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Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Girls and women can both suffer from ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often, it is also possible for women to be affected by the condition. But lingering stereotypes, referral bias, internalized symptoms and comorbidities can make it more difficult for them to get properly assessed and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to cover up their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but these can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are a few of the most commonly reported symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It can be difficult to keep the track of deadlines, emails and meetings. They are also more likely to overlook important appointments or events. They may also have difficulty staying focused in noisy or crowded environments. This could result in missed opportunities and a lower level of productivity.
These challenges can lead to frustration for many adults with ADHD. They might feel that they are a reflection of their own performance or of themselves. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience a low sense of self and a negative image of their body. They may also have difficulty to maintain stable relationships and come up with effective strategies to cope. In some cases, they use unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it harder for others to see that they're struggling and delay a diagnosis.
Adults suffering from ADHD may be particularly sensitive to criticism or failure. This may cause them to internalize the problem and make it difficult for them to seek assistance. This is why they may experience relationships and have trouble finding meaningful employment. They may also be more susceptible to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In some instances the symptoms can result in a mental illness that is non-suicidal, like self-harm (NSSI) which could be expressed by cutting, burning or scratching.
While it's more common for men and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist throughout adulthood and affect various aspects of life. Women should recognize the signs and seek out an evaluation by a medical professional. A positive diagnosis can result in better-managed symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD report feeling overwhelmed and feel as if their lives are in chaos. They may miss deadlines or have difficulty to keep track of household chores like paying bills and keeping track of appointments. Their home and finances could be cluttered and they may find it difficult 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 strained or even broken connections and feelings of loneliness. Forgetfulness, difficulty listening, and a tendency to "zone out" in conversations can also contribute to misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Symptoms of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and mood swings are more common among women suffering from ADHD than men, and can be highly disruptive to both personal and professional. Women with untreated ADHD may be overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and society. They could also be sensitive to harsh judgment and criticism.
The good news is that there are options to control the effects of these symptoms. For many adults treatment options include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specialized tools for organization, as well as prescription stimulant medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD often find it easier than men to hide their ADHD symptoms and, as a result, may go undiagnosed until the age of adulthood. They are also more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also have trouble 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 refers the internal sense of oneself as a male woman, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health problems are often diagnosed in relation to both.
3. Anxiety
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety. These symptoms can be worsened if you are unable to keep on top of your daily activities and appointments. This could lead to health issues such as missed health checkups or payments that are late, or even debt. ADHD can trigger emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness, which can lead to relationship problems with friends, partners, and coworkers.
Many women develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms that can make it difficult for others to see that they are struggling to stay focused and organized. These strategies of coping can be beneficial, like creating a daily schedule, or a phone reminder or harmful, like using alcohol or drugs to function or cope. These coping strategies can trigger an environment of self-doubt and stress for women, making them feel they are not successful or productive, which may increase feelings of depression and anxiety.
In addition, women with ADHD frequently feel the pressure of not being accepted or meeting societal expectations, which can lead to low self-esteem and a sense of frustration. They may also encounter challenges at work, such as difficulties with organizational skills and adhering to corporate guidelines or adhering to a routine 9-to-5 work schedule. They may be struggling to manage their finances due in part to disorganization or impulsive spending. They may also have trouble keeping up with assignments or homework.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing assistance, especially when it affects women and girls. Despite the prevalence of the disorder yet, it is often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. Lingering stereotypes as well as referral biases internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the unique symptom-based presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be easily annoyed or overly excited, lose track time or be late to events. They also might have trouble understanding body language or recognizing social signals. This can lead to issues at work or in relationships. They might be susceptible to arguing or spend too much time on interests and hobbies that are not important to them. They may also have difficulty keeping relationships or forming connections because they are unable to keep their commitments and promises.
Women are more adept at forming strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them than men to diagnose. For instance, they could create routines to help keep track of their time or use apps to remind them of their appointments. They may also alter their lifestyle to conform to societal norms and expectations. They may also try to conceal their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs. This could have negative health effects over time.
Many people suffering from ADHD get over their symptoms, but some don't. About 60% of women who have ADHD during childhood will continue to have it throughout their adulthood. This compares to 30% of men.
For ADHD symptoms in adulthood who don't achieve relief with medication or lifestyle changes professional help can be helpful. There are a myriad of options, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is also an excellent way to boost your mood and boost your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters which boost motivation and focus. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often struggle with emotional reactivity. They may have difficulty regulating their emotions and communicating them in a proper manner. This can cause frustration for both themselves and others. For example, a woman with ADHD might become enraged when her partner is critical of her, but she may not be able to calm down and talk about the problem in a more rational way. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause her reaction" by identifying body cues such as flushed skin or shortness in breath which indicate she is either overstimulated or overwhelmed.
This difficulty regulating their emotions can cause more stress and miscommunications in relationships, and it can make people with ADHD more susceptible to anxiety or depression. It can also lead to difficulties with social interactions since it is difficult to read people's moods or pick up social cues.
In certain situations, ADHD people may appear in a way that they are emotionally detached and not interested in their loved ones or friends, even though they care about them. In other instances they might withdraw from triggering situations to avoid experiencing emotions that are intense.
Gender bias is a frequent feature of doctors and the effects of ADHD on women can be easily overlooked because of the nature of their symptoms. Many people disguise their ADHD symptoms and, when they do appear, they're more likely to be seen as anxiety- or mood-related, which can lead to misdiagnosis. If you're struggling with these symptoms, it can be beneficial to talk to an expert in mental health who is experienced in working with women and girls with ADHD. They can validate your experience, teach you strategies like self-awareness and pacing, and provide you with psychoeducation for your family members to help you recognize and manage future ADHD symptoms.