Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Women and girls can have ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often however, it is also feasible for women to be affected by the condition. But lingering stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it harder for them to be assessed and treated.
These strategies could be harmful and unsustainable. Here are some of adult women's most commonly reported ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD tend to feel overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of numerous deadlines, emails, and meetings. They are also more likely to forget important dates or events. They might also have trouble concentrating in noisy or busy environments. This can cause them to miss out on opportunities and lower quality work.
For many adults suffering from ADHD These challenges can be seen as an aspect of their personality or performance and lead to frustration. They can often suffer from low self-esteem and a negative image of their body. They may also be struggling with keeping relationships stable and developing efficient coping strategies. In some instances they may turn to unhealthy coping methods, such as excessive alcohol or drugs. This can make it more difficult for others to recognize that they're struggling and delay an accurate diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often sensitive to criticism or failure. This can lead them to internalize their problems and make it difficult to seek assistance. They may also experience relationship problems and are unable to find a meaningful job. They could be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some instances these symptoms may result in the development of a mental health problem like non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could be expressed through cutting, burning, or scratching.
While it's more common for boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms can last into adulthood and can impact various aspects of life. It is crucial for women to be aware of the signs and seek a thorough assessment from a health care professional. A positive diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often complain of feeling overwhelmed and feeling like their lives are chaotic. They may fail to meet deadlines for work or have trouble keeping up with household or work tasks, such paying bills and making appointments. They may have a disorganized home and finances, and struggle to maintain a stable relationship and an employment.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and confusion in relationships between partners, friends and colleagues. These issues can cause broken or strained connections and feelings of isolation. The inability to listen, forgetfulness, and a tendency to "zone out" in conversations could contribute to misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Symptoms of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and mood swings are more common in women with ADHD than in men, and can be highly disruptive to both your personal and professional life. Women who are not treated for ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of work, family and the society, and might be more sensitive to criticism or harsh judgment.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specially designed organizational tools, as well as prescription stimulant medication.
Women who suffer from ADHD often find it easier than men to disguise their ADHD symptoms and, as a result they may not be diagnosed until adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also struggle to maintain stable relationships and jobs, and may suffer from low self esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's genetic makeup, chromosomes and hormones and anatomy; gender refers to the internal sense of self as a woman, man, nonbinary, or other gender identity and mental health problems are usually diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who have ADHD are at risk for depression and anxiety. These feelings can be exacerbated by the inability to keep track of appointments and daily tasks that can cause health issues such as missing health check-ups, missed payments or even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness, which can lead to relationships problems with friends, partners and coworkers.
Many women develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms that can make it harder for others to recognize that they are struggling to stay focused and organized. These strategies of coping could be healthy, like creating 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 strategies for coping can cause women to feel stressed and insecure and make them doubt themselves and their abilities. This can lead to depression or anxiety.
Women who suffer from ADHD may also feel that they don't belong or don't meet social expectations. This can lead to frustration and low self-esteem. They might also experience difficulties at work, including difficulties with organization skills, adhering to corporate policies or sticking to a regular 9-to-5 work schedule. They may be struggling with managing their finances due to impulsive and disorganized spending, or they might be unable to keep up with work-related assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing support, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence, the disorder is still poorly understood and not properly diagnosed. It is also not treated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are the result of stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology, comorbidities, and hormonal changes.
4. symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults who suffer from 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 may also have difficulties understanding body language and picking up social cues. This can cause problems at work or with relationships. For instance, they could get into arguments easily or spend too much time with hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining friendships or making connections due to their inability to keep their commitments and promises.
Women tend to be better in establishing coping mechanisms that help them mask their ADHD symptoms, which is why it's difficult for them to be diagnosed than men are. For instance, they may develop routines to help them stay organized or rely on apps to remind them of their appointments. They may also alter their behavior to fit in with societal expectations and norms. They might even hide their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems with their symptoms, which could have serious health issues in the long term.
Many people suffering from ADHD get over their symptoms, but there are some who do not. Around 60% of women suffering from ADHD in their childhood will continue to have it throughout their adulthood. This is compared to 30% of males.
Professional treatment may be beneficial for those who can not see relief from medications or lifestyle changes. There are many options, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling along with medications like stimulants. Exercise is an effective method of improving your mood and boosting your energy. It releases neurotransmitters to boost the ability to focus and motivate and can help ease anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often affected by emotional reaction. They may have difficulty regulating their emotions and how they express them. This can lead to frustration for both themselves and others. A person with ADHD may become angry when her partner criticizes them however, she may not be able calm down to discuss the matter in a rational way. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals like a flushed face or a short breath that suggest she is stressed or overwhelmed.
This difficulty in regulating emotions can result in frustration and misunderstandings, and can make people with ADHD susceptible to depression or anxiety. It can also lead to difficulties in social interactions as it is difficult to read people's moods or pick up social cues.
In certain instances, people with ADHD may seem emotionally detached and uninterested in their peers or loved ones, even though they really care about them. In some cases, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid feeling them.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easy for clinicians to overlook the effects of ADHD. Many women conceal their ADHD symptoms, and when they do show up they are more likely to be mistakenly diagnosed as depression or anxiety disorders. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it can be beneficial to consult a mental health professional experienced in working with girls and women who have ADHD. They can confirm your experience, teach you strategies like self-awareness and pacing, and also provide you with psychoeducation for your family to help you identify and manage future ADHD symptoms.