Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can both suffer from ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often, it is also possible for women to be affected by the disorder. But stereotypes, referral prejudice and internalized symptoms as well as other comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be properly assessed and treated.
Many women develop coping strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms and conform to social expectations, but these can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD can be prone to feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. They often struggle to keep track of many deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to overlook important dates or events. They may also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. This can lead them to miss opportunities and produce lower quality work.
These issues can cause frustration for many adults with ADHD. They may feel that they reflect of their own performance or of themselves. Many adults with ADHD have an unsatisfactory self-image and a negative view of their body. They may also have difficulty to maintain stable relationships and develop effective coping strategies. In some instances, they use unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive alcohol or drug use. This may make others less likely to recognize their struggles and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD may be particularly sensitive to criticism or failure. This may cause them to internalize the problem and make it difficult for them to seek assistance. They might also be afflicted by problems with relationships and are unable to find work that is meaningful. They are also more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood fluctuations. In some instances the symptoms can result in a mental illness that is non-suicidal, like harming oneself (NSSI), that can be expressed by cutting or burning.
While it's more common for males and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms can last throughout adulthood and affect various aspects of life. Women should recognize the signs and seek out an evaluation by a medical professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often feel overwhelmed and feel like their lives are a mess. They may miss work deadlines or struggle to keep up with chores at home or at work like paying bills and keeping appointments. They might have a chaotic home and finances, and could struggle to keep relationships stable and maintain an employment.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with friends, partners and colleagues. These problems can lead to broken or strained relationships, and feelings of loneliness. Forgetfulness, difficulty listening, and a tendency to "zone out" during conversations can contribute to misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Symptoms of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and mood swings are more prevalent among women suffering from ADHD than in men and can be disruptive to personal and professional. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of family, work as well as society. They may be particularly sensitive to harsh criticism or harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are ways to control the effects of these symptoms. For many adults, treatment options include lifestyle modifications and the use of specific tools for organization and prescription stimulant medication.
Women who suffer from ADHD might be able hide their ADHD symptoms better than men and can result in an undiagnosed condition that can last until the age of. They are more likely to be suffering from comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also have trouble maintaining healthy relationships and a steady job and are susceptible to low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's chromosomes and hormones; gender is the internal belief in oneself as a man woman, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health conditions are often diagnosed in relation to both.
3. Anxiety
Women who have ADHD are more susceptible to anxiety and depression. These feelings can be exacerbated by the inability to keep on top of appointments and daily tasks and can result in health problems such as missed appointments, late payments and even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness and can cause relationships problems with family, friends and coworkers.
Many women develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to see that they have difficulty staying focused and organized. These strategies for coping may be healthy, like creating an agenda for the day or setting reminders for phone calls, or they could be harmful depending on alcohol or other drugs to function or cope with their challenges. These coping strategies can lead to a cycle of stress and self-doubt for women, causing them to feel like they are not doing enough or productive, which could add to feelings of anxiety and depression.
In addition, women with ADHD frequently feel the pressure of not fitting in or meeting societal expectations which can cause feelings of self-doubt and anger. They may also encounter challenges at work such as difficulty in establishing organizational skills and adhering to corporate guidelines or sticking to a regular 9-to-5 schedule. adult ADHD symptoms men may struggle with managing their finances due to impulsive and disorganized spending, or they might have difficulty keeping up with work-related assignments or completing homework.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires continuous support, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence, it is still misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and untreated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology, comorbidities, and hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They might become easily frustrated or overly excited, lose track time, or be late to events. They may also have difficulty reading body language and recognizing social cues. This can lead to problems at work or in relationships. For example, they might be easily entangled in arguments or spend too much time in pursuit of hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They might also have difficulty maintaining relationships or making new connections due to their struggle to stick to promises and commitments.
Women are better at developing ways to cope with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them than men to get diagnosed. For instance, they may develop routines to help them keep track of their time or use apps to remind them of appointments. They might also change their behavior to conform with the norms and expectations of society. They may even try to hide their symptoms with alcohol or drugs. This can have negative health effects over time.
Many people who suffer from ADHD overcome their symptoms, but some do not. About 60% of women suffering from ADHD in their childhood will suffer from it until they reach adulthood. This is compared to 30% of males.
If you are unable to get relief from lifestyle changes or medication professional help can be beneficial. There are a myriad of options, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling, along with medications like stimulants. Exercise is also a great way to improve your mood and increase your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters that boost the motivation and focus. It can also help reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often struggle with emotional hyperactivity. They may struggle with controlling their emotions and expressing them appropriately. This can lead to anger for themselves and others. A woman with ADHD might become angry when her partner criticizes her however, she may not be able to calm down to discuss the matter in a rational way. She may also struggle to "pause" her reactions by identifying body signals that indicate she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed like a flushed skin or breath shortness.
This inability to regulate their emotions can lead to more frustration and miscommunications in relationships, and can make those with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also cause problems when it comes to social interactions, because it can be difficult to gauge other people's moods and recognize social signals.
In certain instances, people who suffer from ADHD might appear emotionally distant and disinterested in their friends or loved ones, even if they really care about them. In other cases, they may withdraw from triggering situations to avoid experiencing a strong emotion.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easy for healthcare professionals to overlook the effects of ADHD. Women often hide their ADHD symptoms and when they do show up, they are more likely to be mistakenly diagnosed as depression or anxiety disorders. It can be helpful to seek out a mental health professional who has experience working with girls and women with ADHD in the event that you're experiencing these symptoms. They can help validate your experiences, show you how to utilize strategies such as self-awareness and pacing and provide psychoeducation for your family that can help you learn to recognize and respond to your ADHD symptoms in the future.