHD in adult women and improve their lives. They include stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts (Adderall) and Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) can be utilized for those who are unable to take stimulants because of health problems or severe side effects. Group therapy and psychotherapy may be helpful for some people.
4. Emotional Dysregulation
ADHD in females who are adults is usually associated with emotional dysregulation. This manifests as intense and frequent feelings that are out of proportion to the situation. Women with this symptom often have difficulty managing their emotions. This can lead to uncontrollable behaviors that can harm relationships and can hinder the progress of their careers. They may also be unable to in expressing their feelings and understanding them and become overwhelmed by their emotions.
this hyperlink is less understood than hyperactivity and impulsivity in adults with ADHD. It can include difficulties with self-restraint, speaking impulsively, interrupting others and having trouble understanding the boundaries of social interaction. It can also cause an issue in identifying and expressing emotions, like frustration, anger, sadness, anxiety and depression.
Women who have emotional dysregulation could struggle to maintain relationships and functioning effectively. They are more likely to experience anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression that may also contribute to symptoms of ADHD. They are more likely to have multiple comorbidities, including bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and/or anxiety and depression which can complicate treatment.
Because women who suffer from ADHD often experience a mix of symptoms that are overlapping and symptoms, they are more difficult to diagnose than men with the same symptoms. This is partly because women are more likely to exhibit externalizing symptoms than men, and are more obvious to others. It is essential to determine the diagnosis of a patient by considering all symptoms, not just external symptoms.
Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a different term. Sex refers back to a person's genetic makeup and chromosomal makeup while gender refers to the person's self-image as a woman, man, nonbinary, or other gender. The male-to-female ADHD ratio is higher in childhood but becomes more equal with age. As a result, women suffering from ADHD often are not diagnosed. A diagnosis can help them better manage their symptoms improve their relationships, help them achieve success at work and home and help them accept themselves more fully.