Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While men and boys are diagnosed far more often with ADHD but girls and women may also be affected. However, stereotypes, prejudices about referrals and internalized symptoms as well as comorbidities can make it difficult to get them properly evaluated and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and conform to social expectations, but these can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are a few of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are susceptible to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. They often find it challenging to keep track of multiple deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to miss important appointments or events. They may also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. This can cause them to miss opportunities and produce lower quality work.
These challenges can cause frustration for many adults suffering from ADHD. They may believe that they are a reflection of themselves or their performance. Many people who suffer from ADHD end up having an unsatisfactory self-image and a negative image of their body. They may also be struggling to keep relationships stable and come up with effective strategies to cope. In some instances, they turn to unhealthy coping methods like excessive drinking or drug use. This could make others less likely to recognize their struggles and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to criticism and failure which can cause them to internalize their issues and struggle to get help. This is why they may have relationships and have trouble finding meaningful work. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some instances these symptoms may result in the development of a mental health condition such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which may be manifested by burning, cutting, or scratching.
Although it's more common in boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist into adulthood and can impact many aspects of life. It's crucial for women to recognize the signs and seek a thorough examination from a medical professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and an improved quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed as if they are in chaos. They may fail to meet deadlines for work or struggle to keep the track of their chores at home or at work like paying bills or making appointments. They might have a chaotic home and finances, and may struggle to keep relationships stable and maintain a job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and miscommunications between partners, friends, and coworkers. These issues can result in strained or broken connections and feelings of isolation. Inattention, forgetfulness, and a tendency to "zone out" in conversations can also cause misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from symptoms of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. They can be disruptive in their professional and personal lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD might feel overwhelmed by the demands of family, work, and society. They may also be sensitive to criticism and harsh judgment.
There are ways to deal with these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specialized organization tools, and prescription stimulant drugs.
Women with ADHD may be able to conceal their ADHD symptoms better than males and can result in an undiagnosed condition that can last until the age of. They are more likely to suffer from multiple disorders that are comorbid, like anxiety and depression which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. what is adult ADHD symptoms may also struggle to keep their relationships stable and secure, and may suffer from low self esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's chromosomes and hormones; gender refers to the internal perception of self-identity as a man, woman, nonbinary or another gender identity. Mental health issues are often diagnoses based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are at risk of developing anxiety and depression. These feelings can be exacerbated when you're unable keep track of your daily tasks and appointments. This can cause health problems such as missed health checkups or payments that are late, or even debt. ADHD can cause emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to relationship problems with partners, friends and colleagues.
Many women develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms and make it harder for others to recognize that they have trouble staying focused and organized. These strategies for coping may be healthy, like creating a daily schedule or setting reminders for phone calls, or they may be unhealthy depending on alcohol or drugs to help them manage or overcome their issues. These strategies for coping can cause women to feel anxious and unsecure, leading them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression.
Women with ADHD might also feel like they don't belong or don't conform to social norms. This can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. They may also encounter challenges at work, such as difficulties with organization skills and adhering to corporate guidelines or sticking to a standard 9-to-5 schedule. They may be struggling with managing their finances due to disorganization and impulsive spending, or they might struggle to complete work-related tasks or completing homework.
ADHD is a chronic condition that requires ongoing assistance, especially when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence, it is still misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. The distinctive symptoms of ADHD in women are the result of stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities, and hormonal fluctuations.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be easily annoyed or overly excited, and may lose track of their time or be late for events. They may also have difficulties reading body language and picking up social signals. This could cause issues at work or in relationships. They might be susceptible to arguments or spend too much time in pursuits and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have difficulty maintaining relationships or making new connections because they struggle to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are generally better in establishing coping mechanisms that aid in reducing their ADHD symptoms, so it's harder for them to get diagnosed than men are. For example, they might develop routines to help them keep track of their time or use apps to remind them of their appointments. They may alter their behavior to conform to societal expectations and norms. They could even conceal their symptoms using alcohol or drugs to manage with their symptoms, which could have serious health problems in the end.
Some people with ADHD are not able to overcome the symptoms. About 60 percent of women who suffer from ADHD in childhood continue to have the condition until adulthood, as opposed to 30% of men.
Professional therapy can be beneficial for those who do not find relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options available, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling, together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is an effective method to boost your mood and boosting your energy. It releases neurotransmitters to boost attention and motivation and can reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often affected by emotional reactivity. They may struggle with controlling their emotions and communicating them in a proper manner. This can cause frustration for themselves as well as others. For example, a woman with ADHD may become angry when her spouse critiques her, but she may not be able to calm down and discuss the issue in a more sensible manner. She also might struggle to "pause" her response by identifying bodily cues that she's feeling overwhelmed or stressed like a flushed skin or breath shortness.
This issue with regulating emotions can lead to confusion and anger and make those with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions, since it is difficult to discern other people's moods and recognize social signals.
In certain instances, people who suffer from ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their peers or loved ones, even if they truly love them. In some cases they might avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid feeling them.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easier for doctors to ignore the effects of ADHD. Many of them camouflage their ADHD symptoms when they do manifest, they're more likely to be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related, which can lead to misdiagnosis. 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 have ADHD. They can help validate your experiences, guide you how to use strategies like pacing and self-awareness, and provide family psychoeducation to help you learn to recognize and respond to your ADHD symptoms in the future.