Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in adult women are more difficult to spot than in men, since women have coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. Fortunately, support for lifestyle and medication can help them improve their functioning and improve their quality of life.
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. Inattention
The signs of ADHD for women who are adults typically are characterized by difficulty in keeping track of time, missed appointments, misplacing objects or being easily distracted. Women may also experience forgetfulness, procrastination and having difficulty working or studying in a noisy, crowded environment. Women often struggle with interpersonal skills. They may interrupt others or make statements that they regret later.
In contrast to men and boys, women with ADHD tend to be better in masked symptoms. They may develop healthy coping strategies, such as having a regular schedule or setting up phone reminders for important occasions. These coping strategies may not last for long and are not sufficient to cope with the complexity of daily life. Additionally, their symptoms can also be complicated by comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety.
Many people with ADHD also show hyperactivity and impulsivity. Adults may experience subtler symptoms that are only affecting certain areas of their life like social interactions or at work. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They might also have difficulty relaxing or finding a way of calming down, as well as struggling to form and maintain friendships.
People with mild or moderate ADHD don't have major difficulties in their careers or relationships, but they have trouble staying organized and have a hard in executing their commitments. They may face issues with schoolwork, finances or household chores. They often experience an overwhelming feeling by the demands of their lives. ADHD symptoms in adult women of the symptoms can cause major disruptions in a person's day-to-day life. They may also experience difficulty maintaining relationships or keeping jobs.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD frequently struggle to organize their work, home and personal belongings. They can also lose track of important things like their glasses, wallets, and keys. They may also become easily distracted and lose their temper. Inability to follow directions and complete tasks affects their schoolwork, work and relationships.
Women often hide their symptoms by using their emotions as an excuse for their behavior, which makes it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. For instance, a woman might feel low self-esteem or anxiety as a reason for her inattention and forgetfulness. It is also possible to blame relationship issues or somatic complaints (such as headaches and nausea) on the stress of daily life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal or perimenopausal).
Untreated ADHD can cause serious problems. For instance, women and girls with ADHD might be at higher risk of sexual activity in adolescence because of their impulsivity and issues with boundaries within the group and planning. They may be more likely to use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. Inattention could lead to missed doctor's appointments and procedures. They might have erratic and disordered eating patterns or a higher BMI, and unhealthy coping behaviors like nail-biting skin picking, obsessive shopping, and excessive exercise.
A thorough assessment by a health care provider or mental health professional is the best method to determine ADHD. The specialist will also inquire with the patient about his or her physical and emotional well-being. They may also suggest tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. Many adults are surprised to learn that they have been suffering from mental illness for years.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD tend to have more difficulty controlling their impulses than men, and this can result in self-injury, alcohol or drug addiction, or other mental health issues. This can cause issues in relationships, as forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can cause confusion or conflict with family members, friends and co-workers.
Symptoms of impulsivity include the tendency to blurt things out, purchasing something at the spur of the moment and then rushing into it without thinking about the consequences. It is important to keep in mind that acting in a rash manner isn't always an indication of bad character, and some people need more time than others to process their thoughts before deciding to act. It's still important to speak with your doctor and get checked for ADHD If you notice that your symptoms are becoming more severe.
Women suffering from ADHD frequently have trouble controlling their emotions. This can lead to depression, or other mental health problems. Depression symptoms can be hard to spot in women since they can appear similar to other health problems, like insomnia and chronic headaches. Some women with ADHD are hesitant to seek help due believe their symptoms are the result of low self-esteem.
It's important to realize that sex is a distinct concept from gender, and that your internal perception of your identity is not affected by the biological traits that determine if you are a woman, man, or non-binary. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their assigned gender. This can cause people to feel embarrassed and a sense of despair. This can be made worse by the stress of living with untreated ADHD which can cause an absence of support from a professional or personal perspective.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they can have difficulties juggling adult responsibilities. This can lead to problems at work or school and strained relationships with family friends, as well as romantic partners. Women with ADHD can also have difficulty managing their finances or at home. They may be at risk of ignoring health issues such as regular checkups and exercises. They may also struggle to manage negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults women could include misplacing objects or not remembering appointments, being easily distracted by noise or movement, having difficulty working with others, or being overwhelmed by the demands of tasks. There are also mood-related symptoms such as low self-esteem or low self-confidence.
It is essential to recognize the signs and get an assessment. It's also beneficial to talk to an expert in mental health about their difficulties and develop strategies for coping with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can, for example, help to alter negative thinking patterns and increase the ability to cope. Participating in a women's group could provide valuable information about living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.
It is also important to note that women with ADHD may experience different symptoms than males, and they can vary during transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy, childbirth or hormone treatments during menopause. This is due in part to hormone fluctuations, and also the fact that women have a larger hippocampal area that plays a key role in education and memory. Women may also hide their ADHD symptoms better than men. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. Despite these issues it is still possible to lead a fulfilling life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
It can be hard for women suffering from ADHD admitting they have anxiety issues, however, getting the correct diagnosis and treatment can make an enormous difference in their lives. It will also help them understand their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety is a significant symptom in women suffering from ADHD. It could look like this:
Distraction, such as daydreaming or appearing distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding boring or difficult tasks. Having trouble focusing in school or work. Forgetting things or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or under pressure at home or work. Finding it difficult to relax or fall asleep. Being easily disturbed, or being overly sensitive to criticism.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to have an underlying mood disorder like depression. They might also have difficulty to establish friendships. They might also have issues in their relationships with their spouses, which can lead to an increase in the amount of violence between partners and substance abuse.
Girls and women may have difficulty getting a correct ADHD diagnose because their symptoms are different from the symptoms of men and boys. To be able to identify accurately ADHD, healthcare professionals must be aware of the distinctions. This involves identifying specific characteristics, such as a more distinct symptoms profile, difficulties with social relationships 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 crucial to take into consideration the impact hormone levels of women affect her symptoms.