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 suffer from the disorder. But lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it difficult for them to be evaluated and treated.
These strategies can be unhealthy and not sustainable. Here are a few of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by their daily tasks. They often struggle to keep track of multiple deadlines, emails, and meetings. They could also be more likely to miss important events or appointments. They may also struggle to concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. This can lead to missed opportunities and lower level of productivity.
For many adults suffering from ADHD, these challenges can feel like a reflection of their character or performance, and can cause frustration. Many adults with ADHD have an unsatisfactory self-image and a negative perception of their body. They may also struggle to keep relationships stable and develop effective coping strategies. In some cases, they turn to unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it more difficult for others to recognize that they're struggling and delay the diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to criticism and failure and can lead them to internalize their problems and have difficulty seeking assistance. They might also be afflicted by issues with relationships and may find it difficult to find a meaningful job. They may also be more prone to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In certain cases the symptoms can cause a mental disorder such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI) which could be expressed through cutting or burning.
While it's more common for boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist throughout adulthood and affect various 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 result in better control of symptoms and an improved quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed as if they are chaotic. They might miss deadlines at work or struggle to keep the track of their the tasks at home or at work like paying bills and making appointments. They may have a disorganized home and finances, and struggle to maintain stable relationships and an employment.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and miscommunications between partners, friends, and coworkers. These issues can cause to broken or strained relationships and feelings of isolation. Inattention, forgetfulness and the tendency to "zone out" or not pay attention, can also cause misunderstandings with loved ones.
Symptoms of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and mood swings are more common among women suffering from ADHD than in men, and can be highly disruptive to personal and professional life. Women with untreated ADHD may be overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and society. They may also be sensitive to harsh criticism and harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are options to reduce the impact of these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specialized tools for organizing, as well as prescription stimulant medication.
Women with ADHD might be able to conceal their ADHD symptoms better than males which could lead to an undiagnosed condition that can last until the age of. They are also more likely to have comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also have trouble maintaining healthy relationships and a stable job and may suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the hormones and chromosomes; gender is the internal belief in oneself as a man woman, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health issues are usually diagnosed by both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety. I Am Psychiatry can be exacerbated when you're unable keep track of your daily tasks and appointments. This can cause health problems like missed appointments or late payments, and can even lead to debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness, which can lead to relationships problems with partners, friends, and coworkers.
Many women develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, which can make it difficult for others to notice they struggle to stay focused and organized. These coping mechanisms may be beneficial, like creating a daily schedule or a phone reminder or harmful, like relying on drugs or alcohol to manage or function. These coping strategies can lead to an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and anxiety for women, making them feel that they aren't successful or productive, which can add to feelings of anxiety and depression.
In addition, women with ADHD frequently feel the pressure of not fitting in or achieving social norms which can cause low self-esteem and frustration. They may also encounter challenges at work, including difficulties with organization skills adhering to company policies or sticking to a standard 9-to-5 routine. They may struggle to manage their finances due to a lack of organization or an impulsive spending. Or, they may be struggling to complete assignments or homework.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires continuous assistance, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence it is poorly understood and not properly diagnosed. It is also untreated. Remaining stereotypes, referral bias internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal changes all contribute to the distinctive symptom manifestation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They could be easily frustrated or overly exuberant, and they may lose track of time or be late for an event. They might also have difficulty reading body speech or recognizing social cues. This could cause issues at work or with relationships. They might be susceptible to arguments or spend too much time with interests and hobbies that are not important to them. They may also have difficulty maintaining friendships or making new connections due to their struggle to stick to promises and commitments.
Women are better at developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to diagnose. For instance, they may develop routines to help them remain organized or rely on apps to remind them of their appointments. They may also alter their behavior to conform to social expectations and norms. They may also try to hide their symptoms using alcohol or drugs. This can have serious health consequences over time.
Many people who suffer from ADHD get over their symptoms, but others do not. Around 60% of women who have ADHD in childhood will have it into adulthood. This is compared to 30% of men.
For those who don't get relief from medication or lifestyle changes professional help can be helpful. There are a myriad of options, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling, together with stimulants and medications. Exercise can also be a great way to improve your mood and increase your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters to boost the ability to focus and motivate and can reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Women and girls with ADHD often have issues with emotional hyperactivity. They may have trouble regulating their emotions and communicating them in a proper manner. This can cause frustration for both themselves and others. For example, a woman with ADHD may become angry when her spouse criticizes her, but she may not be able to control her anger and discuss the issue in a rational manner. She may also struggle to "pause" her reactions by identifying body signals that indicate she's overwhelmed or overexcited, such as flushing skin or breath shortness.
This issue with regulating their emotions can heighten frustration and miscommunications in relationships, and can make those with ADHD more susceptible to anxiety and depression. It can also lead to difficulties in social interactions as it is difficult to discern people's moods or detect social signals.
In some cases, people with ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even though they genuinely are concerned about them. In other instances they might withdraw from situations that trigger them to avoid feeling a strong emotion.
Gender bias is a frequent feature of medical professionals, and the effects of ADHD on women are often omitted because of the nature of their symptoms. 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 a mental health specialist who has experience working with women and young girls with ADHD if you are experiencing these symptoms. They can confirm your experience, instruct you on strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and also provide you with psychoeducation for your family members to help you recognize and respond to future ADHD symptoms.