Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Signs of ADHD in women of all ages can be harder to recognize than in men because women tend to develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms, according to Dr. Frank. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medications can improve their quality of life and function.
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
The signs of ADHD in women of all ages typically include difficulty keeping the time, missing appointments, misplacing objects or being easily distracted. Women can also struggle with procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as working or studying in a setting which is noisy or bustling. Women often struggle with their interpersonal skills. They can interrupt others or make statements that they regret later.
Unlike boys and men, women with ADHD tend to be more adept at masking their symptoms. They can develop healthy coping mechanisms, such as having a regular schedule or using phone reminders for important occasions. These coping strategies may not last for long and may not be sufficient to cope with the complexity of daily life. In addition, their symptoms can also be exacerbated by co-existing disorders like anxiety and depression.
Many people suffering from ADHD have impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms too. Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that only affect 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 might also have difficulty to relax or settle down. They may also struggle to establish and keep friendships.
People who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD do not have significant problems in their jobs or relationships, but they have trouble staying organized and have a hard time following through on their commitments. They may have issues with finances, household chores or schoolwork, and are overwhelmed by their obligations. People with severe symptoms experience a lot of disruption in their daily lives and can have trouble keeping a job or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD have a hard time organizing their home, work and personal belongings. They may also lose track important things like their keys, wallets and eyeglasses. They are also prone to losing their temper and becoming easily distracted by other thoughts and activities. Inability to follow instructions and complete tasks affects their work, schoolwork and relationships.
Women often cover up their symptoms by using their emotions as a reason for their behavior, which makes it more difficult to diagnose and treated. For instance, she could blame her lack of attention or forgetfulness on low self-esteem and anxiety. It is also possible to blame relationship issues or physical complaints (such as headaches and nausea) on the stress of daily life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. perimenopause, menopause).
If not treated, ADHD can lead to serious problems. For instance, girls and women who suffer from ADHD could be at greater likelihood of engaging in sexual activities as adolescents because of their impulsivity and difficulties with boundaries between people and planning. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may be more common. Inattention could result in delays in appointments and procedures with doctors. They may also have disordered eating habits or having a high BMI. They could also use unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive shopping or nail-biting, as well as skin picking.
The best way to diagnose ADHD is to conduct an exhaustive examination by an expert in mental health or health care professional. In addition to examining the patient's physical and mental well-being, the professional may ask for feedback from close family members and friends. adult ADHD symptoms might also suggest tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. Many adults are surprised to learn that they have been suffering from a mental illness for years.
3. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD have a harder time controlling their impulses. This could lead to other issues like self-injury, the use of alcohol or drugs. It can also lead to issues with relationships, since the inability to control or be impulsive can lead to misunderstandings and conflict with family, coworkers, and friends.
Impulsivity is characterized by an urge to speak loud, buy something in a hurry, and make a decision without considering the consequences. It's important to keep in mind that acting impulsively doesn't necessarily mean it's a sign of bad character. In fact, some people require more time than others to think about their thoughts before acting. It's still important to speak with your doctor and get tested for ADHD if you notice that the symptoms are getting worse.
It's also common for women with ADHD to have trouble controlling their emotions, which can result in depression, as well as other mental health issues. Symptoms of depression are difficult to spot in women because they can look like other health problems such as insomnia or a persistent headache. Women with ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to seek help since they believe their symptoms are a sign of self-esteem issues or a flaw in their personality.
It is crucial to realize that gender and sex are two different concepts and that the biological characteristics that determine whether you're male, female or a nonbinary individual don't influence your personal identity. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their gender. This can cause people to feel embarrassed and despair. These can be exacerbated by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD, which may also cause an absence of support from a professional or personal perspective.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD develop into women, they might be unable to handle adult obligations and interactions. This could cause issues at work or school, as well as strained relationships with family members, friends and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances or their home, and could be at risk for neglecting health-related concerns like regular checkups and exercises. They may also struggle to deal with negative emotions like depression and anxiety.
ADHD symptoms for women can include being unable to remember things, losing things, becoming easily distracted, having trouble working with others, or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work. They are also more likely to experience mood-related symptoms like poor self-esteem, low self-confidence, or physical complaints like headaches or abdominal pain.
It is important that women are aware of their symptoms and receive a diagnosis. It's also helpful to talk to a mental health professional about their struggles and create strategies for coping with ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies can help change negative thought patterns and improve coping skills. A women's club can provide valuable information about living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.
It is important to recognize that women who suffer from ADHD might have different symptoms than men. These can change in transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy. They can change as a result of menopausal hormone treatments. This is partly due hormone fluctuations and the fact that females have a bigger hippocampal area, which plays a role in memory and learning. Women are also more adept in masked ADHD symptoms than men, which makes it more difficult to establish a diagnosis. It is possible to lead a fulfilling and happy life with ADHD despite these difficulties.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be difficult for women with ADHD to admit they suffer from anxiety issues, obtaining an diagnosis and locating the right treatment can make their lives much better. It can also help them better understand their behavior, and how it affects other people.
Anxiety is a significant symptom for women suffering from ADHD. It can be as follows:
Trouble staying focused or on task, daydreaming or seeming to be distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding tasks that require concentration, or may be boring. Problems with concentration at school or at work. Not remembering things or being late for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds, or when under stress at home or at work. Finding it difficult to relax or fall to sleep. Being easily disturbed or being a bit sensitive to criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have a mood disorder that is co-existing, like depression. They may also find it difficult to make friends. They may also experience difficulties in their relationships with family members that can result in an increased rate of violence between partners and drug abuse.
It can be difficult for girls and women to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that symptoms in girls and women differ from those in men and boys. Health care providers must be aware of these differences to provide a correct diagnosis. This involves identifying specific characteristics, such a more distinct symptom-profile, difficulty in social interactions and a tendency to employ coping strategies to mask underachievement or performance problems, and the coexistence between depression and anxiety. It is also crucial to take into consideration the effect of hormone levels in women on her symptom presentation.