Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can suffer from ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently but it is also possible for women to be affected by the condition. However, lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it harder for them to be properly assessed and treated.
Many women devise coping strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and meet societal expectations, but these can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are a few of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are susceptible to feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. It can be difficult to keep on top of deadlines, emails, and meetings. They could also be more likely to miss important appointments or events. adult ADHD symptoms men may also find it difficult to focus in noisy or busy environments. This could cause them to miss opportunities and produce lower quality work.
For many adults with ADHD These challenges can be seen as a reflection of their character or performance, and can cause frustration. They can often have a low self-esteem and negative image of their body. They may also be struggling with keeping relationships stable and developing effective coping mechanisms. In some instances, they turn to unhealthy coping methods that include excessive alcohol or drugs. This can make others less likely to acknowledge their problems and delay diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are particularly sensitive to criticism and failure, which can cause them to internalize their difficulties and find it difficult to seek help. As a result, they may experience relationships and have trouble finding meaningful work. They could be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In certain cases the symptoms may result in a mental illness such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI) which can be expressed by cutting or burning.
While it's more prevalent in boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms can last into adulthood and impact various aspects of life. It's essential for women to be aware of the symptoms and seek an examination from a medical professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better control of 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 find it difficult to keep track of household chores like paying bills and keeping track of appointments. They may have a disorganized home and finances, and may struggle to maintain stable relationships and an employment.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with partners, friends, and coworkers. These issues can cause fractured or even strained relationships and feelings of being isolated. The inability to listen, forgetfulness, and a tendency to "zone out" in conversations can also contribute to misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity and mood swings. These can cause disruption in both their personal and professional lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands of family, work, and society. They might 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 treatments include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specially designed tools for organization, as well as prescription stimulant medication.
Women with ADHD might be able to cover up their ADHD symptoms better than men which could lead to an undiagnosed condition until adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which can compound the effects of untreated ADHD. Women also have a difficult time trying to maintain stable relationships and jobs and suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's chromosomes and hormones; gender refers the internal sense of self-identity as a man, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health conditions are often diagnoses based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who have ADHD are at risk for depression and anxiety. These symptoms can be worsened when you're unable to keep on top of your daily activities and appointments. This can lead to health issues like missed appointments or payments that are late, or even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to relationships problems with partners, friends, and coworkers.
Many women develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms, which can make it harder for others to see that they are struggling to stay focused and organized. These coping mechanisms may be beneficial, like making a daily plan, or a phone reminder or even unhealthy, such as relying on drugs or alcohol to manage or function. These strategies for coping can make women feel stressed and insecure and make them 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 don't belong or don't conform to social norms. This can cause frustration and low self-esteem. They may also encounter challenges at work, like issues with organization abilities, adhering to corporate policies, or adhering to a routine of 9-5. They may struggle to manage their finances due to disorganization or excessive spending. Also, they might be struggling to complete homework assignments or other work.
ADHD is a chronic condition that requires lifelong assistance, especially when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence this disorder is misunderstood and underdiagnosed. It is also undertreated. The lingering stigmas as well as referral biases internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal changes all contribute to the unique symptom presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They might become easily frustrated or overwhelmed, lose track of time or be late to events. They might also have trouble understanding body language and recognizing social signals. This can lead to problems at work or with relationships. They might be susceptible to arguing or spend too much time with interests and hobbies that aren't 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 developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them than men to get diagnosed. For instance, they could develop routines to help them stay organized or rely on apps to remind them of their appointments. They could also alter their behavior to fit in with societal expectations and norms. They could even conceal their symptoms by taking alcohol or drugs to manage, which can cause serious health consequences in the long term.
Many people with ADHD get over their symptoms, but others do not. About 60% of women who have ADHD during childhood continue to suffer from the condition into adulthood, compared to 30% of males.
Professional treatment may be beneficial for those who do not see relief from medications or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is a great way to improve your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters that boost attention and motivation and can also ease anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble with emotional hyperactivity. They may have difficulty regulating their emotions and how they express them. This can cause anger for themselves and others. For instance, a person with ADHD might become enraged when her partner critiques her, but she may not be able to calm down and talk about the issue in a more rational way. She may also struggle to "pause" her reaction by recognizing bodily signals that indicate she's overwhelmed or overexcited, such as flushing skin or shortness of breath.
This inability to regulate their emotions can heighten frustration and misunderstandings in relationships, and it can make people with ADHD more susceptible to depression or anxiety. It can also lead to problems with social interactions because it's difficult to gauge people's moods and social signals.
In some cases, ADHD people may appear emotionally detached and uninterested towards their friends or loved one, even though they care about them. In other situations they may avoid triggering situations to avoid experiencing an intense emotion.
Gender bias is a common feature among clinicians, and the effects of ADHD on women are often overlooked because of the nature of their symptoms. Many of them hide their ADHD symptoms when they do manifest, they're more likely to be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related, which can lead to misdiagnosis. It's a good idea to speak with an expert in mental health who has worked with young girls and women with ADHD when you're experiencing these symptoms. They can confirm your experiences, teach you strategies such as self-awareness or pacing, and also provide you with psychoeducation for your family to help you recognize and respond to future ADHD symptoms.