Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Women and girls can have ADHD. While both men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often however, it is also feasible for women to be affected by the disorder. However, lingering stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities make it difficult for them to get properly evaluated and treated.
Many women develop coping strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and conform to social expectations, but these can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are a few of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD can be prone to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It is often difficult for them to keep track of deadlines, emails, and meetings. They could also be more likely to forget important appointments or events. They might also have trouble concentration in noisy or busy environments. This can lead them to miss opportunities and lower quality work.
For many people with ADHD These challenges can feel like a reflection of their character or performance and lead to frustration. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience an unsatisfactory self-image and a negative perception of their body. ADHD symptoms in adult men may also struggle to keep relationships stable and develop effective strategies for coping. In some instances, they turn to unhealthy coping methods like excessive drinking or drug use. This could make others less likely to recognize their problems and delay diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are often sensitive to criticism or failure. This may cause them to internalize the issue and make it difficult to seek assistance. As a result, they may struggle with relationship difficulties and have difficulty finding meaningful employment. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood fluctuations. In certain instances, these symptoms can cause the development of a mental health problem such as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which can be manifested by burning, cutting, or scratching.
While it's more common for men and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist into adulthood and can impact many aspects of life. It is crucial for women to identify the signs and seek a thorough examination from a medical professional. A proper diagnosis can lead to better management of symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often feel overwhelmed and like their lives are in chaos. They may miss work deadlines or have trouble keeping up with chores at home or at work like paying bills and scheduling appointments. Their finances and their home could be cluttered, and they may struggle to maintain healthy relationships and a stable job.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and miscommunications in relationships between partners, friends and colleagues. These issues can cause fractured or even strained relationships and feelings of loneliness. Forgetfulness, difficulty in listening, and the tendency to "zone out" or to not pay attention, may cause misunderstandings with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity, and mood swings. These can be disruptive in their professional and personal lives. Women with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of their families, work as well as society. They are more prone to criticism or harsh judgement.
There are ways to deal with these symptoms. For many adults, treatment options include lifestyle adjustments and the use of specific tools for organization and prescription stimulant medication.
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a harder time than men to conceal their ADHD symptoms and, as a result they are often not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. They are more likely to be suffering from comorbid disorders like depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships and a steady job and may suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the person's biological makeup, chromosomes and hormones, and anatomy; gender refers to the internal sense of self as a man, woman, nonbinary, or other gender identity and mental health problems are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These feelings can be exacerbated when you're unable keep the track of your daily tasks and appointments. This can lead to health issues such as missed checkups, late payments and even debt. ADHD can trigger emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness which can lead to relationships problems with friends, partners and coworkers.
Many women develop coping mechanisms to hide their problems, which can make it difficult for others to recognize that they struggle to stay focused and organized. These coping mechanisms may be healthy like creating a daily schedule or a phone reminder or even unhealthy, such as drinking alcohol or taking drugs to cope or function. These coping strategies can lead to an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and anxiety for women, making them feel that they aren't successful or productive, which may increase feelings of depression and anxiety.
In addition, women who suffer from ADHD often feel a sense of not being accepted or meeting societal expectations, which can lead to feelings of self-doubt and anger. They may also encounter challenges at work, including difficulties with organizational skills, adhering to corporate policies or sticking to a standard 9-to-5 schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances because of their indecisiveness and uncontrolled spending, or they might be unable to keep up with work-related tasks or completing homework.
ADHD can be a lifelong condition that requires constant support, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence yet, it is often undiagnosed, misunderstood, and undertreated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result of stereotypes, referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities and hormonal changes.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They could be easily upset or overwhelmed, lose track of time, or be late to events. They may also have difficulty understanding body language and recognizing social cues. This can lead to problems at work or with relationships. For instance, they could be easily entangled in arguments or spend too much time with hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They might also have trouble keeping friendships or making connections due to their inability to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are generally better in establishing coping mechanisms that help them mask their ADHD symptoms, so it's more difficult for them to be diagnosed than men are. For instance, they may create routines to help remain organized or rely on apps to remind them of appointments. They might also change their behavior to fit in with societal expectations and norms. They may even cover up their symptoms by taking drugs or alcohol to cope, which can cause serious health consequences in the long run.
Many people suffering from ADHD outgrow their symptoms, but others do not. About 60% of women with ADHD during childhood will suffer from it throughout their adulthood. This is compared to 30% of men.
Professional treatment may be beneficial for those who do not see relief from medications or lifestyle changes. There are many options available, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling, as well as medications such as stimulants. Exercise is an effective method to improve your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters which boost motivation and attention. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional reactivity
Girls and women with ADHD are frequently affected by emotional hyperactivity. They may have difficulty regulating their emotions and how they express them. This can cause anger for themselves and others. A person with ADHD might become angry when a friend criticizes them however she may not be able to calm down to talk about the issue in a rational manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause her reaction" by identifying body signals like a flushed face or shortness in breath that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
This inability to regulate emotions can lead to confusion and frustration and make those with ADHD more prone to depression or anxiety. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions as it is difficult to read people's moods or detect social cues.
In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their family or loved ones, even when they genuinely care about them. In other instances they may avoid triggering situations to avoid experiencing an intense emotion.
Gender bias is a common feature among clinicians and the impact of ADHD on women can be easily overlooked because of the nature of their symptoms. Many people disguise their ADHD symptoms and, when they do show up, they're more likely to be seen as anxiety- or mood-related, which can lead to misdiagnosis. It can be helpful to consult an expert in mental health who has worked with young girls and women with ADHD when you're experiencing these symptoms. They can help validate your experiences, teach you how to apply strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and provide family psychoeducation to help you learn to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the near future.