Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While boys and men are diagnosed far more often with ADHD however, girls and women are also susceptible to it. However, lingering stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it difficult for them to be properly evaluated and treated.
Many women devise coping strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but these can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of the adult women's most commonly reported ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by their daily tasks. They often struggle to keep track of numerous deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They could also be more prone to forget important events or appointments. They might also have trouble staying focused in noisy or crowded surroundings. This can cause them to miss out on opportunities and lower quality work.
For many people with ADHD, these challenges can be seen as a reflection of their character or performance and lead to frustration. Many adults with ADHD experience a low sense of self and a negative view of their body. They may also have difficulty keeping relationships stable and developing efficient coping strategies. In some cases they will turn to unhealthy coping methods, such as excessive alcohol or drug use. This can make it harder for others to see that they're struggling and delay the diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are often sensitive to criticism and failure, which can cause them to internalize their difficulties and find it difficult to seek help. They may also have relationship problems and struggle to find meaningful employment. They can also be more prone to anxiety, depression, and mood swings. In some instances the symptoms may lead to a mental condition such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI) which can be expressed by cutting, burning or scratching.
ADHD is more common in both boys and men, but symptoms can persist and impact all aspects of your life. Women should be aware of the signs and seek a diagnosis by a health professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to more manageable symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often complain of feeling overwhelmed and like their lives are chaotic. They may miss deadlines or have difficulty to manage household chores, such as paying bills and keeping track of appointments. They may have a disorganized home and finances, and struggle to maintain stable relationships and work.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can cause more frustration and miscommunications between partners, friends, and coworkers. These issues can cause fractured or even strained relationships and feelings of isolation. Inattention, forgetfulness, and the tendency to "zone out", or stop paying attention, can result in misunderstandings between loved ones.
The signs of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and mood swings are more prevalent among women suffering from ADHD than in men and can be disruptive to both personal and professional life. Women with untreated ADHD might feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, family and social life. They could also be sensitive to criticism and harsh judgment.
There are methods to manage these symptoms. For many adults, treatment options include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specific tools for organizing, as well as prescription stimulant medications.
Women with ADHD may be able to cover up their ADHD symptoms better than men and can result in an undiagnosed condition until adulthood. They are more likely to be suffering from comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety that can increase 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 hormones and chromosomes; gender is the internal belief in self-identity as a man, woman, nonbinary or another gender identity. Mental health problems are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. These emotions may be exacerbated due to the inability of keeping on top of appointments and daily tasks that can cause health problems such as missed appointments, late payments and even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness of ADHD can also cause issues with relationships with colleagues, partners and family members.
Many women come up with strategies to mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to see that they're having difficulty staying focused and organized. These strategies of coping can be healthy, such as making a daily plan, or a phone reminder or harmful, like drinking alcohol or taking drugs to function or cope. These strategies can make women feel anxious and unsure and make them doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can trigger feelings of depression or anxiety.
Women with ADHD might also feel that they don't fit in or don't conform to social norms. This can cause feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They might also experience difficulties at work, such as difficulties in establishing organizational skills and adhering to corporate guidelines or sticking to a standard 9-to-5 work schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances due to disorganization or an impulsive spending. They may also be struggling to complete assignments or homework.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing assistance, especially when it affects women and girls. Despite the disorder's prevalence however, it's still misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and untreated. Remaining stereotypes and referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities, and hormonal changes 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 be easily annoyed or overly excited, lose track time, or be late to events. They might also have difficulty reading body language or recognizing social signals. This can cause problems at work or in relationships. For instance, they could get into arguments easily or they may spend too much time in pursuit of hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They might also have trouble keeping relationships or forming connections because they are unable to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are generally better in establishing coping mechanisms that aid in reducing their ADHD symptoms, making it harder for them to get diagnosed than men. They could, for example create routines to help them stay organized or utilize apps to remind them of their appointments. They may also alter their behavior to fit in with societal expectations and norms. They might even hide their symptoms by using drugs or alcohol to cope and avoid serious health problems in the long run.
Some people suffering from ADHD do not completely overcome the symptoms. Around 60% of women with ADHD in childhood will suffer from it throughout their adulthood. This compares to 30% of men.
If you're unable to get relief from lifestyle or medication, professional treatment can be beneficial. There are a variety of options, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling along with medications like stimulants. Exercise can also be beneficial to boost your mood and boost your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters, which increase motivation and attention. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Women and girls with ADHD are often affected by emotional reaction. They may have a difficult time to control their emotions and express them appropriately, which can cause frustration with themselves and others. For example, a woman with ADHD might become enraged when her spouse criticizes her, but she may not be able to control her anger and talk about the issue in a more sensible manner. She might also be unable to "pause her reaction" by identifying body cues like flushed skin or breath shortness that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
This inability to regulate their emotions can cause more stress and misunderstandings in relationships, and it can make people with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also cause problems with social interactions, as it can be difficult to read the mood of others and detect social signals.
In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD might appear to be emotionally detached and uninterested in their peers or loved ones, even when they genuinely care about them. In some instances they might avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid feeling them.
Gender bias is common among medical professionals and the effects of ADHD on women are often overlooked due to the nature of their symptoms. Many of them camouflage their ADHD symptoms when they do manifest they are more likely to be seen as anxiety- or mood-related and thus misdiagnosed. It can be helpful to speak with an expert in mental health who has worked with girls and women with ADHD if you are experiencing these symptoms. what is adult ADHD symptoms can validate your experiences, teach you how to apply strategies like pacing and self-awareness and offer family psychoeducation to help you learn to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the future.