Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in adult women are often harder to detect than men, as women develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. Fortunately, support for lifestyle and medication can help improve their functioning and enhance 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. Attention
ADHD symptoms for women include difficulties keeping track of time, missing appointments, misplacing items or being easily distracted. Women can also be troubled by the habit of procrastination, forgetfulness or working or studying in a noisy or busy environment. Women often struggle with their interpersonal skills. They may interrupt others or make remarks that they regret later.
Unlike boys and men, women with ADHD tend to be more adept in hiding their symptoms. They may develop healthy coping strategies that include relying on the daily schedule and using phone reminders to remind them of important occasions. However, these strategies for coping can be unsustainable over the long term and do not suffice to handle the demands of real life. In addition, their symptoms could be exacerbated by co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also exhibit an impulsivity and hyperactivity. For adults, these signs are more subtle and may only affect a few areas of their lives such as social or work-related interactions. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They might also have a hard time relaxing or finding a way to slow down, as well as having difficulty in forming and maintaining friendships.
People who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD do not have significant problems in their jobs or relationships, but they have a difficult time staying well-organized and have a tough to keep track of their commitments. They may have problems with finances, schoolwork or household chores. They often experience an overwhelming feeling by the responsibilities they have to fulfill. Those with severe symptoms experience a lot of disruption in their day-to-day lives and may have difficulty finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD frequently struggle to organize their work, home and personal things. They may also lose track of important things like keys, wallets glasses, eyeglasses, and cellphones. They are also susceptible to lose their temper and becoming easily distracted by extraneous thoughts and activities. Inability to follow directions and complete their tasks can affect their schoolwork, work and relationships.
Women often hide their symptoms by using their emotions as an excuse for their behavior, making it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. For example, 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 nausea and headaches, on the stress of life or hormone fluctuations (e.g. menopausal symptoms, perimenopausal symptoms or menopausal).
When untreated, ADHD can lead to serious problems. Women and girls with ADHD might be more likely to engage in adolescent sex because of their impulsivity, issues with interpersonal boundaries, and lack of planning. They are more likely to resort to alcohol and drugs to self-medicate. Inattention could lead to missed doctor's appointments and procedures. They could have irregular and unbalanced eating habits or a high BMI, in addition to unhealthy coping strategies, such as nail-biting, skin picking, compulsive shopping and a lot of exercise.
A thorough assessment by a medical professional or mental health professional is the most effective way to diagnose ADHD. The professional will also inquire of the patient about his or her physical and mental health. They may recommend lab tests or a diagnosis interview. Many adults are surprised to discover that they've been suffering from a mental illness for a long time.
3. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their impulses. This could lead to other issues like self-injury, alcohol or drug abuse. It can also cause problems in relationships, since forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can cause confusion or conflicts with family, friends and colleagues.
The signs of impulsivity are scribbling things out, buying something at the spur of the moment and then jumping into the purchase without considering the consequences. Be aware that acting impulsively doesn't necessarily mean that you're a bad person. Certain people require more time to think before they act. However, it's still a good idea to talk to your doctor about this and be tested for ADHD particularly when you notice that these symptoms are becoming more severe.
It's also common for females with ADHD to have trouble managing their emotions. This can cause depression and other mental health issues. Symptoms of depression can be difficult to recognize in women, since they can resemble other health problems such as headaches or insomnia. Some women with ADHD are reluctant to seek help due believe that their symptoms are the result of low self-esteem.
It's important to realize that sex is an entirely different concept than gender and that your inner sense of identity isn't affected by the genetic characteristics that determine whether you are a woman, a man or a non-binary. However, many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty identifying with their assigned gender, which can cause feelings of desperation and shame. These can be exacerbated by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD and can lead to the absence of personal or professional support.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they could be unable to handle adult responsibilities and interactions. This can lead to problems at work or school as well as strained relationships with family members, friends and romantic partners. Women with ADHD can also have difficulty managing their finances and home. They could be at risk of neglecting health issues, such as regular checkups and exercising. They may also have difficulty coping with negative emotions like depression and anxiety.
The signs of ADHD in adults women may include misplacing items or forgetting appointments, being easily distracted by noise or movement and having trouble interacting with others, or getting overwhelmed by work. There are also mood-related symptoms such as lower self-esteem or a lack of confidence in themselves.
It is important that women are aware of their symptoms and receive an assessment. It is also beneficial to speak to a mental health professional about your difficulties and develop strategies to cope with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies help, for instance, to alter negative thinking patterns and enhance coping skills. Additionally, joining a women's support group can provide valuable advice about living with ADHD and strategies for coping with everyday life.
It is also important to note that women with ADHD may experience different symptoms than males, and they are different during transitional periods such as puberty or pregnancy, childbirth or hormone treatments during menopausal. This is partly due to hormonal fluctuations and the fact that females have a greater hippocampus, which plays a role in memory and learning. Women are also better in masked ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it harder to establish a diagnosis. It is possible to live a fulfilling and happy life with ADHD despite these challenges.
5. Anxiety
It can be difficult for women suffering from ADHD to admit they have anxiety issues, however, getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make significant changes in their lives. It will also help them understand their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety is one of the most prominent symptoms in women suffering from ADHD. It may look like this:
Trouble staying focused or distracted, or seeming to be distracted. Making mistakes that are not made. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or can be boring. Having trouble focusing in the classroom or at work. Not remembering things or being late for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed by the crowds or under pressure at home or work. Having difficulty relaxing or falling to sleep. Being easily upset, or being overly sensitive to criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from a mood disorder that is co-existing, like depression. They might also find it difficult to make friends. They might also have issues in their relationships with family members which could lead to an increase in violence between partners as well as substance abuse.
Girls and women may have difficulty getting a correct ADHD diagnosis because their symptoms differ from the symptoms of men and boys. ADHD symptoms in women adults must be aware of these differences in order to make an accurate diagnosis. This involves identifying specific features, like the presence of a distinct symptoms profile, difficulties with social relationships and a tendency to develop strategies to cope with underachievement and performance problems, and the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is also important to be aware of the effect that a woman's hormonal levels influence her symptoms.