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, because women develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle modifications 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. Attention!
ADHD symptoms in women include difficulties in keeping track of time as well as a tendency to miss appointments, lose items, or getting easily distracted. Women can also struggle with procrastination or forgetfulness, as well as working or studying in a setting which is noisy or bustling. They often have trouble with interpersonal skills, including interrupting other people and making statements that they later regret.
As opposed to males and boys, women with ADHD tend to be better in hiding their symptoms. They might develop healthy coping strategies like having a regular schedule or setting up phone reminders for important occasions. These strategies of coping might not last for long and may not be sufficient to cope with the complexity of daily life. Additionally, their symptoms can also be complicated by comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression.
Many people suffering from ADHD exhibit hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms as well. In adults, these symptoms are more subtle and only affect a few aspects 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 of calming down, and may also have struggling to form and maintain friendships.
People with moderate to mild ADHD may not have significant problems at work or in their relationships, however they may have difficulty keeping track of their time and following through on commitments. They may have issues with household chores, finances or schoolwork, and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their jobs. Those who suffer from severe symptoms are severely disrupted in their daily lives. symptoms of ADHD in adults women can have trouble finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD have a hard time organizing their home, work and personal items. They also tend to get lost in the details of important items such as their wallets, keys eyeglasses, cellphones. They are also easily distracted and lose their temper. The difficulty they have in getting their tasks completed and following instructions also affects their schoolwork, work performance, and relationships.
Women cover up their symptoms by through their emotions to justify their behavior. This makes it difficult to identify and treat. For example women may feel low self-esteem or anxiety as an explanation for her forgetfulness and inattention. She could also blame relationship issues or physical complaints (such as nausea and headaches) on the stress of everyday life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal or perimenopausal).
If left untreated, ADHD can lead to serious issues. For instance, women and girls with ADHD could be at greater risk of sexual activity in adolescence due to their impulsivity as well as difficulty with interpersonal boundaries and planning. They may be more likely to resort to alcohol and drugs to self-medicate. Their inattention can lead to missed doctor's appointments and procedures. They may also have disordered eating habits or an elevated BMI. They might also engage in unhealthy strategies for coping such as excessive shopping, nail-biting and skin picking.
The most effective method to determine ADHD is to conduct an extensive examination by an expert in mental health or health care professional. The professional will also ask the patient about their physical and emotional well-being. They might recommend diagnostic tests or an interview. Many adults are shocked to discover that they've been suffering from a mental illness for many years.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more difficulty controlling their impulses than men, and this may contribute to problems like self-injury, alcohol or drug abuse, and other mental health issues. It can also cause difficulties in relationships, since forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can result in miscommunications or conflicts with family members, friends, and co-workers.
The term "impulsivity" refers to a tendency to speak out loud, buy something in a hurry, and make a decision without thinking about the consequences. It's important to keep in mind that acting impulsively isn't always a sign of a bad character, and some people require more time than others to think through their thoughts before deciding to act. It's still important to speak with your doctor and get checked for ADHD if you notice that the symptoms are becoming more severe.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to have difficulty controlling their emotions, which can cause depression and other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be difficult to recognize in women as they can be similar to other health problems, like chronic headaches and insomnia. Some women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to seek help since they believe that their symptoms are a sign of self-esteem issues or a personality flaw.
It is important to understand that sex is a different concept than gender, and that your internal sense if identity is not dependent on the biological traits that determine if you are a man, woman or nonbinary. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their assigned gender. This can lead them to feel ashamed and desperation. The stress of not being treated for ADHD can intensify these feelings and could lead to losing support from family or colleagues.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they can have issues with adult responsibilities. This can lead to problems at work or in school and can cause tension in relationships with family members, friends, and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty managing finances or a home, and could be at risk of ignoring health-related issues such as regular health checkups and exercising. They may also have trouble coping with negative emotions like depression and anxiety.
ADHD symptoms for women include being unable to remember things, losing things, being easily distracted, having trouble working with others, or feeling overwhelmed by work. They may also experience mood-related issues like low self-confidence or poor self-esteem.
It is essential that women recognize their symptoms and get a diagnosis. It's also beneficial to speak with a mental health professional about their issues and devise strategies to cope with ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies can help change negative thinking patterns and enhance coping skills. Additionally, joining a women's support group can provide valuable information regarding living with ADHD and strategies to cope with daily life.
It's also worth noting that women with ADHD have different symptoms than men, and these may differ during transitional times like puberty and childbirth, pregnancy, or hormonal treatments during menopausal. This is due to hormone fluctuations, and also the fact that women have a bigger hippocampal region that plays a key role in memory and education. Women can also mask their ADHD symptoms better than males. This can make it difficult to receive a correct diagnosis. It is possible to lead an enjoyable and joyful life with ADHD despite these difficulties.
5. Anxiety
It can be hard for women suffering from ADHD admitting they have anxiety issues, however, getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference in their lives. It can also help them understand their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety is one of the most prominent symptoms in women with ADHD. It may appear like this:
Distraction, such as being distracted or appearing distracted. Making mistakes that are not made. Avoiding boring or difficult tasks. Problems with concentration at school or at work. Forgetting or being late to appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds, or under stress at home or at work. Not able to relax or go to sleep. Being easily upset or being too sensitive to criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from a co-existing mood disorder, such as depression. They might also have difficulty to make friends. They could also experience issues with intimate relationships, which can result in a higher rate of violence between intimate partners and a higher percentage of substance abuse.
Women and girls may have difficulty getting a correct ADHD diagnosis because their symptoms differ from those of boys and men. To be able to identify accurately ADHD, healthcare professionals must be aware of the distinctions. This means identifying certain traits, such a more distinct symptom-profile, difficulty in social interactions and a tendency to use coping strategies to mask issues with performance or underachievement, and the relationship between anxiety and depression. It is crucial to take into consideration the impact hormone levels of women influence her symptoms.