Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While men and boys are diagnosed far more often with ADHD, women and girls may also be affected. But persistent stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities can make it more difficult for them to get properly evaluated and treated.
These strategies can be unhealthy and not sustainable. Here are a few of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adult women.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD tend to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It can be difficult to keep track of deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to miss important events or appointments. They may also have difficulty concentrating in noisy or busy surroundings. This can cause them to miss opportunities and lower quality work.
For many adults with ADHD the challenges they face can be seen as a reflection of their character or performance, and can cause frustration. Many adults with ADHD have a low sense of self and a negative perception of their body. They may also be struggling with maintaining stable relationships and establishing efficient coping strategies. In some cases, they resort to unhealthy coping behaviors, such as excessive alcohol or drug use. This can make it harder for others to recognize that they're struggling, and can delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD may be particularly sensitive to criticism or failure. This may cause them to internalize their problems and make it difficult to seek assistance. As a result, they may experience relationships and have trouble finding meaningful work. They could also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some cases 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.
Although it's more common in boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD The symptoms can last into adulthood and impact various aspects of life. Women should recognize the signs and seek a diagnosis by a health professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD feel overwhelmed and feel as if their lives are in chaos. They may not meet deadlines or find it difficult to manage household or work-related tasks, such as paying bills and keeping appointments. Their finances and home may be messy, and they may struggle to maintain healthy relationships and a stable job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can lead to frustration and confusion in relationships between friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can result in fractured or even strained relationships and feelings of loneliness. Inattention, forgetfulness and the tendency to "zone out" or not pay attention, can result in misunderstandings between loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience signs of emotional instability, impulsivity, and mood swings. These can cause disruption in both their professional and personal lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of their families, work as well as society. They are more prone to criticism or harsh judgement.
There are ways to deal with these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle modifications, the use of specialized tools for organization, and prescription stimulant drugs.
Women with ADHD may be able to cover up their ADHD symptoms better than males and can result in an undiagnosed condition until adulthood. They are also more likely to suffer from multiple disorders that are comorbid, like anxiety and depression that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also struggle to keep stable relationships and jobs and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's hormones and chromosomes. Gender is the internal belief in oneself as a man woman, a nonbinary, or another gender identity. Mental health problems are often diagnoses by both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These feelings can be exacerbated by the inability to keep on top of daily tasks and appointments and can result in health issues such as missing check-ups, late payments or even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness of ADHD can also cause relationship issues with coworkers, partners, and friends.
Many women develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms, which can make it harder for others to notice they have trouble staying focused and organized. These strategies for coping could be healthy, such as creating a daily schedule or a reminder on the phone or even unhealthy, such as relying on drugs or alcohol to cope or function. These coping strategies can cause women to feel anxious and unsecure which can cause them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety.
Additionally, women with ADHD often feel a sense of not being accepted or meeting the expectations of society which can cause feelings of self-doubt and anger. They might also face issues at work, such as issues with organization abilities, adhering to corporate policies, or sticking to a daily 9-to-5 schedule. They may be struggling with managing their finances, due to impulsive and disorganized spending, or they might be unable to keep up with work-related tasks or completing homework.
ADHD can be a lifelong condition that requires constant assistance, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence, the disorder is still poorly understood and not properly diagnosed. It is also not treated. Lingering stereotypes as well as referral biases internalized symptoms, comorbidities, and hormonal changes all contribute to the distinctive symptom manifestation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They could be easily upset or overwhelmed, lose track of time, or be late to events. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or picking up on social cues. This can cause problems at work or in relationships. For instance, they may have a tendency to get into fights easily, or they may spend too much time with hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They might also have trouble keeping friendships or making connections due to their inability to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to diagnose. They might, for example, develop routines that aid in staying organized or utilize apps to remind them of their appointments. They may change their lifestyle to conform to social norms and expectations. They might even hide their symptoms by taking alcohol or drugs to manage with their symptoms, which could have serious health problems in the long run.
Many people suffering from ADHD get over their symptoms, but some do not. About 60% of women suffering from ADHD in their childhood will have it into adulthood. This compares to 30% of men.
For those who don't find relief through lifestyle or medication, professional treatment can be helpful. There are many options, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling as well as medications such as stimulants. Exercise is also a great way to improve your mood and boost your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters, which increase motivation and focus. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often afflicted by emotional reaction. symptoms of ADHD in adults women may have a difficult time to regulate their emotions and express them appropriately, which can cause frustration with others and themselves. A person with ADHD may become angry when her partner criticizes her, but she might not be able to discuss the matter in a rational manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals like a flushed face or a short breath which indicate she is either overstimulated or overwhelmed.
This issue with regulating their emotions can cause more stress and miscommunications in relationships, and it can make people with ADHD more prone to anxiety and depression. It can also lead to difficulties with social interactions since it's difficult to gauge people's moods and social cues.
In some cases, people with ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their peers or loved ones, even when they truly are concerned about them. In certain situations, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid experiencing them.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easy for clinicians to overlook the effects of ADHD. Women often hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as mood or anxiety disorders. It's a good idea to consult an expert in mental health who has experience working with girls and women with ADHD in the event that you're experiencing these symptoms. They can help you validate your experiences, show you how to use strategies such as self-awareness and pacing and offer family psychoeducation to help you learn to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the future.