Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Women and girls can have ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently but it is also possible for women to suffer from the disorder. However, stereotypes, prejudices about referrals, internalized symptoms, and other comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be properly assessed and treated.
Many women devise coping strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms and meet societal expectations, but these strategies can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are a few of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adult women.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are susceptible to feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. They often struggle to keep track of multiple deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They are also more likely to miss important dates or events. They may also have difficulty concentration in noisy or busy surroundings. This can lead to missed opportunities as well as a lower level of productivity.
For many people with ADHD the challenges they face can be seen as an expression of their character or performance, which can 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 develop effective coping strategies. In some cases they will use unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive alcohol or drugs. This may make others less likely to acknowledge their struggles and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to criticism and failure which can cause them to internalize their difficulties and struggle to get help. They may also have issues with relationships and may struggle to find work that is meaningful. They can also be more susceptible to depression, anxiety, and mood fluctuations. In some instances these symptoms may result in the development of a mental health problem such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which may be manifested by burning, cutting or scratching.
ADHD is more prevalent among both boys and men, but symptoms can last and affect many areas of your life. It's crucial for women to be aware of the symptoms and seek an assessment from a health care professional. A correct diagnosis can result in better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed and feel as if their lives are in chaos. They may miss deadlines or have difficulty to manage household chores such as paying bills and keeping appointments. They may be disorganized with their home and finances, and may struggle to keep relationships stable and maintain a job.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and miscommunications with partners, friends, and coworkers. These problems can lead to broken or strained relationships and feelings of loneliness. Forgetfulness, difficulty listening, and a tendency to "zone out" during conversations can result in arguments and miscommunications with loved ones.
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity, and mood swings. They can be disruptive both in their personal and professional lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD might feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, family and social life. They might also be sensitive to harsh judgment and criticism.
There are methods to manage these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle changes and the use of specialized tools for organization, and prescription stimulant medications.
ADHD hyperactivity symptoms in adults with ADHD tend to be more able than men to conceal their ADHD symptoms and, as a consequence they may not be diagnosed until the age of adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety which can worsen the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also have trouble maintaining healthy relationships and stable jobs, and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's hormones and chromosomes. Gender refers to the internal perception of self-identity as a man woman, a nonbinary, or other gender identity. Mental health problems are often diagnoses in relation to both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety and depression. These feelings can be exacerbated if you are unable to keep the track of your daily tasks and appointments. This can cause health problems like missed appointments or payments that are late, or even debt. ADHD can trigger emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to relationships problems with partners, friends and coworkers.
Many women develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms and 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 creating an agenda for the day or setting phone reminders, or they may be unhealthy depending on alcohol or other drugs to perform or manage their difficulties. These coping strategies can cause women to feel anxious and unsure, leading them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression.
In addition, women who suffer from ADHD often experience a sense of not being accepted or meeting societal expectations and this can lead to low self-esteem and a sense of frustration. They might also experience difficulties at work, including difficulties with organization skills, adhering to corporate policies or sticking to a regular 9-to-5 schedule. They may struggle with managing their finances, due to impulsive and disorganized spending, or they may be unable to keep up with work-related tasks or completing homework.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires ongoing support, especially when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence, the disorder is still undiagnosed and misunderstood. It is also undertreated. Lingering stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal changes all contribute to the unique symptom-based presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They might become easily frustrated or excited, lose track of time or be late to events. They also might have trouble reading body language or picking up on social signals. This could cause issues at work or in relationships. They could be susceptible to arguments or spend too much time in pursuits and hobbies that aren't important to them. They may also have difficulty maintaining relationships or making new connections because they struggle to follow through on promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at forming strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them than men to be diagnosed. For instance, they could create routines to help stay organized or rely on apps to remind them of appointments. They may also alter their behaviour to comply with societal expectations and norms. They may even cover up their symptoms by taking alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems with their symptoms, which could have serious health issues in the long term.
Many people who suffer from ADHD overcome their symptoms, but there are some who do not. About 60 percent of women with ADHD during childhood continue to have the condition until adulthood, as opposed to 30% of men.
Professional treatment can be beneficial for those who could not find relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are many options, such as counseling, career coaching, and life coaching. There are also stimulants. Exercise is also beneficial to boost your mood and increase your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters to boost motivation and focus. It can help ease anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often have issues with emotional hyperactivity. They may have a difficult time to manage their emotions and express them appropriately and can cause anger with others and themselves. A woman with ADHD might become angry when her partner critiques them, but she might not be able to discuss the matter in a rational way. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause" her reactions by identifying body signals that indicate she's overwhelmed or overexcited, such as flushing skin or shortness of breath.
This inability to regulate emotions can lead to confusion and frustration, and can make people with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also cause issues when it comes to social interactions, because it is difficult to discern the mood of others and pick up on social signals.
In certain situations, ADHD people may appear in a way that they are emotionally detached and not interested in their loved ones or friends even though they care about them. In other instances they may avoid situations that trigger emotions to avoid feeling an intense emotion.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easy for clinicians to overlook the symptoms of ADHD. Many women hide their ADHD symptoms and when they do show up, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as anxiety or mood disorders. It's a good idea to seek out a mental health specialist who has worked with young girls and women with ADHD in the event that you're experiencing these symptoms. They can validate your experiences, teach you strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and provide you with family psychoeducation to help you recognize and manage the upcoming ADHD symptoms.