Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults are more difficult to spot than in men because women tend to develop strategies to cope with their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medications can improve their lives and performance.
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
Symptoms of ADHD in women of all ages typically involve trouble keeping track of time, missed appointments, misplacing things or being easily distracted. Women may also have difficulty with procrastination or forgetfulness, as well as working or studying in a setting that is noisy or busy. They are often challenged with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting others and blurting out remarks that later become regrettable.
Women with ADHD are better at masking symptoms than boys and males. They may come up with healthy strategies for coping, such as relying upon a daily schedule and using phone reminders to remind them of important events. These strategies for coping may not be sustainable over time and may not be sufficient to deal with the complexities of everyday life. In addition, their symptoms could be exacerbated by co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety.
Many people with ADHD also show the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. In adults, these symptoms are less obvious and could only affect certain aspects of their lives, such as social or work interactions. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They might also have difficulty to relax or calm down. They may also struggle to form and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD don't have major issues in their work or relationships, however they struggle to stay organized and have a hard to keep track of their commitments. They may face issues with household chores, finances or schoolwork and are overwhelmed by their obligations. Those who suffer from severe symptoms are significantly disrupted in their day-to-day lives and may have difficulty finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD have a hard time organizing their home, work and personal things. They can also get lost in the details of important items like keys, wallets eyeglasses, cell phones. They are also easily distracted and lose their temper. Their inability to follow instructions and complete tasks affects their work, schoolwork and relationships.
Women often mask their symptoms by using their emotions as an excuse for their behavior, which makes it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. For ADHD adult female symptoms might experience low self-esteem or anxiety as the reason for her lack of attention and forgetfulness. It is also possible to blame relationship issues or somatic complaints (such nausea and headaches) on the stress of daily life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. perimenopause, menopause).
Untreated ADHD can cause serious problems. Women and girls with ADHD may be more likely to engage in sexual adolescence due to their impulsivity difficulty with interpersonal boundaries and lack of planning. Self-medicating using alcohol and other drugs is more frequent. Inattention could lead to missed doctor's appointments and procedures. They may have disordered eating habits or a high BMI. They might also engage in unhealthy coping strategies, such as shopping excessively, nail-biting and skin picking.
A thorough assessment by a health care professional or mental health professional is the best method of diagnosing ADHD. The professional will also inquire of the patient about their physical and mental health. They may also suggest tests in the lab or an interview. Having a diagnosis could be a life-changing moment for many adults who discover they've been struggling with an illness of the mind throughout their lives.
3. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their impulses. This can cause other problems like self-injury, drinking or using drugs. This can cause issues in relationships, as inattention and impulsive behavior could cause confusion or conflicts with friends, family, and co-workers.
Symptoms of impulsivity include blurting things out, buying something on impulse and then jumping into the purchase without thinking about 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 recommended to consult your doctor about this and to get checked for ADHD particularly when you begin to observe that your symptoms are getting more severe.
It's also common for women with ADHD to have difficulty managing their emotions. This can result in depression and other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be difficult to recognize in women because they can look like other health issues, such as insomnia or a persistent headache. Some women with ADHD are hesitant to seek help due to the fact that they believe their symptoms are a sign of low self-esteem or a flaw in their personality.
It's important to realize that sex is a distinct concept from gender and that your inner sense of identity isn't affected by the genetic traits that determine if you are a woman, man or non-binary. Many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their gender. This can cause them to feel shame and a sense of despair. The anxiety of untreated ADHD can make these feelings worse and could result in the loss of support from family or friends.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD grow into women, they might struggle with adult tasks and interactions. This can cause problems at work or school as well as strained relationships with family, friends and romantic partners. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty managing their finances or home, and may be at risk of neglecting health-related issues like regular checkups and exercises. They may also be struggling with managing negative emotions, such as depression and anxiety.
ADHD symptoms for women may include the inability to remember things, loosing things, becoming easily distracted, having trouble working with others, or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work. They might also experience mood-related issues like low self-confidence or poor self-esteem.
It is crucial for women to recognize the signs of ADHD and receive a diagnosis. It is also beneficial to talk to a mental health professional about their issues and devise strategies for coping with ADHD. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help change negative thinking patterns and enhance coping skills. Joining a women's group can also provide valuable information on living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.
It is important to remember that women who suffer from ADHD may have different symptoms than men. They can experience changes in transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy. They may change as a result of hormonal treatments during menopausal. This is partly due hormone fluctuations and the fact that females have a bigger hippocampal area, which plays a part in memory and learning. Women are also better at masking their ADHD symptoms than men, which can make it harder to get a proper diagnosis. Despite these issues it is still possible to lead an enjoyable life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
It can be difficult for women suffering from ADHD to admit they have anxiety issues, however, getting the right diagnosis and treatment could make a significant changes in their lives. It can also help them better comprehend their behavior and how it affects others.
Anxiety is a common symptom of ADHD for women of all ages and it may look like:
Distraction, such as being distracted or appearing distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or could be boring. Problems with concentration at school or at work. Not remembering or being late for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed by the crowds or feeling pressured at work or at home. Trouble falling asleep. Being easily disturbed or sensitive to criticism and rejection.
Women with ADHD may be more likely to develop coexisting mood disorder such as depression, and they could be less successful in establishing friendships. They might also have issues with intimate relationships that lead to a higher incidence of violence from intimate partners and a higher rate of alcohol abuse.
Girls and women can be unable to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that their symptoms are different from the symptoms of men and boys. Health care providers must be aware of these differences in order to provide a correct diagnosis. This includes identifying certain characteristics that are more distinct, like a clear symptom-profile, difficulty in social relationships and a tendency to use strategies to disguise issues with performance or underachievement, as well as the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is also essential to take into consideration the effect of a woman's hormone levels on her symptom presentation.