Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Symptoms of ADHD in adults women can be more difficult to identify than in men, as women tend to have coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medications can improve their quality of life and functioning.
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. Attention
Symptoms of ADHD in adults women often are characterized by difficulty in keeping track of time, missed appointments, misplacing items or becoming easily distracted. Women may also have difficulty with procrastination and forgetfulness and working or studying in a setting that is noisy or crowded. Women often struggle with their interpersonal skills. They may interrupt other people or make comments that they regret later.
In contrast to men and boys who suffer from ADHD tend to be better in hiding their symptoms. They might come up with healthy strategies for coping that include relying on a daily schedule and using phone reminders to remind them of important occasions. However, these strategies aren't sustainable in the long haul and may not be sufficient to handle the demands of life. Additionally, their symptoms can also be exacerbated by comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Many people with ADHD also exhibit an impulsivity and hyperactivity. Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that are only affecting 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 may also find it difficult to relax or settle down. They may also struggle to make and maintain friendships.
People with mild or moderate ADHD do not experience major problems in their jobs or relationships, but they have trouble staying organized and have a hard to keep track of their commitments. They may face issues with finances, household chores or schoolwork and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their jobs. ADHD in adults symptoms women with severe symptoms are significantly disrupted in their day-to-day lives and can have trouble finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often struggle to organize their home, work and personal things. They may also lose track important things like their glasses, wallets, and keys. They are also susceptible to losing their tempers and being easily distracted by other thoughts and activities. Inability to follow directions and complete tasks negatively impacts their academic performance, as well as their relationships.
Women hide their symptoms by using their emotions to justify their actions. This makes it difficult to identify and treat. For instance, she could blame her lack of attention or forgetfulness on anxiety and low self-esteem. It is also possible to blame relationship issues or other complaints (such nausea and headaches) on the stress of daily life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. perimenopause, menopause).
When untreated, ADHD can lead to serious issues. For instance, women and girls with ADHD could be at greater risk of sexual activity in adolescence due to their impulsivity and issues with boundaries within the group and planning. Self-medicating using alcohol and other drugs is more frequent. Inattention could lead to missed doctor's appointments and procedures. They may have erratic and disordered eating habits or a higher BMI, and unhealthy coping strategies like nail-biting skin picking, obsessive shopping and a lot of exercise.
The most effective method to determine ADHD is to conduct an exhaustive assessment by a mental health professional or health care professional. The professional will also ask the patient about his or her emotional and physical well-being. They might suggest diagnostic tests or an interview. Many adults are surprised to find out that they've been suffering from a mental illness for many years.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD tend to have more difficulty controlling their impulses than men, and this can contribute to problems like self-injury, alcohol or substance addiction, or other mental health issues. It can also cause difficulties in relationships, as forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can cause confusion or conflict with family, friends and colleagues.
The term "impulsivity" refers to a tendency to speak out loud, buy something in a hurry, and make a decision without thinking about the consequences. Remember that acting impulsively doesn't necessarily mean that you're an unfit person. Some people need more time to think before acting. But, it's recommended to speak with your doctor about this and be tested for ADHD, especially as you notice that the symptoms are getting more severe.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to struggle with managing their emotions. This can cause depression, as well as other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be hard to identify in women because they may resemble other health problems, like chronic headaches and insomnia. Women with ADHD are hesitant to seek help because they believe their symptoms are the result of low self-esteem.
It is important to recognize that gender and sex are two different concepts, and that the biological traits that determine whether you're either a woman, man, or nonbinary person don't affect your internal sense of identity. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their assigned gender. This can lead them to feel shame and a sense of despair. The stress of untreated ADHD can intensify these feelings and could lead to losing support from family or colleagues.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD grow into women, they could have difficulty handling adult obligations and interactions. This can lead to problems at work or school and strained relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances or their home, and could be at risk for neglecting health-related issues like regular checkups and exercises. They may also be struggling to cope with negative feelings like anxiety and depression.
Signs of ADHD in women who are adults can include misplacing things or forgetting appointments, being easily distracted by noise or movement, having difficulty working with others, or becoming overwhelmed by the demands of tasks. They could also be more likely to experience mood-related issues like low self-esteem, low self-confidence or somatic complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches.
It's important for women to recognize the signs of ADHD and get an assessment. It is also beneficial to talk to a mental health professional about their difficulties and develop strategies to cope with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can, for example, help to alter negative thinking patterns and enhance coping skills. In addition being a part of a women's supportive group can provide valuable advice regarding living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It's also worth noting that women who suffer from ADHD can experience different symptoms than men, and these may differ during transitional times like puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, or hormone treatments during menopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations, and the fact that women have a bigger hippocampal region that is a major factor in memory and education. Women also have the ability to mask their ADHD symptoms better than males. This can make it harder to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Despite these challenges 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 they suffer from anxiety issues, getting an diagnosis and locating the appropriate treatment can make their lives much better. It can also help them better know their behavior and how it affects others.
Anxiety may be a significant indicator of ADHD in women who are adults and it may look like:
It is difficult to stay focused or distracted, or seeming to be distracted. Making careless errors. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or can be boring. Trouble focusing at school or work. Not remembering or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of people around you or feeling pressured at work or home. Finding it difficult to relax or fall to sleep. Being easily upset, or being overly sensitive to criticism.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from a co-existing mood disorder, such as depression. They might also have difficulty to establish friendships. They might also have issues in their relationships with family members that can result in an increase in violence between partners as well as substance abuse.
It can be challenging for girls and women to get a correct ADHD diagnosis as symptoms in girls and women differ from those in men and boys. Health professionals must be aware of these differences in order to arrive at a precise diagnosis. This means identifying certain features, like an individualized manifesting symptom, difficulty in social interactions and a tendency to develop strategies to deal with the signs of underperformance and performance issues, and the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is also crucial to think about the impact of a woman's hormone levels on her symptom manifestation.