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, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be properly assessed and treated.
These strategies could be harmful and unsustainable. Here are some of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It can be difficult to keep track of deadlines, emails and meetings. They are also more likely to forget important events or appointments. They may also find it difficult to focus in noisy or busy environments. This can lead them to miss opportunities and work that is less than satisfactory.
For many adults with ADHD These challenges can be seen as an expression of their character or performance and lead to frustration. Many people with ADHD end up having an unsatisfactory self-image and a negative view of their body. They may also be struggling to keep relationships stable and develop effective strategies for coping. In some instances they will turn to unhealthy coping methods, such as excessive alcohol or drug use. This can make it harder for others to recognize that they're struggling, and can delay a diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often sensitive to criticism or failure. This may cause them to internalize the issue and make it difficult to seek assistance. They may also have issues with relationships and may find it difficult to find work that is meaningful. They are also more prone to anxiety, depression and mood fluctuations. In some instances, the symptoms can lead to a mental condition that is non-suicidal, like self-harm (NSSI), that can be expressed by cutting or burning.
While it's more prevalent in males and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms can last into adulthood and impact many aspects of life. It's crucial for women to recognize the symptoms and seek an assessment from a health care professional. A proper diagnosis can result in better control of symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed as if they are in chaos. They may not meet deadlines or find it difficult to keep track of household chores, such as paying bills and keeping track of appointments. Their finances and home may be messy and they may find it difficult to maintain good relationships and a stable job.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and misunderstandings in relationships between partners, friends and coworkers. These issues can cause broken or strained connections and feelings of loneliness. The inability to listen, forgetfulness and a tendency "zone out" in conversations could result in arguments and miscommunications with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity, and mood swings. These can be disruptive both in their personal and professional lives. Women with untreated ADHD are often overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of their families, work as well as society. They are more prone to criticism or harsh judgment.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle changes and the use of specially designed tools for organization, as well as prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD often find it easier than men to hide their ADHD symptoms and, as a result they may not be diagnosed until the age of adulthood. They are also more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have issues maintaining healthy relationships and a stable job and are susceptible to low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the chromosomes and hormones; gender is the internal belief in oneself as a male woman, a nonbinary, or another gender identity. Mental health conditions are often diagnosed in relation to both.
3. Anxiety
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety and depression. These emotions may be exacerbated by the inability to keep on top of appointments and daily tasks and can result in health problems such as missed appointments, late payments, and even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to problems in relationships with family, friends and coworkers.
Many women come up with strategies to mask their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to see that they have difficulty staying focused and organized. These coping mechanisms may be beneficial, like creating a daily schedule or a phone reminder, or unhealthy, like relying on drugs or alcohol to function or cope. These strategies for coping can cause women to feel stressed and insecure which can cause them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. 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 anxiety and low self-esteem. They might also face issues at work, such as issues with organization abilities, adhering to corporate policies, or sticking to a routine of 9-5. They may have difficulty managing their finances, due to disorganization and impulsive spending, or they might struggle to complete work-related tasks or completing homework.
ADHD is a chronic condition that requires continuous support, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite the prevalence of the disorder however, it's still under-diagnosed, misunderstood and undertreated. Remaining stereotypes as well as referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the unique symptom presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They can be easily annoyed or overly excited, and may lose track of time or be late to events. They might also have trouble understanding body language and recognizing social signals. This could cause issues at work or with relationships. For ADHD symptoms in adults males , they may have a tendency to get into fights easily, or they may spend too much time on hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They might also have difficulty maintaining relationships or creating new connections due to the fact that they struggle to stick to promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at forming strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to diagnose. They might, for example create routines to aid in staying organized or utilize apps to remind themselves of their schedules. They could also alter their behavior to conform with societal expectations and norms. They could even conceal their symptoms by taking alcohol or drugs to manage and avoid serious health issues in the end.
Some people suffering from ADHD do not outgrow the symptoms. Around 60% of women with ADHD in their childhood will suffer from it until they reach adulthood. This compares to 30% of men.
Professional treatment can be beneficial for those who do not experience relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are many options, such as career coaching, counseling and life coaching. You can also consider taking stimulants. Exercise can also be an excellent way to boost your mood and increase your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters to boost attention and motivation and can also ease anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Women and girls with ADHD often have trouble with emotional reaction. They may have trouble regulating their emotions and how they express them. This can cause frustration for themselves as well as others. For instance, a woman with ADHD may become angry when her spouse is critical of her, but she may not be able to calm down and talk about the issue in a rational manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause her reaction" by identifying body cues such as flushed skin or a short breath that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
This inability to regulate emotions can result in confusion and anger and make those with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also cause problems in social interactions, since it can be difficult to gauge other people's moods and detect social signals.
In some cases, people with ADHD may seem emotionally detached and disinterested in their friends or loved ones, even if they truly are concerned about them. In other instances they might withdraw from situations that trigger emotions to avoid feeling an intense emotion.
Gender bias is a frequent feature of medical professionals, and the effects of ADHD on women can be easily overlooked because of the nature of their symptoms. Many women hide their ADHD symptoms and when they do manifest, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as mood or anxiety disorders. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it can be helpful to seek an experienced mental health professional who has experience in working with girls and women with ADHD. They can confirm your experiences, teach you strategies like self-awareness and pacing, and also provide you with family psychoeducation to help you recognize and manage future ADHD symptoms.