Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood are often harder to detect than in men, because women develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medications can improve their quality of life and performance.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have six symptoms from the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive subtypes lasting more than six months. These symptoms include:
1. Inattention
ADHD symptoms in women include difficulty keeping track of time, missing appointments, misplacing items, or becoming easily distracted. Women can also struggle with procrastination or forgetfulness, as well as working or studying in an environment that is noisy or crowded. Women often struggle with their interpersonal skills. They can interrupt others or make remarks that they regret later.
Women who suffer from ADHD are better at masking symptoms than boys and men. They can come up with healthy strategies for coping that include relying on the daily schedule and using reminders on their phones to remind them of important occasions. However, these strategies aren't sustainable in the long haul and are not enough to manage the complexity of life. In addition the symptoms of these disorders can be complicated by comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also exhibit an impulsivity and hyperactivity. In adults, these symptoms are more subtle and only impact some aspects of their lives, such as social or work interactions. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They might also have difficulty relaxing or finding a way of calming down, as well as trouble making and maintaining friendships.
People who suffer from moderate to mild ADHD may not have any significant problems at work or in their relationships, but they struggle with staying organized and following through on commitments. They may face issues with household chores, finances or schoolwork, and feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities. Those with severe symptoms experience a lot of disruption in their day-to-day lives and might have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD have trouble organizing their home, work and personal items. They also tend to lose track of important things like their glasses, wallets, and keys. They are also easily distracted and lose their temper. Their inability to follow instructions and complete tasks affects their academic performance, as well as their relationships.
Women often hide their symptoms by using their emotions as an excuse for their behavior, making it harder to get diagnosed and treated. For instance, she may blame her lack of attention or forgetfulness on low self-esteem and anxiety. It is also possible to blame relationship issues or physical complaints (such nausea and headaches) on the stress of daily life or hormonal changes (e.g. perimenopause, menopause).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious issues. For instance, women and girls who suffer from ADHD might be at higher likelihood of engaging in sexual activities as adolescents due to their impulsivity as well as issues with boundaries within the group and planning. Self-medicating using alcohol and other drugs may be more common. Inattention can cause missed doctor's procedures and appointments. They could have unbalanced eating habits or a high BMI. They might also be prone to unhealthy coping strategies, such as shopping excessively, nail-biting and skin picking.
A thorough assessment by a health care provider or mental health professional is the most effective way to diagnose ADHD. In severe ADHD symptoms adults to looking at the patient's emotional and physical well-being, the professional may ask for feedback from close family members and friends. They might also suggest tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. A diagnosis could be a life-changing moment for those who discover they've had mental health issues for years.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD tend to have more trouble controlling their impulses than men, and this may cause problems such as self-injury, alcohol or drug abuse, and other mental health issues. It can also lead to relationships problems as forgetfulness or impulsive behaviors can cause confusion and conflict with family members, coworkers, and friends.
Impulsivity is characterized by a tendency to speak out loud, buy something in a hurry, and make a decision without considering the consequences. Remember that acting impulsively doesn't always mean you're an unfit person. Some people need more time to think before acting. But, it's an excellent idea to speak with your doctor about this and get tested for ADHD, especially as you begin to notice that the symptoms are becoming more severe.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to struggle with controlling their emotions, and this can lead to depression and other mental health issues. Symptoms of depression can be difficult to identify in women because they may resemble other health problems like insomnia or a chronic headache. Some women with ADHD are hesitant to seek help due believe their symptoms are a result of low self-esteem.
It is important to understand that sex is an entirely different concept from gender, and that your internal sense of identity isn't affected by the biological characteristics that determine whether you are a woman, man or a nonbinary. Many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their gender. This can cause people to feel embarrassed and desperation. The stress of not being treated for ADHD can exacerbate these feelings and could lead to losing support from family or friends.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they could have difficulty handling adult responsibilities and interactions. This can lead to problems at school or at work, and conflicting relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women with ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances and home. They could be prone to neglecting health issues, such as regular checkups and exercises. They may also be struggling with dealing with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms in women include forgetting things, losing things, becoming easily distracted, having trouble working with others or feeling overwhelmed by tasks. There are also mood-related symptoms such as low self-confidence or poor self-esteem.
It is important that women recognize their symptoms and get a diagnosis. It is also helpful to talk to a mental health professional about your difficulties and develop coping mechanisms for ADHD. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help change negative thinking patterns and improve coping skills. A women's club can also provide valuable information on living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.
It's important to note that women with ADHD can experience different symptoms from men. These can change during transitional times such as puberty or pregnancy. They may also change during menopausal hormone treatments. This is partly due hormonal fluctuations and also the fact that females have a larger hippocampal area, which plays a role in memory and learning. Women can also mask their ADHD symptoms better than men. This makes it harder to obtain a correct diagnosis. Despite these issues it is still possible to lead an enjoyable life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
It can be hard for women with ADHD admitting they have anxiety issues, but obtaining the right diagnosis and treatment can make significant changes in their lives. It can also help them better understand their behavior, and how it affects others.
Anxiety is a common symptom of ADHD in adults women and can manifest as:
Distraction, like daydreaming or appearing distracted. Making careless mistakes. Avoiding difficult or boring tasks. Focusing severe ADHD symptoms adults at school or at work. Not remembering or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by the crowds or under pressure at work or home. Not able to relax or go to sleep. Being easily upset or sensitive to criticism and rejection.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have a co-existing mood disorder, like depression. They may also find it difficult to establish friendships. They might also have issues in their relationships with family members which could lead to an increased rate of violence between partners and drug abuse.
It can be challenging for girls and women to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis because symptoms in women and girls differ from those in men and boys. In order to accurately diagnose ADHD, health care providers must be aware the distinctions. This involves identifying specific features, like the presence of a distinct symptom profile, difficulty with social interactions, a tendency to develop coping strategies that mask the signs of underperformance and performance issues, and the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is also essential to think about the impact of hormone levels in women on the symptom profile she displays.