Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While males and females are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD but girls and women are also susceptible to it. But stereotypes, referral prejudice and internalized symptoms as well as comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be appropriately assessed and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to cover up their ADHD symptoms and meet societal expectations, but these strategies can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of adult women's most frequent ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are susceptible to feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. They often struggle to keep track of multiple deadlines, emails, and meetings. They are also more likely to forget important events or appointments. They may also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. This could result in missed opportunities and a lower level of productivity.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the challenges they face can be seen as an aspect of their personality or performance, and can cause frustration. Many adults with ADHD have low self-esteem and a negative image of their body. They may also have trouble keeping relationships stable and developing efficient coping strategies. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking or drug use. This may make others less likely to recognize their problems and delay 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 for them to seek assistance. In the end, they may have issues with relationships and may have a difficult time finding work that is meaningful. They may also be more prone to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In some instances the symptoms may lead to a mental condition that is non-suicidal, like harming oneself (NSSI), that can 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. Women should be aware of the signs and seek an evaluation from a healthcare professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to more manageable symptoms and an improved quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed, as if their lives are chaotic. They may miss work deadlines or struggle to keep up with household or work tasks like paying bills or making appointments. Their finances and their home could be disorganized, and they may struggle to keep good relationships and a stable job.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and miscommunications between partners, friends and colleagues. These problems can lead strained or broken connections and feelings of loneliness. Forgetfulness, difficulty listening, and a tendency to "zone out" during conversations can contribute to misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from symptoms of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. These can cause disruption in both their personal and professional lives. extreme ADHD symptoms adults with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of work, family as well as society. They are more prone to criticism or harsh judgment.
There are ways to deal with these symptoms. For many adults treatment options include lifestyle changes and the use of specific 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 are often not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. They are also more likely to suffer from multiple disorders that are comorbid, like anxiety and depression which can exacerbate 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 to a person's biological makeup, chromosomes, hormones, and anatomy; gender refers to the internal feeling of self as a woman, man, nonbinary, or other gender identity; and mental health conditions are often diagnosed on the basis of both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. These feelings can become more severe if you are unable to keep track of your daily tasks and appointments. This can lead to health issues such as missed checkups, late payments and even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness associated with ADHD can also create relationship issues with coworkers, partners and even friends.
Many women develop coping mechanisms to hide their problems, which can make it harder for others to notice they have trouble staying focused and organized. These coping mechanisms may be beneficial, like creating a daily schedule or a phone reminder or harmful, like drinking alcohol or taking drugs to cope or function. These coping strategies can lead to an unhealthy cycle of stress and self-doubt for women, which makes them feel that they aren't successful or productive, which can increase feelings of anxiety and depression.
In addition, women with ADHD often experience a sense of not fitting in or meeting societal expectations, which can lead to feelings of self-doubt and anger. They may also encounter difficulties at work, like difficulties with organizational abilities, adhering to corporate policies, or adhering to a daily 9-to-5 schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances, due to impulsive and disorganized spending, or they may struggle to complete work-related assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires continuous assistance, especially when it affects girls and women. Despite the disorder's prevalence however, it's still undiagnosed, misunderstood, and not treated. Lingering stereotypes as well as referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the unique symptom presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They may become easily frustrated or overly excited, and may lose track of their time or be late for an event. They may also have difficulty reading body language and picking up social signals. This could cause issues at work or with relationships. They might be susceptible to arguing or spend too much time on interests and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have difficulty keeping friendships and making new connections because they struggle 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 get diagnosed. For instance, they could develop routines to help them remain organized or rely on apps to remind them of their appointments. They may alter their lifestyle to conform to social expectations and norms. They could even conceal their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems with their symptoms, which could have serious health issues in the long run.
Many people with ADHD overcome their symptoms, but there are some who don't. About 60% of women who have ADHD in their childhood will suffer from it until they reach adulthood. This compares to 30% of males.
If you're unable to find relief through medication or lifestyle changes professional help can be beneficial. There are a myriad of options available, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling along with medications like stimulants. Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and boosting your energy. It releases neurotransmitters that boost motivation and focus. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often affected by emotional hyperactivity. They may have difficulty to regulate their emotions and communicate them effectively, which can cause frustration with others and themselves. For example, a woman with ADHD might become enraged when her partner critiques her, but she might not be able to settle down and talk about the issue in a more sensible manner. She also might struggle to "pause" her response by identifying body signals that indicate she's feeling overwhelmed or stressed like a flushed skin or breath shortness.
This issue with regulating emotions can lead to frustration and misunderstandings and make people with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also cause difficulties when it comes to social interactions, because it can be difficult to gauge the mood of others and recognize social signals.
In some cases, people with ADHD may seem emotionally detached and disinterested in their friends or loved ones, even if they truly love them. In other instances they may avoid situations that trigger them to avoid feeling an intense emotion.
Gender bias is common 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 mistakenly diagnosed as depression or anxiety disorders. If you're struggling with these symptoms, it may be beneficial to consult a mental health professional experienced in working with women and girls who suffer from ADHD. They can confirm your experience, instruct you on strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and also provide you with psychoeducation for your family to help you recognize and address any the upcoming ADHD symptoms.