Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While males and females are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD, women and girls are also susceptible to it. But stereotypes, referral prejudice and internalized symptoms as well as other comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be properly assessed and treated.
These strategies are often harmful and unsustainable. Here are some of the adult women's most commonly reported ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are susceptible to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of multiple deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to overlook important dates or events. They might also have trouble concentrating in noisy or busy environments. This could result in missed opportunities and lower quality of work.
These issues can cause frustration for many adults suffering from ADHD. They might feel that they reflect of their own performance or of themselves. Many people with ADHD experience a low sense of self and a negative view of their body. They may also struggle to keep relationships stable and develop effective strategies for coping. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy strategies for coping, such as excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it more difficult for others to understand that they're struggling, and can delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD can be especially sensitive to criticism and failure and can lead them to internalize their difficulties and struggle to get help. As a result, they may have relationship difficulties and have difficulty finding work that is meaningful. They are also more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood fluctuations. In some cases these signs can cause the development of a mental health condition like non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which may be expressed through cutting, burning, or scratching.
While it's more common for men and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist into adulthood and impact multiple areas of life. Women must recognize the symptoms and seek a diagnosis by a medical professional. A positive diagnosis can result in better-managed symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often feel overwhelmed and like their lives are chaotic. They might miss deadlines or have difficulty to manage household chores such as paying bills and keeping the track of appointments. They might have a chaotic home and finances, and may struggle to maintain a stable relationship and work.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and miscommunications in relationships between partners, friends and coworkers. These issues can result in fractured or even strained relationships and feelings of being isolated. Forgetfulness, difficulty in listening, and the tendency to "zone out", or stop paying attention, may lead to misunderstandings with loved ones.
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. They can be disruptive both in their professional and personal lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD might feel overwhelmed by the demands of family, work, and society. They could also be sensitive to harsh judgment and criticism.
The good news is that there are solutions to manage the impact of these symptoms. For many adults treatment options include lifestyle changes and the use of specialized tools for organization, as well as prescription stimulant medications.
Women with ADHD might be able to cover up their ADHD symptoms better than men which could lead to being undiagnosed until later in life. They are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women also have a difficult time trying to keep stable relationships and jobs, and may 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 male woman, woman, nonbinary or another gender identity. Mental health conditions are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more susceptible to depression and anxiety. These feelings can be exacerbated due to the inability of keeping on top of appointments and daily tasks, which can lead to health problems such as missed appointments, late payments or even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness of ADHD can also lead to problems with relationships with coworkers, partners and family members.
Many women develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms that can make it difficult for others to recognize that they are struggling to stay focused and organized. These coping mechanisms may be healthy like creating a daily schedule, or a phone reminder, or unhealthy, like using alcohol or drugs to manage or function. These coping strategies can lead to a cycle of stress and self-doubt for women, causing them to feel that they aren't successful or productive, which could cause anxiety and depression.
Women with ADHD may also feel that they don't belong or aren't meeting social expectations. ADHD in adults symptoms quiz can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. They may also encounter challenges at work such as difficulty in establishing organizational skills, adhering to corporate policies or sticking to a standard 9-to-5 routine. They may be struggling to manage their finances due to disorganization or impulsive spending. Also, they might be struggling to complete work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a lifelong condition that requires constant support, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence it is poorly understood and not properly diagnosed. It is also untreated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are the result of stereotypes and referral biases, as well as internalized symptomatology, comorbidities and hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD are often unable to control their emotions and impulses. They might become easily frustrated or overly excited, lose track time or be late for events. They might also have trouble reading body language and picking up social signals. This could cause issues at work or with relationships. They may be prone to arguments or spend too much time on interests and hobbies that are not important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining friendships or making new connections because they struggle to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at forming ways to cope with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to diagnose. For example, they might create routines to help keep track of their time or use apps to remind them of their appointments. They might also alter their lifestyle to conform to societal norms and expectations. They could even conceal their symptoms by taking alcohol or drugs to manage and avoid serious health problems in the long term.
Many people suffering from ADHD overcome their symptoms, but there are some who do not. About 60% of women suffering from ADHD in their childhood will suffer from it into adulthood. This is compared to 30% of men.
For those who don't get relief from medication or lifestyle changes professional help can be beneficial. There are a myriad of options available, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling, as well as medications such as stimulants. Exercise is a fantastic method of improving your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters to boost attention and motivation and can reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often afflicted by emotional reaction. They may have difficulty to regulate their emotions and communicate them effectively and this can lead to frustration with themselves and others. A person with ADHD might become angry when a friend criticizes her however she may not be able to calm down to talk about the issue in a rational manner. She also might struggle to "pause" her response by identifying body signals that indicate she's overwhelmed or overexcited like flushing skin or breath shortness.
This inability to regulate emotions can cause confusion and anger and make people with ADHD susceptible to depression or anxiety. It can also lead to problems with social interactions because it's difficult to gauge people's moods and social cues.
In some cases, ADHD people may appear emotionally detached and uninterested towards their loved ones or friends even though they care about them. In other instances they might withdraw from situations that trigger them to avoid feeling a strong emotion.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easier for doctors to overlook the symptoms of ADHD. Women often hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do show up they are more likely to be mistakenly diagnosed as depression or anxiety disorders. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it might be helpful to seek an expert in mental health who is experienced in working with girls and women who have ADHD. They can help validate your experiences, teach you how to apply 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.