Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While boys and men are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD, women and girls are also susceptible to it. But stereotypes, prejudices regarding referrals and internalized symptoms as well as other comorbidities can 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 they can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are some of the adult women's most commonly reported ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are susceptible to feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. They often struggle to keep track of multiple deadlines, emails, and meetings. They are also more likely to overlook important appointments or events. They may also have difficulty staying focused in noisy or crowded surroundings. This can cause them to miss opportunities and produce lower quality work.
For many people with ADHD, these challenges may be an expression of their character or performance, and can cause frustration. They may suffer from low self-esteem and a negative body image. They may also be struggling with maintaining stable relationships and establishing efficient coping strategies. In some instances they may turn to unhealthy coping methods that include excessive alcohol or drugs. This can make it more difficult for others to see the signs of struggle and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD might be more sensitive to criticism or failure. This may cause them to internalize the problem and make it difficult to seek help. In the end, they may have relationship difficulties and have difficulty finding meaningful employment. They may also be more prone to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In some instances these signs can lead to the development of a mental health issue such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which can be manifested by burning, cutting, or scratching.
ADHD is more prevalent among males and females, however symptoms can last and affect the entire life of. Women should be aware of the signs and seek a diagnosis by a health professional. A proper diagnosis can lead to better management of symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often feel overwhelmed and feel like their lives are chaotic. They might miss deadlines or find it difficult to keep track of work or household tasks such as paying bills and keeping the track of appointments. Their finances and their home could be cluttered and they may have a difficult time to maintain healthy relationships and a steady job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and miscommunications with friends, partners, and coworkers. These problems can lead to strained or even broken connections and feelings of loneliness. Inattention, forgetfulness, and a tendency to "zone out" in conversations can also contribute to misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience signs of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. They can be disruptive in both their personal and professional lives. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of their families, work and the society, and may be particularly sensitive to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. For many adults treatment options include lifestyle changes and the use of specially designed tools for organization and prescription stimulant medication.
Women who suffer from ADHD often find it easier than men to hide their ADHD symptoms, and as a result they may not be diagnosed until adulthood. They are more likely to be suffering from comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships and a steady job, and can 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 sense of self as a woman, man, nonbinary, or other gender identity; and mental health conditions are often diagnosed on the basis of both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These moods can be made worse by the inability to keep on top of appointments and daily tasks that can cause health issues like missed appointments, late payments, and even debt. ADHD can cause 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 that can make it harder for others to see that they are struggling to stay focused and organized. These coping strategies may be healthy, such as establishing an annual schedule or establishing phone reminders or they may be unhealthy, such as relying on alcohol or drugs to help them manage or overcome their difficulties. These coping strategies can cause women to feel anxious and unsecure, leading them to doubt themselves and their abilities. This can trigger feelings of anxiety or depression.
In ADHD symptoms in adults females , women who suffer from ADHD often feel a sense of not being accepted or meeting societal expectations and this can lead to low self-esteem and frustration. They may also encounter challenges at work, such as difficulties with organization skills, adhering to corporate policies or sticking to a regular 9-to-5 routine. They may struggle to manage their finances due in part to disorganization or excessive spending. Or, they may have trouble keeping up with work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a lifetime condition that requires ongoing assistance, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence this disorder is poorly understood and not properly diagnosed. It is also untreated. The distinctive symptoms of ADHD in women are a result of stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuation.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They could be easily upset or excited, lose track of time or be late to events. They might also have difficulty reading body speech or recognizing social cues. This can lead to problems at work or in relationships. For instance, they may be easily entangled in arguments or spend too much time in pursuit of hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining friendships or making new connections because they struggle to stick to promises and commitments.
Women are generally better in developing coping mechanisms to aid in reducing their ADHD symptoms, which is why it's harder for them to get diagnosed than men. For instance, they could create routines to help remain organized or rely on apps to remind them of appointments. They may also alter their behavior to fit in with societal expectations and norms. They might even attempt to hide their symptoms using drugs or alcohol. This could lead to negative health effects over time.
Some people with ADHD do not completely overcome the symptoms. About 60 percent of women who suffer from ADHD in childhood continue to suffer from the condition until adulthood, as opposed to 30% of men.
If you are unable to find relief through lifestyle or medication, professional treatment can be helpful. There are many options available, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is also a great way to improve your mood and boost your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters that boost the ability to focus and motivate and can help ease anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Girls and women with ADHD are often afflicted by emotional hyperactivity. They may have difficulty to regulate their emotions and communicate them effectively and this can lead to frustration with their own self and others. A woman with ADHD may become angry when a friend criticizes her however she may not be able to discuss the matter in a rational manner. She might also be unable to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals such as flushed skin or shortness in breath that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
This difficulty regulating their emotions can lead to more frustration and miscommunications in relationships, and it can make people with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also cause issues in social interactions, since it is difficult to discern other people's moods and detect social signals.
In certain instances, people with ADHD may seem emotionally detached and disinterested in their friends or loved ones, even though they really care about them. In other instances, they may withdraw from situations that trigger them to avoid feeling a strong emotion.
Gender bias is common among clinicians, and the effects of ADHD on women are often overlooked due to the nature of their symptoms. Many of them hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear, they're more likely to be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related, which can lead to misdiagnosis. It is advisable to speak with a mental health professional who has worked with young girls and women with ADHD in the event that you're experiencing these symptoms. They can confirm your experiences, teach you strategies like self-awareness and pacing, and provide you with psychoeducation for your family members to help you recognize and manage the upcoming ADHD symptoms.