Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can both suffer from ADHD. While both men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently, it is also possible for women to be affected by the condition. But stereotypes, referral prejudice, internalized symptoms, and the presence of comorbidities may make it difficult for them to be appropriately assessed and treated.
These strategies could be harmful and ineffective. Here are some of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD in adult women.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD tend to feel overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often find it challenging to keep track of numerous deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to miss important events or appointments. They may also find it difficult to focus in noisy or busy environments. This can lead them to miss out on opportunities and work that is less than satisfactory.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the challenges they face can be seen as an aspect of their personality or performance, which can lead to frustration. Many adults with ADHD have a low sense of self and a negative image of their body. They may also have difficulty to maintain stable relationships and develop effective coping strategies. In some cases they will turn to unhealthy coping methods that include excessive alcohol or drugs. This can make it harder for others to recognize the signs of struggle and delay the diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are often sensitive to criticism and failure which can cause them to internalize their difficulties and struggle to get help. They may also have problems with relationships and struggle to find meaningful employment. They are also more susceptible to anxiety, depression, and mood fluctuations. In certain cases the symptoms may cause a mental disorder that is non-suicidal, like self-harm (NSSI), that can be expressed through cutting or burning.
While it's more common for males and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist throughout adulthood and affect many aspects of life. It's essential for women to identify the symptoms and seek an assessment from a health care professional. A positive diagnosis can lead to better management of symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often complain of feeling overwhelmed and like their lives are chaotic. They may fail to meet deadlines for work or struggle to keep the track of their the tasks at home or at work like paying bills or keeping appointments. Their home and finances could be messy and they may find it difficult to keep healthy relationships and a steady job.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can cause more frustration and miscommunications with partners, friends, and coworkers. These issues can result in to broken or strained relationships, and feelings of loneliness. Forgetfulness, difficulty listening and a tendency "zone out" during conversations can contribute to misunderstandings and arguments 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 both your personal and professional. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of family, work and the society, and are more prone to criticism or harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are options to reduce the impact of these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle changes as well as the use of specific organization tools, and prescription stimulant drugs.
Women who suffer from ADHD might be able hide their ADHD symptoms better than males, which can lead to an undiagnosed condition that can last until the age of. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women also have a difficult time trying to keep stable relationships and jobs and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's genetic makeup, chromosomes and hormones and anatomy; gender refers to the internal feeling of self as a woman, man or nonbinary gender identity and mental health problems are usually diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are at risk for anxiety and depression. These feelings can become more severe when you're unable to keep the track of your daily tasks and appointments. This could lead to health issues like missed appointments or late payments, and can even lead to debt. ADHD can cause emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness which can lead to relationships problems with family, friends and coworkers.
Many women develop coping strategies to hide their problems that can make it harder for others to see that they are struggling to stay focused and organized. These strategies of coping could be healthy, such as establishing an annual schedule or setting phone reminders, or they may be unhealthy depending on alcohol or drugs to help them function or cope with their issues. These coping strategies can make women feel anxious and unsure, leading them to doubt themselves and their abilities. This can lead to depression or anxiety.
Women who suffer from ADHD might also feel like they aren't accepted or don't meet social expectations. This can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. They may also experience issues at work, including difficulties with organization skills, adherence to corporate guidelines, or adhering to a 9-to-5 routine. They may have difficulty managing their finances due to disorganization or excessive spending. Also, they might have trouble keeping up with assignments or homework.
ADHD is a chronic condition that requires lifelong support, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite the prevalence of the disorder however, it's still misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and untreated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result stereotypes of referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities and hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be easily annoyed or overly excited, lose track time or be late to events. They might also have difficulty understanding body speech or recognizing social signals. This can lead to issues at work or in relationships. They may be prone to arguing or spend too much time on interests and hobbies that aren't important to them. ADHD adult symptoms may also have difficulty maintaining friendships or making new connections because they struggle to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at developing ways to cope with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. They might, for example create routines to assist them in staying organized, or utilize apps to remind themselves of their appointments. They could also alter their behavior in order to conform to societal norms and expectations. They may even cover up their symptoms using alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems and avoid serious health issues in the long run.
Many people with ADHD get over their symptoms, but some do not. About 60 percent of women who suffer from ADHD in childhood continue to suffer from the condition into adulthood, compared to 30% of men.
If you're unable to achieve relief with lifestyle or medication professional help can be helpful. There are many options, including career coaching, counseling and life coaching. There are also stimulants. Exercise can also be a great way to improve your mood and boost your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters, which increase motivation and attention. It can also help reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Women and girls with ADHD often have trouble with emotional reactivity. They may have a difficult time to regulate their emotions and express them in a proper manner and this can lead to frustration with their own self and others. A person with ADHD might become angry when her partner critiques them, but she might not be able to talk about the issue in a rational way. She might also be unable to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals like a flushed face or shortness in breath which indicate she is either overstimulated or overwhelmed.
This difficulty in regulating emotions can lead to confusion and anger and make those with ADHD prone towards depression or anxiety. It can also cause problems with social interactions because it is difficult to read people's moods and social signals.
In certain instances, people who suffer from ADHD might appear to be emotionally detached and uninterested in their peers or loved ones, even though they genuinely are concerned about them. In certain situations they might avoid situations that trigger strong emotions in order to avoid experiencing them.
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 women hide their ADHD symptoms and when they do show up they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as anxiety or mood disorders. If you're struggling with these symptoms, it can be beneficial to talk to a mental health professional experienced in working with girls and women with ADHD. They can validate your experience, teach you strategies such as self-awareness or pacing, as well as provide you with family psychoeducation to help you identify and manage future ADHD symptoms.