Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults can be harder to recognize than in men because women often develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medication can enhance their quality of life and functioning.
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. Attention
The symptoms of ADHD for women who are adults typically involve trouble keeping the time, missing appointments, misplacing items or becoming easily distracted. Women may also experience forgetfulness, procrastination and having difficulty working or studying in a noisy, crowded environment. Women often struggle with their interpersonal skills. They may interrupt others or make remarks that they regret later.
In contrast to men and boys who suffer from ADHD tend to be better at masking their symptoms. They might develop healthy coping strategies, such as relying upon the daily schedule and using phone reminders to remind them of important occasions. However, these strategies for coping aren't sustainable in the long term and are not enough to cope with the demands of real life. In addition, their symptoms could be exacerbated by comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also exhibit hyperactivity and impulsivity. For adults, these signs are less obvious and could only affect certain areas of their lives such as work or social 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 of calming down, as well as struggling to form and maintain friendships.
People with mild to moderate ADHD might not experience significant problems at work or in their relationships, but they have trouble staying organized and following through on commitments. They may have issues with finances, household chores or schoolwork and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their jobs. In adult ADHD symptoms men , the condition can cause disturbances in a person's everyday life. They may also experience difficulties maintaining relationships or keeping a job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD have trouble organizing their home, work and personal belongings. They also tend to lose track of important things like keys, wallets glasses, eyeglasses, and cellphones. They are also prone to lose their tempers and being easily distracted by their thoughts and activities. Inability to follow instructions and complete tasks negatively impacts their schoolwork, work and relationships.
Women cover up their symptoms by through their emotions to justify their actions. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat. For instance women might experience low self-esteem or anxiety as a reason for her forgetfulness and inattention. She might also blame relationship issues or other complaints such as nausea and headaches on the stress of life or fluctuations in hormones (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal or menopause).
When untreated, ADHD can lead to serious problems. Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activity during adolescence due to their impulsivity, difficulties with boundaries between people and lack of organization. Self-medicating using alcohol and other drugs may be more common. Inattention can cause missed doctor's procedures and appointments. They may also have disordered eating habits or having a high BMI. They might also be prone to unhealthy coping strategies, like shopping too much, nail-biting and skin picking.
A thorough assessment by a medical professional or mental health professional is the most effective method to determine ADHD. The professional will also ask the patient about his or her emotional and physical well-being. They might also suggest some tests in the lab or an interview. Being diagnosed can be a life-changing event for those who discover they've been struggling with an illness of the mind all along.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their impulses. This can cause other problems like self-injury and the use of alcohol or drugs. It can also cause problems in relationships, as inattention and impulsive behavior could lead to misunderstandings or conflicts with family, friends and colleagues.
Impulsivity is characterized by an urge to speak loud, purchase something on impulse, and act without considering the consequences. It's important to keep in mind that acting in a rash manner isn't always an indication of a bad character, and some people require more time than others to think about their thoughts before they act. However, it's a good idea to speak with your doctor about this and to get checked for ADHD particularly when you notice that these symptoms are getting worse.
Women who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty controlling their emotions. This can result in depression, or other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be difficult to recognize in women, because they may resemble other health issues, such as insomnia or a persistent headache. Women with ADHD are hesitant to seek help since they believe that their symptoms are indicative of self-esteem issues or a personality flaw.
It's important to understand that gender and sexuality are different concepts, and that the biological characteristics that determine if you're a man, woman, or nonbinary person don't affect your internal sense of identity. However, many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty identifying with their gender and this can lead to feelings of shame and desperation. These feelings can be further exacerbated by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD, which may also lead to an absence of professional or personal support.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD develop into women, they may have difficulty handling adult tasks and interactions. This can lead to problems at school or at work, and tensions with family friends, as well as romantic partners. Women with ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances and home. They could be prone to neglecting health issues such as regular checkups and exercising. They may also be struggling with dealing with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.
The signs of ADHD in women of all ages may include misplacing items or forgetting appointments, getting easily distracted by movement or noise, having difficulty working with others, or being overwhelmed by work. They are also more likely to experience mood-related symptoms like poor self-esteem, low self-confidence or somatic complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain.
It's important for women to identify the signs of ADHD and seek a diagnosis. It's also helpful to speak with an expert in mental health about their difficulties and develop strategies for coping with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help, for instance, to change negative thinking patterns and improve coping skills. Additionally, joining a women's support group can provide valuable advice about living with ADHD and coping strategies for daily life.
It is important to recognize that women with ADHD might suffer from different symptoms than men. These symptoms can change during transitional times like puberty or pregnancy. They can change as a result of menopausal hormone treatments. This is due to hormonal fluctuations, as well as the fact that women have a larger hippocampal area that plays a crucial role in memory and education. Women can also mask their ADHD symptoms better than males. This can make it difficult to receive a correct diagnosis. It is possible to live an enjoyable and joyful life with ADHD despite these challenges.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be difficult for women suffering from ADHD to admit they suffer from trouble with anxiety, getting a diagnosis and finding the right treatment for them can make their lives so much better. It can also help them understand their behavior and how it affects others.
Anxiety is a significant symptom in women suffering from ADHD. It could look like this:
Difficulty staying focused or distracted, or appearing to be distracted. Making mistakes that aren't made. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or could be boring. Finding it difficult to concentrate in the classroom or at work. Not remembering or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds or under pressure at home or at work. Finding it difficult to relax or fall asleep. Being easily upset or being a bit sensitive to criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop coexisting mood disorder such as depression, and they may have a harder time establishing friendships. They may also have problems with intimate relationships, which can lead to a higher incidence of intimate partner violence and a higher percentage of substance abuse.
Women and girls may have difficulty getting a correct ADHD diagnosis because their symptoms are different from the symptoms of men and boys. To be able to identify accurately ADHD, healthcare professionals need to be aware of the differences. This includes identifying specific features, like a more distinct manifesting symptom, difficulty in social relationships and a tendency to develop strategies to deal with the signs of underperformance and performance issues and the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is also important to take into consideration the impact hormone levels of women affect her symptoms.