Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While men and boys are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD however, girls and women may also be affected. But persistent stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it difficult for them to be evaluated and treated.
Many women devise coping strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and meet societal expectations, but they can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD tend to feel overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of multiple deadlines, emails, and meetings. They could also be more prone to forget important dates or events. They may also have difficulty concentration in noisy or busy surroundings. This can cause them to miss opportunities and lower quality work.
For many adults with ADHD These challenges can feel like an expression of their character or performance and lead to frustration. They can often have a low self-esteem and a negative image of themselves. They may also have difficulty to maintain stable relationships and come up with effective strategies to cope. In some cases they resort to unhealthy strategies for coping that include excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it more difficult for others to understand that they're struggling and delay the diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to failure and criticism, which can cause them to internalize their difficulties and find it difficult to seek assistance. In the end, they may struggle with relationships and have trouble finding meaningful employment. They could also be more prone to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In some cases the symptoms can result in a mental illness such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI) which can be exhibited through cutting or burning.
While it's more common for males and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist into adulthood and can impact various aspects of life. It is crucial for women to identify the signs and seek a thorough assessment from a health care professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD feel overwhelmed as if they are in chaos. They may miss deadlines or find it difficult to keep track of household or work-related tasks, such as paying bills and keeping the track of appointments. They might have a chaotic home and finances, and may struggle to maintain stable relationships and a job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can cause strained or broken connections and feelings of loneliness. The inability to listen, forgetfulness, and a tendency to "zone out" during conversations can cause misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
The signs of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and mood swings are more prevalent among women suffering from ADHD than in men and can be extremely disruptive to both personal and professional. Women who are not treated for ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of family, work and the society, and might be more sensitive to criticism or harsh judgement.
There are methods to manage these symptoms. ADHD symptoms in adult women for many adults include lifestyle modifications as well as the use of specific tools for organization, and prescription stimulant drugs.
Women with ADHD might be able conceal their ADHD symptoms better than men, which can lead to an undiagnosed condition that can last until the age of. They are more likely to be suffering from comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have issues maintaining healthy relationships and a steady job, and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's hormones and chromosomes; gender refers to the internal perception of oneself as a man woman, a nonbinary, or another gender identity. Mental health issues are often diagnoses based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These moods can be made worse due to the inability of keeping track of appointments and daily tasks and can result in health issues like missed appointments, late payments, and even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness, which can lead to relationships problems with family, friends, and coworkers.
Many women develop coping strategies to hide their problems that can make it harder for others to see that they have trouble staying focused and organized. These strategies of coping could be healthy, such as creating an annual schedule or setting phone reminders, or they may be unhealthy and rely on alcohol or other drugs to manage or overcome their issues. These coping skills can create a cycle of self-doubt and anxiety for women, causing them to feel that they aren't successful or productive, which can add to feelings of depression and anxiety.
In addition, women with ADHD often experience 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 standard 9-to-5 work schedule. They may struggle with managing their finances, because of their indecisiveness and uncontrolled spending, or they may have difficulty keeping up with work-related assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a lifetime condition that requires constant assistance, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence it is misunderstood and underdiagnosed. It is also not treated. 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 who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They might become easily frustrated or overwhelmed, lose track of time, or be late to events. They also might have trouble reading body language or recognizing social cues. This can cause issues at work or in relationships. They might be susceptible to arguing or spend too much time in pursuits and hobbies that are not important to them. They may also have difficulty maintaining friendships or making connections because they are unable to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are generally better in developing coping mechanisms to help them mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for them to be diagnosed than men are. For instance, they could develop routines to help them remain organized or rely on apps to remind them of their appointments. They may also alter their behavior to comply with social expectations and norms. They could even conceal their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs to manage and avoid serious health issues in the long term.
Some people suffering from ADHD do not completely overcome the symptoms. About 60 percent of women with ADHD in childhood continue to be affected until they reach adulthood, compared to 30% of males.
For those who don't get relief from medication or lifestyle changes professional help can be helpful. There are a variety of options, such as career coaching, life coaching, and counseling, as well as medications such as stimulants. Exercise is also beneficial to boost your mood and increase your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters, which increase motivation and focus. It can also help reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Girls and women with ADHD often have trouble with emotional reaction. They may have trouble regulating their emotions and how they express them. This can lead to frustration for both themselves and others. A person suffering from ADHD might become angry when a friend criticizes them however she may not be able calm down to discuss the matter in a rational manner. She may also struggle to "pause her reaction" by identifying body signals such as flushed skin or a short breath that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
This difficulty regulating their emotions can heighten frustration and misunderstandings in relationships and can make those with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions as it is difficult to discern people's moods and social signals.
In certain situations, ADHD people may appear disconnected and uninterested in their friends or loved one even though they are concerned about them. In other situations, they may withdraw from triggering situations to avoid experiencing an intense emotion.
Gender bias is a common feature among doctors and the effects of ADHD on women are often omitted due to the nature of their symptoms. Many women conceal their ADHD symptoms, and when they do manifest, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as mood or anxiety disorders. It's a good idea to speak with a mental health specialist who has experience working with young girls and women with ADHD when you're experiencing these symptoms. They can validate your experiences, teach you strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and provide you with family psychoeducation to help you recognize and manage future ADHD symptoms.