Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can suffer from ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often, it is also possible for women to be affected by the condition. But stereotypes, referral prejudice and internalized symptoms as well as comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be appropriately evaluated and treated.
Many women develop coping strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but these strategies can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are some of adult women's most frequent ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It is often difficult for them to keep on top of deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to forget important events or appointments. They may also be unable to focus. concentrating in noisy or busy environments. ADHD and adults symptoms can cause them to miss out on opportunities and produce lower quality work.
These issues can cause frustration for many adults suffering from ADHD. They might feel that they are a reflection of themselves or their performance. They can often suffer from low self-esteem and negative image of their body. They may also struggle to maintain stable relationships and develop effective coping strategies. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking or drugs. This may make others less likely to recognize their issues and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to criticism and failure and can lead them to internalize their problems and struggle to get help. They may also have relationship problems and are unable to find work that is meaningful. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some instances the symptoms can lead to a mental condition such as non-suicidal harming oneself (NSSI), that can be expressed by cutting, burning or scratching.
ADHD is more prevalent among males and females, however symptoms can persist and impact many areas of your life. Women must recognize the symptoms and seek a diagnosis by a health professional. A proper diagnosis can lead to more manageable symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD feel overwhelmed, as if their lives are in chaos. They may miss deadlines or have difficulty to keep track of household chores, such as paying bills and keeping appointments. Their finances and home may be disorganized, and they may struggle to maintain healthy relationships and a stable job.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can lead to frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with friends, partners and colleagues. These problems can lead to broken or strained relationships and feelings of loneliness. The inability to listen, forgetfulness and a tendency "zone out" in conversations could contribute to misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
The signs of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and mood swings are more frequent among women suffering from ADHD than in men and can be extremely disruptive to both personal and professional life. Women who are not treated for ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of their families, work and the society, and might be more sensitive to criticism or harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are solutions to control the effects of these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specially designed tools for organization, as well as prescription stimulant medications.
Women with ADHD might be able to conceal their ADHD symptoms better than males and can result in an undiagnosed condition until adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also struggle to maintain stable relationships and jobs and can suffer from low self esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the chromosomes and hormones; gender refers the internal sense of oneself as a man woman, woman, nonbinary or another gender identity. Mental health conditions are usually diagnosed by both.
3. Anxiety
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These symptoms can be worsened if you are unable to keep on top of your daily activities and appointments. This could lead to health issues like missed appointments or late payments, and can even lead to debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and apathy of ADHD can also lead to problems with relationships with colleagues, partners and even friends.
Many women come up with strategies to hide their symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to recognize that they are having trouble staying organized and focused. These strategies of coping could be healthy, such as establishing a daily schedule or setting reminders for phone calls, or they may be unhealthy depending on alcohol or other drugs to function or cope with their issues. These coping strategies can make women feel anxious and unsecure, leading them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can trigger feelings of depression or anxiety.
Women with ADHD might also feel that they don't fit in or aren't meeting social expectations. This can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. They may also encounter issues at work, such as difficulties with organization skills, adherence to corporate policies, or adhering to a routine of 9-5. They may be struggling with managing their finances, due to disorganization and impulsive spending, or they may struggle to complete work-related tasks or completing homework.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing support, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite the disorder's prevalence however, it's still under-diagnosed, misunderstood and undertreated. The lingering stigmas, referral bias internalized symptoms, comorbidities, and hormonal changes all contribute to the unique symptom-based presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They could be easily upset or excited, lose track of time or be late to events. They may also have difficulties understanding body language and recognizing social cues. This can lead to issues at work or with relationships. For instance, they may get into arguments easily or they may spend too much time on hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They 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 building coping mechanisms that can help them to manage their ADHD symptoms, so it's harder for them to get diagnosed than men. For instance, they may develop routines to help them remain organized or rely on apps to remind them of their appointments. They could change their lifestyle to conform to social norms and expectations. They may even cover up their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems, which can cause serious health issues in the long run.
Many people who suffer from ADHD outgrow their symptoms, but others don't. About 60 percent of women who suffer from ADHD in their childhood have the condition until they reach adulthood, compared to 30% of men.
If you are unable to find relief through lifestyle or medication professional help can be helpful. There are many options available, like counseling, career coaching, and life coaching. There are also stimulants. Exercise can also be an excellent way to boost your mood and boost your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters that increase the ability to focus and motivate and can help ease anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are frequently affected by emotional hyperactivity. They may find it hard to manage their emotions and express them appropriately and this can lead to frustration with their own self and others. For instance, a person with ADHD might become enraged when a friend critiques her, but she may not be able to control her anger and discuss the issue in a more rational manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause her reaction" by identifying body cues like flushed skin or a short breath that suggest she is stressed or overwhelmed.
This difficulty regulating their emotions can cause more stress and misunderstandings in relationships, and it can make people with ADHD more susceptible to anxiety and depression. It can also cause issues when it comes to social interactions, because it is difficult to discern the mood of others and pick up on social signals.
In certain instances, ADHD people may appear emotionally detached and uninterested towards their loved ones or friends even though they are concerned about them. In other cases they may avoid situations that trigger emotions to avoid feeling an intense emotion.
The nature of women's symptoms can make it easier for doctors to overlook the effects of ADHD. Many of them hide their ADHD symptoms and, when they do manifest in the future, they're more likely be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related and thus misdiagnosed. It can be helpful to consult an expert in mental health who has worked with girls and women with ADHD if you are experiencing these symptoms. They can confirm your experience, teach you strategies such as self-awareness or pacing, and provide you with family psychoeducation to help you identify and manage future ADHD symptoms.