Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Symptoms of ADHD in adults women are more difficult to spot than men due to the fact that women often develop strategies to cope with their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately, support for lifestyle and medication can assist them to improve their functioning and enhance their quality of life.
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. Inattention
The symptoms of ADHD in adults women often are characterized by difficulty in keeping the track of time, missing appointments, misplacing things or being easily distracted. Women may also have difficulty with forgetfulness and procrastination and also working or studying in an environment which is noisy or bustling. Women often struggle with interpersonal skills. They may interrupt other people or make statements that they regret later.
Women with ADHD are more adept at masked symptoms than men and boys. They might develop healthy coping mechanisms that include having a regular schedule or making phone calls to remind them of important occasions. However, these strategies may not be sustainable over the long term and are not enough to handle the demands of life. Additionally the symptoms of these disorders can be exacerbated by comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD also exhibit the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. Adults may experience milder symptoms that affect only certain aspects of their lives, such as social interactions or work. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They might also have difficulty to relax or settle down. They may also have difficulty to form and keep friendships.
People who suffer from mild to moderate ADHD may not have major issues at work or in their relationships, but they have trouble staying organized and following through on commitments. They may experience problems with finances, household chores or schoolwork and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their jobs. The severity of the symptoms can cause major disruptions to a person's daily life. ADHD symptoms in adults females may also experience difficulty maintaining relationships or keeping their job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD have trouble organizing their home, work and personal belongings. They also tend to lose track of important things like keys, wallets, eyeglasses, and cell phones. They are also susceptible to losing their temper and becoming easily distracted by other thoughts and activities. Inability to follow instructions and complete tasks negatively impacts their work, schoolwork and relationships.
Women hide their symptoms by using their emotions to justify their actions. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat. For example, she might blame her lack of attention or forgetfulness on low self-esteem and anxiety. She could also blame relationship problems or somatic complaints, such as nausea and headaches, on the stress of life or hormone fluctuations (e.g., perimenopause or menopause).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious problems. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be more likely to engage in sexual activity during adolescence due to their impulsivity, difficulties with boundaries between people, and lack of planning. Self-medicating using alcohol and other drugs is more frequent. Inattention can lead to missed doctor's procedures and appointments. They may have erratic and disordered eating habits or a higher BMI, and unhealthy coping behaviors like nail-biting skin picking, compulsive shopping and a lot of exercise.
A thorough assessment by a medical professional or mental health professional is the most effective way to diagnose ADHD. In addition to examining the patient's physical and emotional well-being, the professional may seek feedback from close family members and friends. They may also suggest tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. Many adults are surprised to find out that they've been suffering from mental illness for many years.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more difficulty controlling their impulses than males, and this could result in self-injury or alcohol or drug abuse, or other mental health issues. It can also lead to issues with relationships, since forgetfulness or impulsive behaviors can lead to miscommunications and conflicts with family, colleagues, and friends.
Signs of impulsivity include scribbling things out, buying something at the spur of the moment and then rushing into it without contemplating the consequences. It's important to remember that acting impulsively isn't always a sign of bad character, and some people need more time than others to process their thoughts before acting. It's still important to speak to your doctor and get tested for ADHD if you notice that your symptoms are becoming more severe.
Women suffering from ADHD frequently have trouble controlling their emotions. This can lead to depression, or other mental health problems. Depression symptoms can be hard to spot in women since they can appear similar to other health problems, like chronic headaches and insomnia. Women with ADHD are reluctant to seek help because they believe that their symptoms are the result of low self-esteem.
It is crucial to recognize that sex is an entirely different concept than gender, and that your internal sense of identity isn't dependent on the biological traits that determine if you are a woman, a man or non-binary. However, many people with ADHD have trouble identifying with their assigned gender, and this can lead to feelings of shame and desperation. The anxiety of untreated ADHD can intensify these feelings, and may also lead to losing support from family or colleagues.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD develop into women, they may be unable to handle adult responsibilities and interactions. This could cause issues at work or in school, as well as strained relationships with family members, friends and romantic partners. Women with ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances or home. They may also be at risk of ignoring health issues such as regular checkups and exercising. They may also be struggling to cope with negative feelings like anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms in women may include the inability to remember things, loosing things, being easily distracted, having trouble working with others, or feeling overwhelmed by tasks. They could also be more likely to suffer from mood-related issues like low self-esteem, low self-confidence or somatic complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain.
It is essential that women are aware of their symptoms and get a diagnosis. It's also helpful to speak to a mental health professional about your concerns and to create coping strategies for ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies help, for instance, to alter negative thinking patterns and enhance the ability to cope. Additionally being a part of a women's supportive group can provide valuable information about living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It is important to recognize that women who suffer from ADHD may experience different symptoms from men. They can experience changes in transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy. They may also change in response to hormone treatments during the menopause. This is partly due hormonal fluctuations and also the fact that females have a bigger hippocampus, which plays an important part in memory and learning. Women may also hide their ADHD symptoms better than males. This makes it more difficult to get a correct diagnosis. Despite these issues, it is still possible to lead a fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be difficult for women suffering from ADHD to admit that they have trouble with anxiety, getting an diagnosis and locating the right treatment can make their lives so much better. It can also help them better comprehend their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety may be a significant symptom of ADHD for women of all ages and it can look like:
It is difficult to stay focused or on task, daydreaming or seeming to be distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding tedious or difficult tasks. Focusing problems at school or at work. Not remembering things or being late for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or under pressure at home or at work. Having difficulty relaxing or falling to sleep. Being easily disturbed or sensitive to rejection and criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have a co-existing mood disorder, such as depression. They may also find it difficult to establish friendships. They could also experience issues with intimate relationships that lead to a higher incidence of intimate partner violence and a higher rate of alcohol abuse.
It can be challenging for girls and women to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis because symptoms for girls and women differ from those of boys and men. To be able to identify accurately ADHD, health care providers need to be aware of the distinctions. This involves identifying specific characteristics such as a distinct symptom-profile, difficulty with social relations, a tendency for coping strategies to mask the signs of performance issues or underachievement and also the relationship between anxiety and depression. It is important to also be aware of the effect hormone levels of women influence her symptoms.