Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
The signs of ADHD in women who are adults can be more difficult to identify than in men, as women tend to develop strategies to cope with their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medications can improve their quality of life and performance.
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 for women include difficulties keeping track of the time as well as a tendency to miss appointments, lose items, or becoming easily distracted. Women can also be troubled by forgetfulness, procrastination and having difficulty working or studying in a noisy or busy environment. They often have trouble with interpersonal skills, including interrupting others and blurting out statements that they later regret.
In contrast to men and boys, women with ADHD tend to be better in masked symptoms. They may come up with healthy strategies for coping that include relying on an agenda for the day and using phone reminders to remind them of important occasions. These strategies of coping might not last long and may not be sufficient to deal with the complexities of daily life. In addition, their symptoms could be exacerbated by co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety.
Many people who suffer from ADHD also exhibit hyperactivity and impulsivity. Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that only affect certain aspects 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 have difficulty to form and keep friendships.
People with mild to moderate ADHD might not experience significant problems at work or in their relationships, but they have trouble being organized and executing on commitments. They may have issues with finances, household chores or schoolwork and find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their jobs. The severity of the symptoms can cause major disruptions to a person's daily life. They may also have difficulties maintaining relationships or holding jobs.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD have trouble organizing their work, home and personal things. They also tend to lose track of things such as their wallets, keys glasses, eyeglasses, and cell phones. 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 as well as their work performance. relationships.
Women often cover up their symptoms by using their emotions as an excuse for their behavior, making it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. For example, a woman might feel low self-esteem or anxiety as a reason for her inattention and forgetfulness. It is also possible to blame relationship issues or physical complaints (such as nausea and headaches) on the stress of everyday life or hormonal changes (e.g. menopausal or perimenopausal).
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 difficulty with interpersonal boundaries and planning. They are more likely to turn to alcohol and drugs to self-medicate. Their lack of attention can result in missing appointments with doctors and procedures. They may also have disordered eating habits or having a high BMI. They might also engage in unhealthy strategies for coping such as shopping excessively, nail-biting and skin picking.
A thorough assessment by a health care professional or mental health professional is the best way to diagnose ADHD. In addition, to examine the patient's emotional and physical health, the professional might solicit feedback from family members and friends. They might recommend tests in the lab or an interview. Many adults are shocked learn that they have suffered from a mental illness for many years.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD tend to have more trouble controlling their impulses than men, and this may contribute to problems like self-injury, alcohol or drug addiction, or other mental health issues. It can also cause issues with relationships, since the inability to control or be impulsive can lead to misunderstandings and conflict with family members, colleagues, and friends.
It is characterized by the tendency to speak loud, buy something in a hurry, and make a decision without thinking about the consequences. It is important to keep in mind that acting impulsively isn't always a sign of bad character, and some people need more time than others to think about their thoughts before deciding to act. But, it's a good idea to speak with your doctor about this and to get tested for ADHD especially when you begin to notice that these symptoms are becoming more severe.
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently have trouble managing their emotions. This can result in depression, or other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be difficult to spot in women since they can be similar to other health issues, such as chronic headaches and insomnia. Some women with ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to ask for help because they believe their symptoms are indicative of self-esteem issues or a flaw in their personality.
It is crucial to recognize that sex is an entirely different concept than gender and that your internal sense of identity isn't affected by the genetic traits that determine if you are a woman, a man, or nonbinary. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their gender. This can lead them to feel shame and desperation. This can be made worse by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD which can lead to a lack of support from a professional or personal perspective.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they may experience difficulties handling adult obligations. This could lead to issues at work or school and tensions with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble managing finances or a home, and they may be at risk of neglecting health-related issues such as regular health checkups and exercising. They may also have difficulty dealing with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.
Signs of ADHD in women who are adults can include misplacing things or forgetting appointments, being easily distracted by noise or movement and having trouble interacting with others, or being overwhelmed by work. They may also be more likely to suffer from mood-related symptoms such as low self-esteem, low self-confidence, or physical complaints like abdominal pain or headaches.
It is essential that women recognize their symptoms and receive an assessment. It is also beneficial to talk to an expert in mental health about their struggles and create coping strategies for ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help change negative thinking patterns and improve coping strategies. Joining a women's group can also provide valuable information on living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It's also worth noting that women who suffer from ADHD may experience different symptoms than males, and they can vary during transitional periods such as 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 area that plays a key role in memory and education. Women may also hide their ADHD symptoms better than males. This can make it difficult to receive a correct diagnosis. It is possible to live an enjoyable and fulfilling life with ADHD despite these challenges.
5. Anxiety
It can be difficult for women with ADHD admitting they have anxiety issues, but getting the correct diagnosis and treatment could make a significant changes in their lives. It can also help women better understand their behavior, and how it affects others.
Anxiety can be a major symptom of ADHD in women who are adults and it can look like:
Trouble staying focused or not being on task, focusing on the task at hand, or appearing to be distracted. Making mistakes that are not made. Avoiding tedious or difficult tasks. Problems with concentration at school or at work. Forgetting things or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or feeling pressured at home or work. Finding it difficult to relax or fall to sleep. Being easily upset, or being severe ADHD symptoms in adults to criticism.
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from an underlying mood disorder such as depression. They might also have difficulty to establish friendships. They could also experience issues with intimate relationships, which can cause a higher risk of intimate partner violence and a higher risk of alcohol abuse.
Girls and women can struggle to get a proper ADHD diagnose because their symptoms are different from the men and boys. To be able to identify accurately ADHD, healthcare professionals must be aware the differences. This includes identifying certain characteristics that are more distinct, like a clear symptoms-profile, difficulties with social relationships and a tendency to use coping strategies to mask underachievement or performance problems, as well as the relationship between anxiety and depression. It is also crucial to think about the impact of a woman's hormone levels on the symptom profile she displays.