Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Women and girls can have ADHD. While both men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently however, it is also feasible for women to be affected by the disorder. But stereotypes, prejudices regarding referrals and internalized symptoms as well as the presence of comorbidities may make it difficult for them to be properly evaluated and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but these strategies can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are a few of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adult women.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD tend to feel overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often struggle to keep track of many deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They may also be more likely to overlook important events or appointments. They may also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This can cause them to miss opportunities and produce lower quality work.
These challenges can cause frustration for many people with ADHD. They might feel that they reflect of their own performance or of themselves. They may have a low self-esteem as well as a negative image of their body. They may also struggle to maintain stable relationships and develop effective coping strategies. In some cases they resort to unhealthy strategies for coping, such as excessive drinking or drugs. This can make it difficult for others to see the signs of struggle and delay an accurate diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD may be particularly sensitive to criticism or failure. This may cause them to internalize the issue and make it difficult to seek assistance. They might also be afflicted by issues with relationships and may find it difficult to find a meaningful job. They can also be more prone to depression, anxiety, and mood swings. In some cases these symptoms may result in the development of a mental health condition like non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may be manifested by burning, cutting, or scratching.
ADHD is what are the symptoms for ADHD in adults in both boys and men, but symptoms can persist and impact many areas of your life. Women must recognize the symptoms and seek a diagnosis by a health professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD feel overwhelmed as if they are in chaos. They may not meet deadlines or have difficulty to manage work or household tasks, such as paying bills and keeping appointments. They may have a disorganized home and finances, and may struggle to maintain a stable relationship and work.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can cause more frustration and miscommunications between friends, partners and colleagues. These problems can lead strained or broken connections and feelings of isolation. Forgetfulness, difficulty in listening, and the tendency to "zone out", or stop paying attention, can also cause misunderstandings with loved ones.
The signs of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and mood swings are more frequent in women with ADHD than in men and can be extremely disruptive to both your personal and professional life. Women with untreated ADHD are often overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of work, family, and society, and are more prone to criticism or harsh judgement.
The good news is that there are solutions to reduce the impact of these symptoms. Treatment options for many 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 men which could lead to being undiagnosed until later in life. They are also more likely to have 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 suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the person's biological makeup, chromosomes, hormones and anatomy. Gender refers to the internal feeling of self as a woman, man or a nonbinary gender identity; and mental health conditions are often diagnosed on the basis of both.
3. Anxiety
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety. These emotions may be exacerbated due to the inability of keeping on top of daily tasks and appointments that can cause health issues such as missing health check-ups, missed payments or even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness, which can lead to relationship problems with friends, partners and coworkers.
Many women develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms and make it difficult for others to see that they have trouble staying focused and organized. These strategies for coping may be healthy, such as establishing an agenda for the day or setting reminders for phone calls, or they could be harmful, such as relying on alcohol or other drugs to perform or manage their issues. These coping strategies can lead to a cycle of stress and self-doubt for women, making them feel that they aren't successful or productive, which could increase feelings of anxiety and depression.
Women with ADHD might also feel that they don't belong or don't conform to social norms. This can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. They may also encounter difficulties at work, including difficulties with organization skills, following corporate policies, or adhering to a 9-to-5 routine. They may struggle with managing their finances due to disorganization and impulsive spending, or they may have difficulty keeping up with work-related assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a lifelong condition that requires continuous support, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence, it is still under-diagnosed, misunderstood and untreated. The lingering stigmas and referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the distinctive symptom manifestation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They could be easily frustrated or excessively excited, and may lose track of their time or be late for an event. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or recognizing social signals. This could cause problems at work or in relationships. They might be susceptible to arguing or spend too much time with interests and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have trouble keeping relationships or forming connections due to their inability to keep their commitments and promises.
Women are generally better in developing coping mechanisms to can help them to manage their ADHD symptoms, so it's more difficult for them to be diagnosed than men. They might, for example, develop routines that help them stay organized or use apps to remind themselves of their schedules. They might also alter their lifestyle to conform to societal expectations and norms. They might even hide their symptoms by taking alcohol or drugs to manage and avoid serious health issues in the long run.
Some people suffering from ADHD are not able to overcome the symptoms. About 60% of women with ADHD during childhood will have it throughout their adulthood. This compares to 30% of males.
Professional treatment may be beneficial for those who do not experience relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are many options, including career coaching, counseling, and life coaching. There are also stimulants. Exercise is a fantastic method to improve your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters, which increase motivation and attention. It can also reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Women and girls with ADHD often have issues with emotional reactivity. They may find it hard to regulate their emotions and express them appropriately, which can cause frustration with themselves and others. A person with ADHD may become angry when her partner criticizes her, but she might not be able to calm down to talk about the issue in a rational way. She may also struggle to "pause" her reaction by identifying bodily cues that she's overwhelmed or overexcited, such as flushing skin or a shortness of breath.
This issue with regulating emotions can lead to confusion and frustration, and can make people 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 gauge the mood of others and detect social cues.
In some instances, those with ADHD may seem emotionally detached and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even when they genuinely love them. In other instances they may avoid situations that trigger emotions to avoid feeling a strong emotion.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easy for healthcare professionals to ignore the effects of ADHD. 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 is advisable to seek out an expert in mental health who has experience working with women and young girls with ADHD in the event that you're experiencing these symptoms. They can validate your experience, teach you strategies such as self-awareness or pacing, and also provide you with family psychoeducation to help you recognize and respond to the upcoming ADHD symptoms.