Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While men and boys are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD however, girls and women can also have it. But stereotypes, prejudices regarding referrals and internalized symptoms as well as other comorbidities can make it difficult to get them properly evaluated and treated.
Many women devise coping strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but they can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by their daily tasks. They often struggle to keep track of numerous deadlines, emails, and meetings. They could also be more likely to miss important dates or events. They may also have difficulty concentrating in noisy or busy environments. This can lead to missed opportunities and lower quality of work.
For many adults suffering from ADHD, these challenges can feel like an aspect of their personality or performance, and can cause frustration. Many people who suffer from ADHD end up having low self-esteem and a negative image of their body. They may also have difficulty keeping relationships stable and developing efficient coping strategies. In some cases they resort to unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking or drug use. This may make people less likely to recognize their problems and delay diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often sensitive to criticism or failure. This may cause them to internalize the problem and make it difficult for them to seek assistance. As a result, they may have relationship difficulties and have difficulty finding work that is meaningful. They are also more prone to depression, anxiety, and mood fluctuations. In certain cases the symptoms may lead to a mental condition such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI) which can be exhibited through cutting or burning.
ADHD is more common in men and boys, but symptoms can persist and impact the entire life of. It's essential for women to identify the signs and seek a thorough evaluation from a health care professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to more manageable symptoms and an improved quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed and feel as if their lives are in chaos. They may miss work deadlines or struggle to keep the track of their the tasks at home or at work like paying bills or scheduling appointments. Their finances and home may be disorganized and they may find it difficult to keep healthy relationships and a steady job.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with friends, partners, and coworkers. These problems can lead to broken or strained connections and feelings of isolation. The inability to remember, the difficulty in listening, and the tendency to "zone out", or stop paying attention, may result in misunderstandings between 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 both in their personal and professional lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and society. They could also be sensitive to criticism and harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are solutions to control the effects of these symptoms. For many adults, treatment options include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specially designed tools for organizing, as well as prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD may be able to cover up their ADHD symptoms better than men, 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 anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women also have a difficult time trying to maintain stable relationships and jobs and be afflicted by low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's hormones and chromosomes. Gender is the internal belief in oneself as a man woman, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. ADHD symptoms in women adults are often diagnoses in relation to both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These feelings can become more severe if you are unable to keep on top of your daily activities and appointments. This could lead to health issues such as missed health checkups, late payments and even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to relationship problems with family, friends, and coworkers.
Many women develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to notice that they are having trouble staying organized and focused. These strategies of coping can be healthy like making a daily plan, or a phone reminder or even unhealthy, such as using alcohol or drugs to manage or function. These coping strategies can trigger an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and stress for women, making them feel like they are not doing enough or productive, which could cause depression and anxiety.
In addition, women who suffer from ADHD often experience a sense of not fitting in or meeting societal expectations which can cause low self-esteem and frustration. They may also experience challenges at work, including difficulties with organization skills, following corporate policies, or adhering to a 9-to-5 routine. They may be struggling with managing their finances because of their indecisiveness and uncontrolled spending, or they may have difficulty keeping up with work-related assignments or completing homework.
ADHD is a chronic condition that requires lifelong care, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence this disorder is misunderstood and underdiagnosed. It is also not treated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result of stereotypes of referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities, and hormonal fluctuations.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They could be easily upset or excited, lose track of time, or be late to events. They may also have difficulty understanding body language and picking up social cues. This can lead to problems at work or in relationships. They could 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 better at developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to get diagnosed. They could, for example develop routines to assist them in staying organized, or use apps to remind themselves of their schedules. They may also alter their behavior to conform with the norms and expectations of society. They could even conceal their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems with their symptoms, which could have serious health consequences in the long run.
Many people who suffer from ADHD get over their symptoms, but some don't. Around 60% of women with ADHD in their childhood will continue to have it into adulthood. This is in contrast to 30% of men.
Professional therapy can be beneficial for those who do not see relief from medications or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is also beneficial to boost your mood and boost your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters to boost the ability to focus and motivate and can help ease anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often struggle with emotional reactivity. They may have difficulty to control their emotions and express them appropriately, which can cause frustration with themselves and others. A person suffering from ADHD may get angry when her partner criticizes them however she may not be able calm down to discuss the issue in a rational way. She may also struggle to "pause" her response by recognizing bodily signals that indicate she's feeling overwhelmed or stressed like flushing skin or breath shortness.
This difficulty regulating their emotions can heighten frustration and miscommunications in relationships, and can make those with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions as it's difficult to gauge people's moods and social cues.
In some cases, ADHD people may appear emotionally detached and uninterested towards their loved ones or friends even though they are concerned about them. In other situations, they may withdraw from situations that trigger emotions to avoid feeling emotions that are intense.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easier for doctors to overlook the symptoms of ADHD. Many of them camouflage their ADHD symptoms and, when they do appear they are more likely to be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related, and therefore misdiagnosed. If you're experiencing trouble with these symptoms, it may be helpful to seek an expert in mental health who is experienced in working with girls and women who suffer from ADHD. They can validate your experience, instruct you on strategies such as self-awareness or pacing, as well as provide you with psychoeducation for your family to help you identify and address any the upcoming ADHD symptoms.