Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
The signs of ADHD in adults women can be harder to recognize than men due to the fact that women typically have coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately, lifestyle modifications and medication can help them improve their functioning and improve their quality of life.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have six symptoms from the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive subtypes lasting more than six months. These symptoms include:
1. Inattention
ADHD symptoms in women can include having trouble keeping track of the time, missing appointments, misplacing items or being easily distracted. Women may also have difficulty with procrastination or forgetfulness and also working or studying in a setting which is noisy or bustling. They are often challenged with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting other people and making statements that they later regret.
As opposed to males and boys, women with ADHD tend to be more adept at masking their symptoms. They can develop healthy coping strategies that include relying on an agenda for the day and using reminders on their phones to remind them of important events. However, these strategies for coping can be unsustainable over the long haul and are not enough to manage the complexity of life. In addition, their symptoms could be complicated by comorbid disorders like depression and anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD exhibit hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms as well. In adults, these symptoms are more subtle and may only affect a few aspects of their lives, such as social or work-related interactions. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They may also have a hard time relaxing or finding a way to slow down, as well as having difficulty in forming and maintaining friendships.
People with moderate to mild ADHD may not have any significant problems at work or in their relationships, but they have trouble being organized and executing on commitments. They may face issues with finances, schoolwork or household chores and often experience an overwhelming feeling by the responsibilities they have to fulfill. Those with severe symptoms are severely disrupted in their daily lives. They can have trouble keeping a job or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often have trouble organizing their home, work, and personal items. They can also get lost in the details of important items such as their wallets, keys glasses, eyeglasses, and cell phones. They can also be easily distracted and lose their temper. Their inability to follow instructions and complete tasks negatively impacts their work, schoolwork and relationships.
Women often hide their symptoms by using their emotions as a reason for their behavior, which makes it harder to get diagnosed and treated. For instance women might experience low self-esteem or anxiety as an explanation for her inattention and forgetfulness. It is also possible to blame relationship issues or other complaints, such as nausea and headaches, on the stress of life or fluctuations in hormones (e.g., perimenopause or menopause).
Untreated ADHD can cause serious problems. For instance, girls and women with ADHD might be at higher risk of adolescent sexual activity because of their impulsivity and difficulties with boundaries between people and planning. They might be more likely to turn to alcohol or drugs to help themselves. Inattention can cause delay in doctor's appointments and procedures. They might have irregular and unbalanced eating habits or a high BMI, as well as unhealthy coping habits, such as nail-biting, skin picking, obsessive shopping and excessive exercise.
The best way to diagnose ADHD is through an exhaustive assessment by an expert in mental health or health care provider. The professional will also inquire of the patient about their emotional and physical well-being. They might also suggest tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. Many adults are surprised to find out that they've been suffering from a mental illness for years.
3. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD have a harder time controlling their impulses. This can lead to other problems such as self-injury or drinking or using drugs. It can also lead to relationships problems as forgetfulness or impulsive behaviors can lead to misunderstandings and conflict with family, friends, and coworkers.
Signs of impulsivity include blurting things out, buying something on a whim and then rushing into it without considering the consequences. adult ADHD symptoms to keep in mind that acting impulsively doesn't necessarily mean it's a sign of bad character, and some people require more time than others to think through their thoughts before they act. It's important to talk with your doctor and get tested for ADHD if you notice that your symptoms are becoming more severe.
Women with ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions. This can lead to depression or other mental health problems. Depression symptoms can be hard to recognize in women as they can appear similar to other health problems, like insomnia and chronic headaches. Some women suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek help because they believe that their symptoms are the result of low self-esteem.
It is crucial to realize that sex and gender are two different concepts and that the biological characteristics that determine whether you are a man, woman, or nonbinary person don't affect your internal sense of identity. However, many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their gender which can cause feelings of guilt and despair. The anxiety of untreated ADHD can exacerbate these feelings and could result in losing support from friends or family members.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they may have difficulty handling adult obligations and interactions. This can lead to problems at school or at work, and strained relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances or their home, and may be at risk for neglecting health-related concerns like regular health checkups and exercising. They may also have difficulty to deal with negative emotions like anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms in women can include forgetting things, losing things, becoming easily distracted, having trouble working with others or feeling overwhelmed by tasks. They might also experience mood-related issues like lower self-esteem or a lack of confidence in themselves.
It is essential to recognize the signs and receive a diagnosis. It is also helpful to speak with a mental health professional about your concerns and to create coping strategies for ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies can help to change negative thinking patterns and enhance coping skills. Additionally the joining of a women's support group can provide valuable information regarding living with ADHD and strategies to cope with everyday life.
It is also important to note that women who suffer from ADHD have different symptoms than men, and symptoms can vary during transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy, childbirth or hormone treatments during menopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations and also the fact that females have a greater hippocampal area, which plays a role in memory and learning. Women are also more adept in masked ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult to determine a correct diagnosis. It is possible to live an enjoyable and fulfilling life with ADHD despite these obstacles.
5. Anxiety
While it can be challenging for women with ADHD to admit they suffer from anxiety issues, getting a diagnosis and finding the right treatment for them can make their lives much better. It can also help them comprehend their behavior and how it impacts others.
Anxiety can be a major symptom of ADHD for women of all ages and it may look like:
Difficulty staying focused or on task, daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or can be boring. Problems with concentration at school or at work. Not remembering or being late for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of people around you or under pressure at work or home. Having difficulty relaxing or falling to sleep. Being easily upset, or being overly sensitive to criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have a mood disorder that is co-existing, such as depression. They might also find it difficult to establish friendships. They might also have issues with intimate relationships, which can cause a higher risk of violence from intimate partners and a higher risk of alcohol abuse.
It can be difficult for girls and women to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis because symptoms in girls and women differ from those in males and boys. Health care professionals must be aware of these differences in order to provide a correct diagnosis. This means identifying certain traits that are more distinct, like a clear symptoms-profile, difficulties with social interactions and a tendency to employ strategies to disguise underachievement or performance problems, and the relationship between anxiety and depression. It is also crucial to take into consideration the effect of a woman's hormone levels on her symptom manifestation.