Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood are often harder to detect than men, as women develop coping mechanisms in order to disguise their symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and medication can improve their quality of life and functioning.
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!
Symptoms of ADHD in adults women often are characterized by difficulty in keeping track of time, missed appointments, misplacing things or becoming easily distracted. Women may also experience forgetfulness, procrastination and having difficulty working or studying in a noisy, crowded environment. Women are often struggling with interpersonal skills. They may interrupt others or make comments that they regret later.
As opposed to males and boys, women with ADHD tend to be more adept at masking their symptoms. They can come up with healthy ways to cope that include having a regular schedule or setting up phone reminders for important events. However, these strategies for coping aren't sustainable in the long haul and may not be sufficient to handle the demands of daily life. Furthermore, their symptoms could be complicated by comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression.
Many people with ADHD have impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms as well. Adults may experience subtler symptoms that affect only specific areas of their lives like social interactions or work. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They may also find it difficult to relax or calm down. They may also struggle to establish and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from moderate to mild ADHD may not have major issues at work or in their relationships, however they may have difficulty being organized and executing on commitments. They may have issues with household chores, finances or schoolwork and are overwhelmed by their obligations. The severity of the symptoms can cause major disruptions in a person's day-to-day life. They may also have difficulties maintaining relationships or holding a job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD have a hard time organizing their work, home and personal things. adult symptoms of ADHD may also lose track important things like their keys, wallets and eyeglasses. They can also be easily distracted and lose their temper. Inability to follow instructions and complete their tasks can affect their schoolwork, work and relationships.
Women hide their symptoms by with their emotions in order to justify their actions. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. For instance, she may blame her inattention or forgetfulness on low self-esteem and anxiety. She could also blame relationship issues or other complaints, such as nausea and headaches, on the stress of life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal symptoms, perimenopausal symptoms or menopause).
Untreated ADHD can cause serious problems. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may be more likely to engage in adolescent sex because of their impulsivity, difficulty with interpersonal boundaries and lack of organization. They might be more likely to use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. Inattention could result in missed doctor's procedures and appointments. They may have disordered eating habits or having a high BMI. They could also be prone to unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive shopping and nail-biting. Skin picking is another option.
A thorough evaluation by a health care provider or mental health professional is the most effective method of diagnosing ADHD. The professional will also inquire of the patient about their emotional and physical well-being. They might also suggest lab tests or a diagnosis interview. A diagnosis could be a life-changing moment for those who discover they've been struggling with an illness of the mind all along.
3. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their impulses. This could lead to other issues such as self-injury or alcohol or drug abuse. It can also lead to issues with relationships, since an impulsive or forgetful behavior can cause confusion and conflict with family, coworkers, and friends.
The term "impulsivity" refers to an urge to speak loud, purchase something on impulse, and act without considering the consequences. It is important to keep in mind that acting impulsively isn't always a sign of bad character, and some people require more time than others to think through their thoughts before deciding to act. But, it's recommended to speak with your doctor about this and be tested for ADHD particularly when you start to notice that the symptoms are getting more severe.
Women suffering from ADHD often have difficulty controlling their emotions. This can result in depression, or other mental health problems. The signs of depression 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 reluctant to seek help because they think their symptoms are a result of low self-esteem.
It's important to realize that sex is an entirely different concept than gender, and that your internal perception of your identity is not affected by the genetic traits that determine if you are a man, woman or non-binary. Many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their assigned gender. This can cause them to feel ashamed and despair. The anxiety of untreated ADHD can intensify these feelings and can result in the loss of support from family or colleagues.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they may experience issues with adult responsibility. This can lead to problems at school or work and conflicting relationships with family friends, as well as romantic partners. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty managing finances or a home, and may be at risk of ignoring health-related issues like regular health checkups and exercising. They may also have trouble dealing with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms for women may include being unable to remember things, losing things, becoming easily distracted, having trouble working with others, or feeling overwhelmed by work. There are also mood-related symptoms like lower self-esteem or a lack of confidence in themselves.
It's crucial for women to recognize the signs of ADHD and get an assessment. It's also helpful to talk to an expert in mental health about your difficulties and develop strategies to cope with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example, help to alter negative thinking patterns and improve coping skills. Additionally, joining a women's support group can provide valuable information regarding living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It's also worth noting that women with ADHD have different symptoms than men, and these are different during transitional periods like puberty and childbirth, pregnancy, or hormone treatments during menopausal. This is due to hormonal fluctuations and the fact that females have a bigger hippocampus, which plays an important part in memory and learning. Women may also hide their ADHD symptoms better than males. This makes it difficult to receive a correct diagnosis. It is possible to lead an enjoyable and fulfilling life with ADHD despite these challenges.
5. Anxiety
It can be hard for women suffering from ADHD to admit that they suffer from anxiety issues, but obtaining the correct 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 be as follows:
It is difficult to stay focused or on task, daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making mistakes that are not made. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or can be boring. Focusing problems at school or at work. Forgetting what do you think or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or under pressure at work or home. Finding it difficult to relax or fall to sleep. Being easily upset or being a bit sensitive to criticism.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to have a mood disorder that is co-existing, such as depression. They might also have difficulty to establish friendships. They might also have issues in their relationships with their spouses that can result in an increased rate of violence between partners and substance abuse.
Girls and women may struggle to get a proper ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that their symptoms differ from the symptoms of men and boys. To accurately diagnose ADHD, healthcare professionals need to be aware of the differences. This includes identifying specific features, like a more distinct symptom profile, difficulty with social relationships and a tendency to develop strategies to deal with underachievement and performance problems, and the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is also crucial to think about the impact of a woman's hormone levels on the symptom profile she displays.