Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Women and girls can have ADHD. While both men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently but it is also possible for women to suffer from the condition. But persistent stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can make it more difficult for them to be properly assessed and treated.
These strategies are often harmful and not sustainable. Here are some of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are susceptible to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It is often difficult for them to keep track of deadlines, emails and meetings. They are also more likely to miss important dates or events. They may also have difficulty to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This can cause them to miss opportunities and lower quality work.
These issues can cause frustration for many people with ADHD. They may feel that they are a reflection of themselves or their performance. Many people with ADHD end up having a low sense of self and a negative perception of their body. They may also have difficulty keeping relationships stable and developing effective coping mechanisms. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it harder for others to understand that they're struggling and delay an accurate diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are often sensitive to criticism or failure. This can lead them to internalize their problems and make it difficult to seek assistance. In the end, they may struggle with relationship difficulties and have difficulty finding work that is meaningful. They may also be more prone to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In certain instances, these symptoms can result in the development of a mental health problem such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which could be manifested through 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 correct diagnosis can result in more manageable symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed, as if their lives are chaotic. They may miss deadlines or find it difficult to keep track of household or work-related tasks, such as paying bills and keeping appointments. Their finances and their home could be disorganized and they may find it difficult to keep good relationships and a stable job.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can cause broken or stressed connections and feelings of isolation. The inability to remember, the difficulty in listening and the tendency to "zone out", or stop paying attention, can also result in misunderstandings between loved ones.
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms of impulsivity, emotional instability, 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 the social world. They might also be sensitive to harsh criticism and harsh judgment.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle changes and the use of specialized tools for organization, as well as prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be more able 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 conditions like anxiety and depression which can worsen the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also struggle to keep stable relationships and jobs, and may suffer from low self esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's hormones and chromosomes; gender refers the internal sense of self-identity as a man woman, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health conditions are often diagnoses based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more susceptible to depression and anxiety. These moods can be made worse due to the inability of keeping on top of the daily schedule and appointments and can result in health problems such as missed health check-ups, missed payments or even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness, which can lead to problems in relationships with friends, partners and coworkers.
Many women develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms, which can make it harder for others to see that they are struggling to stay focused and organized. These coping mechanisms may be healthy like making a daily plan, or a phone reminder, or unhealthy, like using alcohol or drugs to function or cope. These coping strategies can trigger a cycle of stress and self-doubt for women, making them feel that they aren't successful or productive, which may cause anxiety and depression.
In addition, women with ADHD often experience a sense of not fitting in or meeting the expectations of society, which can lead to low self-esteem and a sense of frustration. They may also encounter challenges at work, including difficulties in establishing organizational skills adhering to company policies or adhering to a routine 9-to-5 schedule. They may be struggling with managing their finances, due to impulsive and disorganized spending, or they could struggle to complete work-related assignments or finishing homework.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires lifelong support, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence this disorder is misunderstood and underdiagnosed. It is also undertreated. The distinctive symptoms of ADHD in women are the result of stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology, comorbidities, and hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. ADHD symptoms in adult men could be easily upset or excited, lose track of time or be late to events. They might also have difficulty reading body language or recognizing social signals. This can cause problems at work or in relationships. For example, they might get into arguments easily or spend too much time with hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They may also have difficulty keeping relationships or forming connections due to their inability to keep their commitments and promises.
Women are more adept at developing ways to cope with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to get diagnosed. They might, for example, develop routines that help them stay organized or use apps to remind themselves of their appointments. They might also alter their behavior to conform to societal expectations and norms. They may even try to hide their symptoms using drugs or alcohol. This could have negative health effects over time.
Many people who suffer from ADHD overcome their symptoms, but some do not. About 60% of women with ADHD during childhood will suffer from it until they reach adulthood. This compares to 30% of males.
Professional treatment may be beneficial for those who could not see relief from medications or lifestyle changes. There are many options, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling, together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters to boost attention and motivation and can reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Women and girls with ADHD often struggle with emotional reactivity. They may have trouble regulating their emotions and how they express them. This can cause frustration for themselves as well as others. A person with ADHD may get angry when a friend criticizes her however, she may not be able to discuss the matter in a rational way. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals like flushed skin or a short breath that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
This inability to regulate their emotions can heighten frustration and misunderstandings in relationships, and it can make people with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also lead to difficulties with social interactions since it is difficult to discern people's moods or detect social signals.
In certain instances, ADHD people may appear in a way that they are emotionally detached and not interested in their loved ones or friends even though they are concerned about them. In some instances they might avoid situations that trigger strong emotions in order to avoid experiencing them.
The nature of women's symptoms can make it easier for doctors to ignore the effects of ADHD. Many of them hide their ADHD symptoms when they do manifest, they're more likely to be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related, and therefore misdiagnosed. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it may be helpful to seek a mental health professional experienced in working with girls and women who suffer from ADHD. They can validate your experiences, show you how to use strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and provide family psychoeducation which can help you understand how to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the future.