Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can both suffer from ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often, it is also possible for women to be affected by the condition. But severe ADHD symptoms adults , prejudices regarding referrals and internalized symptoms as well as other comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be appropriately evaluated and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to hide 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 adult women.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by their daily tasks. They often find it challenging to keep track of many deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to miss important events or appointments. They might also have trouble concentrating in noisy or busy surroundings. This could cause them to miss opportunities and lower quality work.
For many people with ADHD the challenges they face can be seen as an expression of their character or performance, and can cause frustration. They often end up with a low self-esteem and a negative body image. They may also have difficulty to maintain stable relationships and develop effective strategies for coping. In some cases they resort to unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking or drug use. This can make people less likely to recognize their problems and delay diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to failure and criticism which can cause them to internalize their difficulties and find it difficult to seek help. As a result, they may struggle with issues with relationships and may have a difficult time finding work that is meaningful. They are also more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some instances the symptoms can result in a mental illness that is non-suicidal, like harming oneself (NSSI), that can be exhibited through cutting, burning or scratching.
ADHD is more common in both boys and men, but symptoms can persist and impact many areas of your life. Women should be aware of the signs and seek out an evaluation from a healthcare professional. A correct diagnosis can result in better control of symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed as if they are in chaos. They may miss work deadlines or have difficulty keeping up with chores at home or at work, such paying bills and making appointments. Their home and finances could be messy, and they may struggle to maintain healthy relationships and a steady job.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can cause more frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with partners, friends and colleagues. These problems can lead to strained or even broken connections and feelings of loneliness. The inability to remember, the difficulty in listening and the tendency to "zone out" or to not pay attention, can cause misunderstandings with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity and mood swings. These can cause disruption in their professional and personal lives. Women with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of their families, work, and society, and may be particularly sensitive to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
There are methods to manage these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle changes as well as the use of specific organization tools, and prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD might be able to conceal their ADHD symptoms better than men which could lead to an undiagnosed condition that can last until the age of. They are also more likely to suffer from multiple disorders that are comorbid, like anxiety and depression, which can compound the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships and a stable job and are susceptible to low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's chromosomes and hormones; gender refers the internal sense of oneself as a male woman, a nonbinary, or other gender identity. Mental health issues are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety. These feelings can be exacerbated when you're unable keep the track of your daily tasks and appointments. This can cause health problems such as missed health checkups, late payments and even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and apathy of ADHD can also cause problems with relationships with partners, coworkers and family members.
Many women come up with strategies to disguise their symptoms. This makes it difficult for others to notice that they have difficulty staying organized and focused. These strategies of coping could be healthy, such as creating a daily schedule or setting reminders for phone calls, or they could be harmful and rely on alcohol or other drugs to perform or manage their challenges. These strategies for coping can make women feel stressed and insecure, leading them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression.
Additionally, women with ADHD frequently feel the pressure of not fitting in or meeting the expectations of society which can cause feelings of self-doubt and anger. They may also encounter challenges at work such as difficulty with organizational skills adhering to company policies or sticking to a regular 9-to-5 schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances due to disorganization or impulsive spending. Or, they may be struggling to complete work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires constant support, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence it is undiagnosed and misunderstood. It is also not treated. The distinctive symptoms of ADHD in women are the result of stereotypes of referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They may be easily annoyed or excited, lose track of time or be late for events. They may also have difficulty reading body language and picking up social signals. This can cause problems at work or with relationships. They may be prone to arguing or spend too much time in pursuits and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining relationships or creating new connections due to the fact that they struggle to stick to promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at building coping mechanisms that can help them to manage their ADHD symptoms, making it harder for them to get diagnosed than men. For example, they might create routines to help remain organized or rely on apps to remind them of their appointments. They might also change their behaviour to comply with the norms and expectations of society. They could even conceal their symptoms by taking drugs or alcohol to cope, which can cause serious health consequences in the long term.
Certain people with ADHD do not outgrow the symptoms. About 60% of women who have ADHD in childhood will continue to have it into adulthood. This is compared to 30% of men.
If you are unable to find relief through lifestyle changes or medication Professional treatment may be helpful. There are many options available, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling, as well as medications such as stimulants. Exercise can also be a great way to improve your mood and increase your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters that boost the motivation and focus. It can also reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often struggle with emotional hyperactivity. They may have a difficult time to manage their emotions and communicate them effectively, which can cause frustration with others and themselves. For instance, a person with ADHD might become enraged when her spouse critiques her, but she might not be able to settle down and talk about the issue in a more rational way. She also might struggle to "pause" her reactions by identifying bodily cues that she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed like a flushed skin or shortness of breath.
This issue with regulating emotions can result in confusion and anger and make those with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also cause issues when it comes to social interactions, because it can be difficult to read other people's moods and recognize social signals.
In some instances, those with ADHD might appear to be emotionally detached and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even if they really love them. In some instances, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid experiencing them.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easier for doctors to overlook the symptoms of ADHD. Many people disguise their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear they are more likely to be seen as anxiety- or mood-related, and therefore misdiagnosed. If you're struggling with these symptoms, it may be beneficial to consult an experienced mental health professional who has experience in working with girls and women who have ADHD. They can validate your experience, instruct you on strategies such as self-awareness or pacing, and also provide you with psychoeducation for your family members to help you recognize and manage the upcoming ADHD symptoms.