ADHD in Adult Women Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to access the support they require. The symptoms can be controlled through therapy and medication.
Symptoms include restlessness, forgetfulness and impulsivity, mood swings and difficulties keeping track of the daily activities. These symptoms can lead to unhealthy relationships or co-occurring disorders such as eating disorders.
1. Hyperfocus
For people with ADHD hyperfocus is the tendency to totally immerse themselves in an activity and ignore other distractions. This can be a great skill when it's used for a task like creating art or writing but when it's extended to other activities such as television or social media it can result in being less productive. Hyperfocus is a sign of ADHD that affects women and can cause issues at work as well as in their private lives.
Women may also experience the inattentive-type symptoms of ADHD (difficulty staying on task or forgetting important tasks) more than they do the hyperactivity/impulsive symptoms. Because of this, their ADHD symptoms can be more difficult to detect. They might not be able to keep track of their expenses or schedule, and they could struggle to maintain friendships.
Hyperfocus can result in an inability to manage emotions, which often causes women with ADHD to assert themselves or to have healthy relationships at work or at home. Emotional dysregulation can be an indicator of ADHD for women. It is often worsened by hormonal fluctuations that occur during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal.
When you come back to them, they may not understand what you're saying. This can be frustrating for everyone involved. It is possible to devise strategies to help you overcome your hyperfocus and gain control over your time. For instance, you could set an alarm clock for 15 minutes to remind you to not spend your time on the internet or change your focus when you're watching TV. A simple wiggle of your body can also help you break your focus.
Some people with ADHD find hyperfocus an effective superpower, allowing them achieve incredible feats like Olympic gold medals or major artistic projects. This is only true when they can identify their own impulsive behaviors, learn how to manage their attention, and switch off hyperfocus if needed. This is difficult for many people without a supportive system that holds them accountable and set reasonable limits.
2. Procrastination
Women with ADHD often have difficulty to begin projects or tasks. They tend to put off tasks until the last minute, and then find themselves overwhelmed by their workload and find it difficult to motivate themselves to get started. ADHD symptoms in adults females may also have trouble keeping track of time and overestimate the amount of time required to finish.
Procrastination can be a problem for a lot of people. But it could be a major issue for those suffering from ADHD. For example, it can make it hard to manage your finances or manage the administrative tasks of life like registration for health services, booking doctor's appointments, or contacting friends promptly. Stress and anxiety may also be the result, which impacts your health.
It is also possible that you have difficulty planning for future events or completing your homework. You may become so involved in your planning that you fail to progress. It could be hard to communicate with family members and acquaintances or to interpret non-verbal signals from other people. You might talk too much or ramble on topics, or have trouble understanding the boundaries of social interaction.
Women with ADHD struggle to make new friendships or forming relationships. They may also find it difficult to work and keep up with household chores. They may also have a low self-esteem and find it challenging to connect with other people. Some have difficulty reading body language or recognizing social cues. This can make them seem aloof and unapproachable.
Women with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed, however many women still experience symptoms. Some have what's known as high-functioning ADHD which means that symptoms don't significantly interfere with their lives. Some suffer from mild or specific symptoms that affect only certain areas of their lives, like work and school.
People who suffer from ADHD should be aware that they can improve their functioning by seeking treatment. Treatment options include therapy and medication. There are also accommodations you can ask for from your workplace or educational institution. They can assist you in managing your symptoms better and prepare you to succeed.
3. Impulsivity
Many people with ADHD have difficulty controlling their emotions, resulting in impulsive behaviors that can cause social problems. This may manifest as a tendency to speak out in a way that is not thinking, making purchases on impulse, or engaging in disputes. Those who suffer from ADHD are also unable to be patient in conversations and frequently struggle to understand the boundaries of social interaction. This can cause relationship problems and a lack of self-confidence that can affect women's mental health.
This is a symptom that is especially common in adults who suffer from the inattentive subtype ADHD. It can cause problems in the workplace or at school, such as being late to deadlines, not remembering important events and misplacing important items. It can also cause issues at home. For instance, it can make it difficult to finish household chores or household chores. Women with impulsive behaviors may feel overwhelmed by their daily obligations. They may feel that they are being a failure in their lives or that they aren't able to compare to other people.
Many people with ADHD are unable to recognize their impulsive behaviors, but it's important to seek help if these are present. A consultation with a therapist is a good option if you're experiencing mood fluctuation, low self-esteem or a lack in confidence that is affecting your daily life. You can also reach out to a Salience health provider for an assessment and treatment.
Traditionally, females and girls have been diagnosed with ADHD more often than boys. It's not because girls or women are less prone to ADHD, but rather because the condition typically presents differently for women. This means that they're more likely to develop an underlying disorder or develop coping strategies that mask the symptoms. They're also more likely have difficulty in relationships and this can decrease their awareness of their condition.
There are medications that can treat ADHD in women of all ages and improve their lives. There are stimulants such as methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, amphetamine salts, and lisdexamfetamine. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) are utilized for those who are unable to take stimulants due to medical issues or severe side effects. Behavioral therapy, such as group therapy or psychotherapy can be beneficial for some.
4. Emotional Dysregulation
ADHD in women who are adults is usually associated with emotional dysregulation. This manifests as intense and frequent emotions that are insignificant to the situation. Women who suffer from this condition frequently struggle to manage their emotions. This can lead to impulsive behaviors that damage relationships and career success. They may also have trouble understanding and expressing their emotions which can cause them to become overwhelmed by their emotions.
Adults suffering from ADHD are less likely to understand emotional dysregulation than those with hyperactivity or impulsivity. It may cause problems with self-restraint in conversations, speaking impulsively and interrupting others, as well as trouble understanding social boundaries, which leads to issues like being impatient or causing disruption to other people's conversations and activities. It can also be an issue in identifying and expressing feelings, such as frustration and anger, anxiety, sadness and depression.
Women who have emotional dysregulation could struggle to maintain relationships and achieving their goals. They are more likely to experience stress, irritability, or low self-esteem. They are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety which can also contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. They are more likely to have co-occurring conditions, like bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and/or depression and anxiety that can make treatment more difficult.
Since women with ADHD frequently experience a combination of symptoms that are overlapping and symptoms, they are more difficult to recognize than men with the same symptoms. This is due to the fact that women exhibit less externalizing symptoms than men. They are more apparent for other. However, it is crucial to consider all the symptoms of a patient when diagnosing them, and not just the external symptoms.
Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a distinct concept. Sex refers to one's genetics and chromosomal makeup while gender refers to a person's perception of themselves as a woman, a man or a nonbinary gender. The male-to-female ADHD ratio is higher in childhood but increases as you get older. Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. A diagnosis can help them better manage their symptoms improve their relationships, set them up for success at work and home and help them accept themselves more fully.