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. But lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can make it more difficult for them to get properly assessed and treated.
These strategies are often harmful and unsustainable. Here are some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD tend to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It is often difficult for them to keep on top of deadlines, emails, and meetings. They are also more likely to forget important appointments or events. They may also find it difficult to focus in noisy or busy environments. This could cause them to miss out on opportunities and lower quality work.
For many adults suffering from ADHD, these challenges can feel like an aspect of their personality or performance and lead to frustration. Many people with ADHD end up having a low sense of self and a negative perception of their body. They may also struggle to keep relationships stable and come up with effective strategies to cope. In some cases they may resort to unhealthy coping behaviors like excessive drinking or drugs. This may make others less likely to recognize their struggles and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD may be particularly sensitive to criticism or failure. This can cause them to internalize their problems and make it difficult to seek help. They might also be afflicted by issues with relationships and may struggle to find work that is meaningful. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some cases the symptoms may lead to a mental condition that is non-suicidal, like self-harm (NSSI) which can be exhibited through cutting, burning or scratching.
Although it's more common in males and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist into adulthood and impact many aspects of life. It's crucial for women to recognize the signs and seek a thorough assessment from a health care professional. A proper diagnosis can lead to better control of symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. severe ADHD symptoms adults with ADHD feel overwhelmed and feel as if their lives are in chaos. They may miss work deadlines or have trouble keeping track of household or work tasks like paying bills or scheduling appointments. They may be disorganized with their home and finances, and may struggle to maintain a stable relationship and work.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and misunderstandings in relationships between partners, friends and colleagues. These issues can cause to broken or strained relationships and feelings of loneliness. Inattention, forgetfulness and the tendency to "zone out" or not pay attention, can also lead to misunderstandings with loved ones.
The signs of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and mood swings are more common among women suffering from ADHD than men and can be extremely disruptive to personal and professional. Women with untreated ADHD might feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, family and the social world. They could also be sensitive to harsh criticism and harsh judgment.
There are methods to manage these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specific tools for organizing, 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 are often not diagnosed until adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which can compound the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have issues maintaining healthy relationships and stable jobs and may suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the hormones and chromosomes; gender refers the internal sense of self-identity as a man woman, woman, nonbinary or another gender identity. Mental health problems are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These moods can be made worse due to the inability of keeping the track of the daily schedule and appointments, which can lead to health issues like missed appointments, late payments and even debt. ADHD can cause emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness which can lead to problems in relationships with friends, partners, and coworkers.
Many women come up with strategies to hide their symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to recognize that they have difficulty staying focused and organized. These coping strategies may be healthy, like creating an annual schedule or setting reminders for phone calls, or they could be harmful depending on alcohol or drugs to help them perform or manage their challenges. These coping skills can create an environment of stress and self-doubt for women, making them feel they are not successful or productive, which could increase feelings of depression and anxiety.
Women with ADHD may also feel that they aren't accepted or don't conform to social norms. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They may also experience challenges at work, such as difficulties with organization abilities, adhering to corporate policies, or sticking to a routine of 9-5. They may struggle to manage their finances due to disorganization or impulsive spending. Also, they might struggle to keep up with assignments or homework.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires ongoing support, especially when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence yet, it is often under-diagnosed, misunderstood and undertreated. Lingering stereotypes and referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the unique symptom presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They might become easily frustrated or overly excited, lose track time or be late for events. They may also have difficulty understanding body language and recognizing social signals. This could cause issues at work or in relationships. They could be susceptible to arguing or spend too much time on interests and hobbies that aren't important to them. They might also have trouble keeping friendships and creating new connections due to the fact that they struggle to follow through on promises and commitments.
Women are better at developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to diagnose. For instance, they could create routines to help keep track of their time or use apps to remind them of appointments. They might also alter their behavior in order to conform to societal norms and expectations. They could even conceal their symptoms by using drugs or alcohol to cope and avoid serious health problems in the long run.
Some people with ADHD do not outgrow the symptoms. About 60% of women with ADHD in their childhood will continue to have it into adulthood. This compares to 30% of men.
Professional treatment may be beneficial for those who could not see relief from medications or lifestyle changes. There are a myriad of options available, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is also an excellent way to boost your mood and boost your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters which boost motivation and focus. It can also reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Girls and women with ADHD are often affected by emotional hyperactivity. They may have a difficult time to manage their emotions and express them in a proper manner, which can cause frustration with themselves and others. A person suffering from ADHD might become angry when a friend criticizes them, but she might not be able to calm down to discuss the matter in a rational manner. She may also struggle to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals like flushed skin or breath shortness which indicate she is either overstimulated or overwhelmed.
This issue with regulating their emotions can cause more stress and miscommunications in relationships, and can make those with ADHD more susceptible to depression or anxiety. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions as it is difficult to read people's moods or pick up social cues.
In certain instances, ADHD people may appear disconnected and uninterested in their friends or loved one, even though they care about them. In certain situations, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid feeling them.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easier for doctors to overlook the effects of ADHD. Many women hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as mood or anxiety disorders. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it might be beneficial to consult an experienced mental health professional who has experience in working with women and girls who have ADHD. They can validate your experiences, teach you strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and provide you with family psychoeducation to help you identify and address any future ADHD symptoms.