Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can suffer from ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often, it is also possible for women to suffer from the condition. But lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it harder for them to be properly evaluated and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but they can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are some of adult women's most commonly reported ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD can be prone to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. They often find it challenging to keep track of multiple deadlines, emails, and meetings. They could also be more likely to forget important dates or events. They may also be unable to focus. staying focused in noisy or crowded environments. This can cause them to miss out on opportunities and produce lower quality work.
For many people with ADHD the challenges they face can be seen as an expression of their character or performance, which can lead to frustration. Many adults with ADHD experience an unsatisfactory self-image and a negative view of their body. They may also have difficulty to maintain stable relationships and develop effective coping strategies. In some instances, they turn to unhealthy coping methods, such as excessive alcohol or drugs. This could make others less likely to acknowledge their issues and delay a diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD may be particularly sensitive to criticism or failure. This may cause them to internalize the issue and make it difficult to seek assistance. As a result, they may have relationships and have trouble finding work that is meaningful. They are also more prone to anxiety, depression, and mood fluctuations. In some instances the symptoms may lead to a mental condition that is non-suicidal, like self-harm (NSSI) which could be expressed by cutting or burning.
While it's more prevalent in boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist throughout adulthood and affect multiple areas of life. Women must recognize the symptoms and seek an evaluation from a healthcare professional. A proper diagnosis can result in better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often feel overwhelmed and feel like their lives are in chaos. They may miss work deadlines or have trouble keeping the track of their household or work tasks like paying bills or scheduling appointments. Their finances and home may be disorganized and they may have a difficult time to maintain healthy relationships and a stable job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can cause more frustration and miscommunications between partners, friends and colleagues. These issues can cause broken or stressed connections and feelings of loneliness. The inability to listen, forgetfulness and a tendency "zone out" in conversations could cause misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity and mood swings. These can be disruptive in their personal and professional lives. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of family, work, and society, and may be particularly sensitive to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are ways to reduce the impact of these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle changes and the use of specific tools for organization and prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD might be able to hide their ADHD symptoms better than men, which can lead to an undiagnosed condition until adulthood. They are also more likely to have comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which can compound the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also struggle to maintain stable relationships and jobs, and may be afflicted by low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the hormones and chromosomes. Gender refers the internal sense of oneself as a man, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health issues are often diagnoses based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These feelings can become more severe if you are unable to keep on top of your daily activities and appointments. This can cause health problems like missed appointments or payments that are late, or even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness associated with ADHD can also lead to problems with relationships with coworkers, partners, and friends.
Many women develop strategies to mask their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to see that they are having trouble staying organized and focused. These strategies of coping can be healthy like creating a daily schedule, or a phone reminder or harmful, like relying on drugs or alcohol to manage or function. These strategies for coping can make women feel anxious and unsure, leading them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety.
Women who suffer from ADHD might also feel like they aren't accepted or aren't meeting social expectations. This can cause anxiety and low self-esteem. They may also experience issues at work, such as issues with organization abilities, adhering to corporate policies, or sticking to a daily 9-to-5 schedule. symptoms of ADHD in adults female may be struggling with managing their finances, due to disorganization and impulsive spending, or they could struggle to complete work-related assignments or completing homework.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires ongoing assistance, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence it is misunderstood and underdiagnosed. It is also undertreated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result of stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology, comorbidities and hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions or impulses. They may become easily frustrated or overly excited, and they might lose track of time or be late to events. They also might have trouble understanding body language or picking up on social signals. This can cause problems at work or in relationships. They might be susceptible to arguments or spend too much time on interests and hobbies that aren't important to them. They may also have difficulty keeping friendships or making connections due to their inability to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them than men to diagnose. They could, for example create routines to assist them in staying organized, or use apps to remind themselves of their appointments. They could change their lifestyle to conform to societal expectations and norms. They may even try to conceal their symptoms by using drugs or alcohol. This can have grave health consequences in the long run.
Some people suffering from ADHD do not completely overcome the symptoms. About 60 percent of women who suffer from ADHD during childhood continue to be affected until they reach adulthood, compared to 30% of males.
If you're unable to get relief from lifestyle or medication Professional treatment may be helpful. There are many options available, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling along with medications like stimulants. Exercise is a great way to improve your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters, which increase the motivation and focus. It can also help reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Girls and women with ADHD often have issues with emotional reaction. They may have difficulty regulating their emotions and expressing them appropriately. This can lead to frustration for both themselves and others. A woman with ADHD might become angry when a friend criticizes her however she may not be able to talk about the issue in a rational manner. She may also struggle to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals like flushed skin or a short breath that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
This difficulty in regulating emotions can lead to frustration and misunderstandings and make those with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also cause problems in social interactions, since it can be difficult to read the mood of others and recognize social cues.
In some instances, those who suffer from ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their peers or loved ones, even though they truly are concerned about them. In certain situations, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid feeling them.
Gender bias is a common feature among clinicians and the impact of ADHD on women are often omitted because of the nature of their symptoms. Many of them hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do show up they are more likely to be seen as anxiety- or mood-related, and therefore misdiagnosed. If you're struggling with these symptoms, it may be beneficial to talk to an experienced mental health professional who has experience in working with women and girls who suffer from ADHD. They can validate your experiences, show you how to apply strategies like pacing and self-awareness and offer family psychoeducation to help you learn to recognize and respond to your ADHD symptoms in the future.