Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While men and boys are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD, women and girls are also susceptible to it. However, stereotypes, prejudices about referrals and internalized symptoms as well as other comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be appropriately evaluated and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms and conform to social expectations, but they can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of the adult women's most commonly reported ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are susceptible to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of multiple deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They are also more likely to miss important appointments or events. They may also have difficulty to concentrate in noisy or busy environments. This can lead them to miss out on opportunities and lower quality work.
These issues can cause frustration for many people with ADHD. They might feel that they reflect of themselves or their performance. Many people with ADHD experience a low sense of self and a negative perception of their body. They may also be struggling with maintaining stable relationships and developing efficient coping strategies. In some instances they will use unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it harder for others to recognize the signs of struggle and delay a diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD may be particularly sensitive to criticism or failure. This can lead them to internalize the problem and make it difficult for them to seek assistance. They may also have issues with relationships and may are unable to find a meaningful job. They may be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some cases, the symptoms can cause a mental disorder, such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI), that can be exhibited through cutting or burning.
ADHD is more prevalent among both boys and men, but symptoms can linger and affect all aspects of your life. It's crucial for women to be aware of the signs and seek a thorough evaluation from a health care professional. A positive diagnosis can result in better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD report feeling overwhelmed, as if their lives are in chaos. They may fail to meet deadlines for work or have trouble keeping track of the tasks at home or at work like paying bills and making appointments. Their home and finances could be cluttered and they may find it difficult to maintain healthy relationships and a steady job.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can lead to frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can cause broken or strained connections and feelings of isolation. The inability to remember, the difficulty in listening and the tendency to "zone out" or to not pay attention, may cause misunderstandings with loved ones.
The signs of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and mood swings are more prevalent among women suffering from ADHD than men and can be disruptive to both your personal and professional. ADHD symptoms adults male who are not treated for ADHD are often overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of work, family and the society, and are more prone to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
There are ways to deal with these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle changes as well as the use of specific organization tools, and prescription stimulant drugs.
Women with ADHD might be able to hide their ADHD symptoms better than men which could lead to being undiagnosed until later in life. They are also more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety, which can compound the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also struggle to keep their relationships stable and secure and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's genetic makeup, chromosomes, hormones and anatomy. Gender refers to the internal sense of self as a woman, man or a nonbinary gender identity; and mental health conditions are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from anxiety and depression. These feelings can be exacerbated by the inability to keep track of the daily schedule and appointments, which can lead to health problems such as missed appointments, late payments, and even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness and can cause relationship problems with partners, friends and colleagues.
Many women develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms that can make it harder for others to notice they are struggling to stay focused and organized. These coping strategies may be healthy, like creating an annual schedule or setting phone reminders, or they may be unhealthy and rely on alcohol or other drugs to function or cope with their difficulties. These strategies for coping can make women feel anxious and unsecure which can cause them to doubt their capabilities and self-confidence. This can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety.
Additionally, ADHD in adults symptoms quiz with ADHD often feel a sense of not fitting in or meeting the expectations of society which can cause feelings of self-doubt and anger. They may also encounter challenges at work, such as difficulties with organizational skills adhering to company policies or sticking to a regular 9-to-5 routine. They may struggle with managing their finances due to disorganization and impulsive spending, or they may be unable to keep up with work-related tasks or completing homework.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires ongoing assistance, 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, referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities and hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may become easily frustrated or overly excited, and they might lose track of time or be late for events. They may also have difficulty reading body language and recognizing social signals. This can cause issues at work or with relationships. For instance, they could have a tendency to get into fights easily, or spend too much time on hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining friendships or making connections due to their inability to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are generally better in developing coping mechanisms to aid in reducing their ADHD symptoms, so it's harder for them to get diagnosed than men are. They might, for example create routines to assist them in staying organized, or utilize apps to remind them of their appointments. They may change their lifestyle to conform to social norms and expectations. They may also try to hide their symptoms using drugs or alcohol. This could lead to negative health effects over time.
Many people who suffer from ADHD get over their symptoms, but others do not. About 60 percent of women with ADHD in their childhood be affected until they reach adulthood, compared to 30% of males.
If you're unable to find relief through lifestyle changes or medication professional help can be helpful. There are a variety of options, such as life coaching, career coaching, and counseling, along with medications like stimulants. Exercise is also a great way to improve your mood and boost your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters that boost motivation and attention. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Girls and women with ADHD often have trouble with emotional hyperactivity. They may find it hard to regulate their emotions and express them in a proper manner and this can lead to frustration with their own self and others. A woman with ADHD might become angry when a friend critiques them however she may not be able to calm down to discuss the issue in a rational manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause" her reactions by recognizing bodily signals that indicate she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed like flushing skin or breath shortness.
This issue with regulating their emotions can lead to more frustration and misunderstandings in relationships and can make those with ADHD more susceptible to anxiety or depression. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions, since it can be difficult to gauge other people's moods and recognize social signals.
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 to avoid experiencing them.
Gender bias is a frequent feature of clinicians and the impact of ADHD on women are often overlooked due to the nature of their symptoms. Many women hide their ADHD symptoms and when they do manifest, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as anxiety or mood disorders. It can be helpful to speak with an expert in mental health who has experience working with women and young girls with ADHD when you're experiencing these symptoms. They can confirm your experience, instruct you on strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, as well as provide you with psychoeducation for your family to help you recognize and address any the upcoming ADHD symptoms.