Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Women and girls can have ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often however, it is also feasible for women to suffer from the disorder. But stereotypes, prejudices regarding referrals, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities can make it difficult to get them properly evaluated and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms and conform to social expectations, but these strategies can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of adult women's most commonly reported ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are susceptible to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. They often find it challenging to keep track of numerous deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They may also be more likely to forget important appointments or events. They may also struggle to focus in noisy or busy environments. This can lead them to miss out on opportunities and lower quality work.
These issues can cause frustration for many adults with ADHD. They may feel that they are a reflection of their own performance or of themselves. Many people with ADHD have an unsatisfactory self-image and a negative view of their body. They may also struggle to maintain relationships and develop effective strategies for coping. In some cases they will resort to unhealthy coping behaviors, such as excessive alcohol or drug use. This could make others less likely to recognize their struggles and delay a diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be more sensitive to criticism or failure. This may cause them to internalize their problems and make it difficult for them to seek assistance. They may also have problems with relationships and are unable to find a meaningful job. They may also be more prone to anxiety, depression, and mood swings. In some cases the symptoms may lead to a mental condition, such as non-suicidal harming oneself (NSSI) which can be exhibited through 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 out an evaluation by a health professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often complain of feeling overwhelmed and feeling like their lives are chaotic. They may miss work deadlines or have trouble keeping up with the tasks at home or at work like paying bills and keeping appointments. Their finances and home may be messy and they may find it difficult to keep healthy relationships and a steady job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can cause more frustration and miscommunications with partners, friends and colleagues. These problems can lead strained or broken connections, and feelings of loneliness. Forgetfulness, difficulty in listening, and the tendency to "zone out", or stop paying attention, can cause misunderstandings with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience signs of impulsivity, emotional instability, 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 responsibilities and expectations of work, family, and society, and are more prone to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
There are ways to deal with these symptoms. For many adults treatment options include lifestyle changes and the use of specific organizational tools, as well as prescription stimulant medication.
Women with ADHD tend to be more able than men to conceal their ADHD symptoms and, as a result they may not be diagnosed until the age of adulthood. inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders like depression and anxiety which can worsen the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also struggle to maintain stable relationships and jobs and can be afflicted by low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the hormones and chromosomes; gender refers the internal sense of oneself as a male, woman, nonbinary or another gender identity. Mental health problems are often diagnoses in relation to both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. These emotions may be exacerbated due to the inability of keeping track of the daily schedule and appointments, which can lead to health issues such as missing check-ups, late payments, and even debt. what is ADHD symptoms in adults , impulsivity and forgetfulness of ADHD can also cause relationship issues with colleagues, partners, and friends.
Many women develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to see that they have difficulty staying organized and focused. These coping mechanisms may be healthy like creating a daily schedule or a reminder on the phone, or unhealthy, like relying on drugs or alcohol to manage or function. These coping strategies can lead to an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and stress for women, causing them to feel like they are not doing enough or productive, which could cause anxiety and depression.
Additionally, women with ADHD frequently feel the pressure of not fitting in or meeting the expectations of society which can cause low self-esteem and a sense of frustration. They may also encounter challenges at work, such as difficulties with organizational skills adhering to company policies or sticking to a regular 9-to-5 schedule. They may be struggling to manage their finances due in part to disorganization or an impulsive spending. Also, they might struggle to keep up with work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a long-lasting condition that requires lifelong support, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite the prevalence of the disorder however, it's still under-diagnosed, misunderstood and untreated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are the result of stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology and comorbidities as well as hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They could be easily frustrated or excessively excited, and they might lose track of their time or be late for events. They might also have trouble understanding body language and recognizing social signals. This could cause issues at work or with relationships. They might 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 relationships or forming connections because they are unable to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are generally better in establishing coping mechanisms that aid in reducing their ADHD symptoms, making it harder for them to get diagnosed than men are. They might, for example, develop routines that help them stay organized or utilize apps to remind themselves of their schedules. They might also change their behaviour to comply with societal expectations and norms. They may also try to hide their symptoms using drugs or alcohol. This could lead to negative health effects over time.
Some people with ADHD do not outgrow the symptoms. About 60% of women who have ADHD in their childhood have the condition until adulthood, as opposed to 30% of men.
If you're unable to find relief through medication or lifestyle changes professional help can be helpful. There are many options available, including counseling, career coaching, and life coaching. You can also take stimulants. Exercise can also be beneficial to boost your mood and boost your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters that boost motivation and focus. It can also help reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are frequently affected by emotional reactivity. They may have difficulty to regulate their emotions and communicate them effectively, which can cause frustration with themselves and others. A person with ADHD might become angry when a friend critiques them however, she may not be able to calm down to discuss the matter in a rational way. She also might struggle to "pause" her reaction by identifying body signals that indicate she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed like flushing skin or shortness of breath.
This difficulty in regulating emotions can result in frustration and misunderstandings and make those with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also cause problems in social interactions, since it is difficult to discern the mood of others and detect social signals.
In certain instances, ADHD people may appear disconnected and uninterested in their loved ones or friends even though they are concerned about them. In some cases, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid feeling them.
Gender bias is a common feature among medical professionals and the effects of ADHD on women are often omitted due to the nature of their symptoms. Women often hide their ADHD symptoms and when they do show up, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as anxiety or mood disorders. It's a good idea to seek out a mental health specialist who has worked with young girls and women with ADHD in the event that you're experiencing these symptoms. They can validate your experiences, teach you how to apply strategies like pacing and self-awareness, and provide family psychoeducation which can help you understand how to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the future.