Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can suffer from ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often but it is also possible for women to suffer from the disorder. But 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 meet societal expectations, but these can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are adult symptoms of ADHD of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adult women.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD can be prone to feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. They often struggle to keep track of multiple deadlines, emails, and meetings. They could also be more prone to forget important events or appointments. They may also struggle to concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. This could cause them to miss opportunities and lower quality work.
These challenges can lead to frustration for many adults suffering from ADHD. They may believe that they reflect of their own performance or of themselves. Many adults with ADHD end up having a low sense of self and a negative image of their body. They may also be struggling with keeping relationships stable and developing effective coping mechanisms. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy strategies for coping like excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it harder for others to recognize the signs of struggle and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to criticism and failure which can cause them to internalize their problems and find it difficult to seek help. As a result, they may have issues with relationships and may have a difficult time finding work that is meaningful. They are also more prone to depression, anxiety, and mood swings. In certain instances these signs can result in the development of a mental health condition such as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may be expressed through cutting, burning, or scratching.
ADHD is more prevalent among both boys and men, but symptoms can linger and affect the entire life of. Women should recognize the signs and seek out an evaluation by a health professional. A proper diagnosis can lead to better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often complain of feeling overwhelmed and feeling like their lives are a mess. They may miss deadlines or find it difficult to manage household or work-related tasks like paying bills and keeping the track of appointments. Their finances and their home could be cluttered and they may find it difficult to keep good relationships and a stable job.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and miscommunications between friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can cause broken or stressed connections and feelings of loneliness. The inability to remember, the difficulty in listening, and the tendency to "zone out" or not pay attention, can also result in misunderstandings between loved ones.
Signs of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and mood swings are more frequent among women suffering from ADHD than in men and can be extremely disruptive to both your personal and professional life. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of their families, work, and society, and are more prone to criticism or harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are solutions to reduce the impact of these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle changes and the use of specialized tools for organization, and prescription stimulant medications.
Women with ADHD often find it easier than men to conceal their ADHD symptoms and, as a result, may go undiagnosed until the age of adulthood. They are also more likely to have comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which can compound the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also have trouble maintaining healthy relationships and a stable job and are susceptible to low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the person's biological makeup, chromosomes, hormones and anatomy; gender refers to the internal feeling of self as a woman, man, nonbinary, or other gender identity; and mental health conditions are usually diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These emotions may be exacerbated due to the inability of keeping the track of the daily schedule and appointments, which can lead to health issues such as missing health check-ups, missed payments or even debt. ADHD can cause emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to relationship problems with friends, partners, and coworkers.
Many women come up with strategies to mask their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to see that they're having difficulty staying organized and focused. These strategies for coping may be healthy, like creating a daily schedule or establishing phone reminders or they could be harmful and rely on alcohol or drugs to help them perform or manage their challenges. These coping strategies can lead to an unhealthy 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.
Women with ADHD might also feel like they aren't accepted or don't conform to social norms. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They may also encounter difficulties at work, such as difficulties with organization skills, following corporate policies, or sticking to a routine of 9-5. They may struggle to manage their finances due to a lack of organization or an impulsive spending. They may also have trouble keeping up with assignments or homework.
ADHD is a chronic condition that requires continuous care, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite the prevalence of the disorder however, it's still misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and not treated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology and comorbidities as well as hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be easily annoyed or excessively exuberant, and they may lose track of time or be late for an event. They also might have trouble reading body speech or recognizing social cues. This can lead to problems at work or with relationships. For instance, they could have a tendency to get into fights easily, or spend too much time in pursuit of hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining friendships or making connections due to their inability to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are generally better in developing coping mechanisms to help them mask their ADHD symptoms, which is why it's more difficult for them to be diagnosed than men. For example, they might develop routines to help them keep track of their time or use apps to remind them of their appointments. They may also alter their behavior to conform to societal norms and expectations. They may also try to hide their symptoms using alcohol or drugs. This could lead to negative health effects over time.
Some people suffering from ADHD are not able to overcome the symptoms. About 60 percent of women who suffer from ADHD during childhood continue to suffer from the condition until they reach adulthood, compared to 30% of men.
Professional therapy can be beneficial for those who can not experience relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options, including career coaching, counseling and life coaching. There are also stimulants. Exercise is also beneficial to boost your mood and increase your levels of energy. It releases neurotransmitters that boost motivation and attention. It can also help reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Girls and women with ADHD are often affected by emotional reactivity. They may find it hard to regulate their emotions and express them in a proper manner, which can cause frustration with their own self and others. For instance, a person with ADHD might become enraged when a friend criticizes her, but she may not be able to calm down and talk about the problem in a more sensible manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause her reaction" by recognizing body signals such as flushed skin or a short breath that suggest she is stressed or overwhelmed.
This issue with regulating emotions can result in frustration and misunderstandings, and can make people with ADHD susceptible to anxiety or depression. It can also cause issues with social interactions, as it is difficult to discern the mood of others and detect social signals.
In certain instances, ADHD people may appear in a way that they are emotionally detached and not interested in their loved ones or friends even though they are concerned about them. In some cases, they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid experiencing them.
Gender bias is a common feature among medical professionals and the impact of ADHD on women are often omitted due to the nature of their symptoms. Many of them hide their ADHD symptoms and, when they do appear, they're more likely to be interpreted as anxiety or mood-related, and therefore misdiagnosed. If you're struggling with these symptoms, it might be helpful to seek an experienced mental health professional who has experience in working with girls and women who have ADHD. They can help you validate your experiences, show you how to utilize strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and provide family psychoeducation to help you learn to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the near future.