Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in adult women are typically more difficult to identify than men, as women develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. Fortunately, support for lifestyle and medication can assist them to improve their functioning and 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
ADHD symptoms for women include difficulties in keeping track of time as well as a tendency to miss appointments, lose items, or becoming easily distracted. Women may also have difficulty with procrastination or forgetfulness and working or studying in an environment that is noisy or crowded. Women often struggle with interpersonal skills. They may interrupt other people or make remarks that they regret later.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more adept at masked symptoms than boys and males. They might come up with healthy strategies for coping like relying on the daily schedule and using phone reminders to remind them of important occasions. These strategies for coping may not last long and are insufficient to handle the demands of everyday life. Additionally, their symptoms can also be exacerbated by co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety.
Many people with ADHD exhibit hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms as well. In adults, these symptoms are less obvious and could only impact some aspects of their lives, like social or work interactions. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They may also have a hard time relaxing or finding a way to calm down, as well as difficulty in forming and maintaining friendships.
People who suffer from moderate to mild ADHD may not have major issues at work or in their relationships, but they struggle with being organized and executing on commitments. They may have problems with finances, schoolwork, or household chores, and often feel an overwhelming feeling by their responsibilities. In severe cases, the condition can cause disturbances in a person's everyday life. They may also experience difficulties maintaining relationships or keeping their job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD frequently struggle to organize their work, home and personal items. They may also get lost in the details of important items like keys, wallets glasses, eyeglasses, and cell phones. They may also become easily distracted and lose their temper. Their trouble getting their tasks completed and following instructions can affect their academic performance, work performance, and relationships.
Women often cover up 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 lack of attention and forgetfulness. She could also blame relationship issues or physical complaints (such as headaches and nausea) on the stress of life or hormonal changes (e.g. menopausal or perimenopausal).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious problems. For instance, girls and women who suffer from ADHD may be at a higher likelihood of engaging in sexual activities as adolescents because of their impulsivity and difficulties with boundaries between people and planning. They might be more likely to resort to alcohol or drugs to help themselves. ADHD symptoms in women adults could result in delays in appointments and procedures with doctors. They may have inconsistent and disordered eating habits or a higher BMI, in addition to unhealthy coping habits, such as nail-biting, skin picking, obsessive shopping and excessive exercise.
The most effective method to determine ADHD is through an exhaustive assessment by a mental health professional or health care professional. The professional will also ask the patient about his or her physical and mental health. They might also suggest tests in the lab or an interview. A diagnosis can be a life-changing experience for many adults who realize they've had a mental health condition for years.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more difficulty controlling their impulses than males, and this could result in self-injury or alcohol or drug abuse, or other mental health issues. It can also lead to relationship problems, as an impulsive or forgetful behavior can lead to misunderstandings and conflict with family, friends, and coworkers.
The term "impulsivity" refers to an urge to speak loud, buy something in a hurry, and make a decision without considering the consequences. Be aware that acting impulsively doesn't necessarily mean that you're an unfit person. Certain people require more time to think before they act. However, it's still recommended to consult your doctor about this and be checked for ADHD especially when you start to notice that these symptoms are getting worse.
It's also common for females with ADHD to have trouble controlling their emotions, and this can lead to depression and other mental health issues. Symptoms of depression are difficult to spot for women because they can look like other health problems like insomnia or a persistent headache. Some women suffering from ADHD are hesitant to ask for help because they believe that their symptoms are indicative of self-esteem issues or a personality flaw.
It's important to realize that sex is a different concept than gender and that your inner sense if identity is not dependent on the biological traits that determine if you are a woman, a man or nonbinary. However, many people with ADHD have difficulty identifying with their gender, which can cause feelings of shame and desperation. This can be made worse by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD which can result in a lack of personal or professional support.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they may struggle with adult tasks and interactions. This could lead to issues at work or school and conflicting relationships with family friends, as well as romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have issues managing finances or a home, and could be at risk of neglecting health-related issues like regular checkups and exercises. They may also have trouble coping with negative emotions like anxiety and depression.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults women may include misplacing items or forgetting appointments, being easily distracted by movement or noise and having trouble interacting with others, or becoming overwhelmed by the demands of tasks. They are also more likely to experience mood-related symptoms like poor self-esteem, low self confidence, or somatic complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches.
It is crucial for women to identify their symptoms of ADHD and seek a diagnosis. It's also beneficial to talk to an expert in mental health about their struggles and create strategies for coping with ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies can help change negative thinking patterns and improve coping skills. Joining a women's group can provide valuable information about living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.
It's important to note that women with ADHD may have different symptoms than men. These symptoms can change in transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy. They may also change in response to menopausal hormone treatments. This is partly due to hormone fluctuations and the fact that females have a bigger hippocampus, which plays a role in memory and learning. Women may also hide their ADHD symptoms better than men. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. It is possible to live an enjoyable and fulfilling life with ADHD despite these obstacles.
5. Anxiety
It can be hard for women suffering from ADHD to admit that they suffer from anxiety issues, however, getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference in their lives. It can also help them know their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety is a common symptom of ADHD in adults women and can manifest as:
Distraction, like daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making careless errors. Avoiding tasks that require concentration, or may be boring. Finding it difficult to concentrate in work or at school. Being late or forgetting things for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds, or when under pressure at home or at work. Trouble falling asleep. Being easily disturbed or sensitive to criticism and rejection.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have an underlying mood disorder such as depression. They might also find it difficult to establish friendships. They may also have problems with intimate relationships that cause a higher risk of violence from intimate partners and a higher rate of substance abuse.
It can be challenging for girls and women to get a correct ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that symptoms in girls and women differ from those of boys and men. To be able to identify accurately ADHD, health care providers must be aware the differences. This involves identifying specific characteristics, such a more distinct symptom-profile, difficulty with social interactions and a tendency to use strategies to disguise issues with performance or underachievement, as well as the coexistence between anxiety and depression. It is crucial to take into consideration the impact hormone levels affect her symptoms.