Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Symptoms of ADHD in women of all ages are more difficult to spot than in men, as women often have coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately, support for lifestyle and medication can help improve their functioning and enhance 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. Inattention
The symptoms of ADHD for women who are adults typically include difficulty keeping the time, missing appointments, misplacing items or becoming easily distracted. Women may also have difficulty with forgetfulness and procrastination and working or studying in an environment that is noisy or crowded. Women often struggle with their interpersonal skills. They can interrupt others or make remarks that they regret later.
Women who suffer from ADHD are better at masking symptoms than boys and men. They can develop healthy coping mechanisms like using a daily schedule or setting up phone reminders for important occasions. These strategies of coping might not last for long and may not be sufficient to deal with the complexities of daily life. Furthermore, their symptoms could be exacerbated by comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Many people with ADHD have impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms too. For adults, these signs are more subtle and only impact some areas of their lives, like 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 with mild or moderate ADHD do not have significant problems in their jobs or relationships, however they have trouble staying organized and have a difficult time following through on their commitments. They may experience problems 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 might also have difficulties maintaining relationships or keeping a job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often have trouble organizing their work, home and personal belongings. They also tend to lose track of important things like their glasses, wallets, and keys. They can also be 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 often hide their symptoms by using their emotions as an excuse for their behavior, which makes it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. For instance, she could blame her inattention or forgetfulness on low self-esteem and anxiety. She could also blame relationship issues or other complaints (such as headaches and nausea) on the stress of everyday life or hormonal changes (e.g. menopausal or perimenopausal).
If left untreated, ADHD can lead to serious issues. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual adolescence because of their impulsivity, difficulty with interpersonal boundaries and lack of organization. They may be more likely to use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. Inattention could lead to delays in appointments with doctors and procedures. They might have erratic and disordered eating patterns or a higher BMI, in addition to unhealthy coping strategies like nail-biting skin picking, compulsive shopping and a lot of exercise.
The most effective method to determine ADHD is to conduct an extensive examination by an expert in mental health or health care provider. The professional will also inquire of the patient about his or her emotional and physical well-being. They might also suggest some tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. Many adults are shocked to learn that they have suffered from a mental illness for a long time.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are more difficult in controlling their impulses. This could lead to other issues like self-injury, alcohol or drug abuse. This can cause issues in relationships, as inattention and impulsive behavior could result in miscommunications or conflicts with family, friends, and co-workers.
It is characterized by the tendency to speak loud, buy something on impulse, and act without considering the consequences. Be aware that acting impulsively doesn't always mean you're a bad person. Certain people require more time to think before acting. It's still essential to talk to your doctor and be checked for ADHD if you notice that your symptoms are becoming more severe.
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently have trouble controlling their emotions. This can cause depression or other mental health problems. Depression symptoms can be difficult to identify in women because they can appear similar to other health problems, like chronic headaches and insomnia. Women with ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to ask for help because they believe that their symptoms are indicative of low self-esteem or a flaw in their personality.
It's important to realize that sex is a different concept from gender and that your internal sense of identity isn't affected by the biological 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 ashamed and a sense of despair. ADHD in adults women symptoms can be further exacerbated by the stress of living with untreated ADHD, which may also cause a lack of support from a professional or personal perspective.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they may have difficulties handling adult responsibility. This could cause issues at work or in school as well as strained relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD can also have difficulty managing their finances or home. They may be at risk of neglecting health issues like regular checkups and exercise. They may also be struggling with managing negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression.
Signs of ADHD in women of all ages may include misplacing items or forgetting appointments, being easily distracted by movement or noise and having trouble interacting with others, or getting overwhelmed by the demands of tasks. They might also experience mood-related symptoms such as lower self-esteem or a lack of confidence in themselves.
It is crucial for women to recognize their symptoms of ADHD and get an assessment. It's also helpful to speak with an expert in mental health about their difficulties and develop coping strategies for ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies can help change negative thought patterns and improve coping strategies. A women's club can also provide valuable information on living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It is also important to note that women with ADHD have different symptoms than men, and symptoms can vary during transitional periods such as puberty and childbirth, pregnancy, or hormonal treatments during menopausal. This is due in part to hormonal fluctuations, and the fact that women have a larger hippocampal area that is a major factor in education and memory. Women are also more adept at masking their ADHD symptoms than men, and this could make it difficult to establish a diagnosis. It is possible to live a fulfilling and happy life with ADHD despite these obstacles.
5. Anxiety
It can be hard for women with ADHD to admit that they suffer from anxiety issues, however, getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make a a huge difference in their lives. It can also help them better understand their behavior and how it impacts other people.
Anxiety may be a significant symptom of ADHD in adults women and it can look like:
Distraction, like daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making careless errors. Avoiding tasks that require concentration, or may be boring. Trouble focusing at school or work. Not remembering things or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of people around you or feeling pressured at home or work. Not able to relax or go to sleep. Being easily upset or sensitive to rejection and criticism.
Women with ADHD may be more likely to develop a co-occurring mood disorder, such as depression, and may have a harder time establishing friendships. They may also experience difficulties in their relationships with family members which could lead to an increased rate of violence between partners and drug abuse.
It can be difficult for girls and women to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis as symptoms for girls and women differ from those seen in boys and men. To be able to identify accurately ADHD, health care providers must be aware the distinctions. This means identifying certain traits that are more distinct, like a clear symptoms-profile, difficulties with social relationships and a tendency to employ coping strategies to mask underachievement or performance problems, and also the coexistence between anxiety and depression. It is also essential to think about the impact of hormone levels in women on her symptom presentation.