Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While males and females are diagnosed far more often with ADHD however, girls and women may also be affected. But stereotypes, referral prejudice, internalized symptoms, and comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be appropriately evaluated and treated.
These strategies can be unhealthy and not sustainable. Here are some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adult women.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by their daily tasks. They often find it challenging to keep track of multiple deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They could also be more prone to forget important dates or events. They may also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This could result in missed opportunities and lower level of productivity.
For many people with ADHD, these challenges can feel like a reflection of their character or performance and lead to frustration. They may have a low self-esteem and a negative body image. They may also be struggling to maintain stable relationships and come up with effective strategies to cope. 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 see the signs of struggle and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD may be particularly sensitive to criticism or failure. This can lead them to internalize the issue and make it difficult for them to seek help. They may also experience problems with relationships and are unable to find work that is meaningful. They could be more susceptible to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In certain instances these symptoms may lead to the development of a mental health problem such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can be manifested by burning, cutting or scratching.
ADHD is more common in men and boys, but symptoms can persist and impact many areas of your life. It's crucial for women to recognize the symptoms and seek an examination from a medical professional. A positive diagnosis can lead to better management of symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often report feeling overwhelmed and feel like their lives are in chaos. They might miss deadlines at work or struggle to keep track of household or work tasks, such paying bills and scheduling appointments. Their finances and their home could be disorganized, and they may struggle to keep healthy relationships and a steady job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and miscommunications with friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can result in to broken or strained relationships and feelings of loneliness. Inattention, forgetfulness and a tendency "zone out" during conversations can contribute to misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity and mood swings. These can cause disruption in their personal and professional lives. Women with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of family, work, and society, and are more prone to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle changes as well as the use of specific organization tools, and prescription stimulant medications.
Women with ADHD tend to be more able than men to conceal their ADHD symptoms and, as a consequence they may not be diagnosed until they reach adulthood. They are also more likely to suffer from multiple disorders that are comorbid, like depression and anxiety that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also have trouble maintaining healthy relationships and a stable job, and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's chromosomes and hormones; gender refers the internal sense of self-identity as a man woman, a nonbinary, or other gender identity. Mental health conditions are often diagnoses based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety and depression. These feelings can be exacerbated when you're unable keep the track of your daily tasks and appointments. This could lead to health issues like missed appointments or late payments, and can even lead to debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness and can cause problems in relationships with partners, friends and colleagues.
Many women develop strategies to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to notice that they have difficulty staying organized and focused. These coping strategies may be healthy, such as establishing an annual schedule or setting reminders for phone calls, or they could be harmful and rely on alcohol or other drugs to perform or manage their issues. These strategies can make women feel anxious and unsure which can cause them to doubt themselves and their abilities. This can trigger feelings of depression or anxiety.
In addition, women with ADHD often feel a sense of not being accepted or meeting societal expectations, which can lead to low self-esteem and a sense of frustration. They might also face challenges at work, like issues with organization skills, following corporate policies, or adhering to a 9-to-5 routine. They may have difficulty managing their finances due in part to disorganization or impulsive spending. They may also struggle to keep up with homework assignments or other work.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing support, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence, it is still misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and not treated. Remaining stereotypes and referral biases internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the unique symptom presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They could be easily upset or overwhelmed, lose track of time or be late for events. They may also have difficulty understanding body language and recognizing social cues. severe ADHD symptoms adults could cause problems at work or with relationships. For example, they might have a tendency to get into fights easily, or they may spend too much time in pursuit of hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They might also have difficulty maintaining friendships or creating new connections due to the fact that they struggle to stick to promises and commitments.
Women are more adept in establishing coping mechanisms that aid in reducing their ADHD symptoms, so it's difficult for them to be diagnosed than men. They could, for instance, develop routines that help them stay organized or utilize apps to remind them of their schedules. They could also alter their behavior to fit in with norms and expectations set by society. They might even attempt to hide their symptoms with drugs or alcohol. This can have serious health consequences over time.
Some people suffering from ADHD do not completely overcome the symptoms. Around 60% of women with ADHD in their childhood will continue to have it into adulthood. This is compared to 30% of men.
If you're unable to get relief from medication or lifestyle changes professional help can be helpful. There are many options, such as career coaching, life coaching, and counseling, along with medications like stimulants. Exercise is a great way to improve your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters which boost motivation and focus. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Girls and women with ADHD often struggle with emotional reaction. They may struggle with controlling their emotions and expressing them appropriately. This can cause anger for themselves and others. For instance, a woman with ADHD might become enraged when her spouse criticizes her, but she may not be able to calm down and talk about the problem in a more sensible manner. She also might struggle to "pause" her response by identifying body signals that indicate she's overwhelmed or overexcited like a flushed skin or breath shortness.
This difficulty in regulating emotions can result in confusion and anger and make people with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also lead to problems with social interactions because it is difficult to discern people's moods or pick up social cues.
In certain situations, ADHD people may appear emotionally detached and uninterested towards their loved ones or friends, even though they care about them. In some instances, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions in order to avoid feeling them.
Gender bias is a common feature among doctors and the impact of ADHD on women are often overlooked due to the nature of their symptoms. Women often hide their ADHD symptoms and when they do appear they are more likely to be mistakenly diagnosed as depression or anxiety disorders. It's a good idea to speak with a mental health specialist who has experience working with women and young girls with ADHD when you're experiencing these symptoms. They can validate your experience, instruct you on strategies like self-awareness and pacing, as well as provide you with psychoeducation for your family members to help you identify and respond to future ADHD symptoms.