Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Symptoms of ADHD in adults women can be more difficult to identify than in men because women tend to develop strategies to cope with their symptoms, says Dr. Frank. Fortunately lifestyle changes and medication can enhance 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
ADHD symptoms for women include difficulties keeping track of the time, missing appointments, misplacing items, or getting easily distracted. Women may also have difficulty with procrastination or forgetfulness, as well as working or studying in a setting that is noisy or busy. Women are often struggling with interpersonal skills. They may interrupt other people or make comments that they regret later.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more adept at masked symptoms than boys and males. ADHD symptoms in women adults may develop healthy coping strategies, such as having a regular schedule or making phone calls to remind them of important occasions. These coping strategies may not last long and are insufficient to cope with the complexity of daily life. In addition, their symptoms could be exacerbated by comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety.
ADHD symptoms in women adults who suffer from ADHD also exhibit the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. For adults, these signs are more subtle and only affect a few areas of their lives such as work or social interactions. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They may also have trouble relaxing or finding a way to calm down, and may also have struggling to form and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from mild to moderate ADHD may not have significant problems at work or in their relationships, but they may have difficulty keeping track of their time and following through on commitments. They may face issues with finances, schoolwork, or household chores, and often feel an overwhelming feeling by their responsibilities. Those who suffer from severe symptoms are severely disrupted in their daily lives and might have difficulty finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD have trouble organizing their home, work and personal belongings. They can also lose track of important items like glasses, wallets, and keys. They are also prone to losing their temper and getting distracted by other thoughts and activities. Inability to follow directions and complete tasks affects their schoolwork, work and relationships.
Women often cover up their symptoms by using their emotions as a reason for their behavior, making it more difficult to diagnose and treated. For instance, she may blame her forgetfulness or inattention on anxiety and low self-esteem. She might also blame relationship issues or somatic complaints, such as nausea and headaches, on the stress of life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal or menopausal).
If left untreated, ADHD can lead to serious issues. Women and girls with ADHD might be more likely to engage in adolescent sex because of their impulsivity, issues with interpersonal boundaries and lack of planning. They might be more likely to resort to alcohol or drugs to help themselves. Inattention can cause delays in appointments and procedures with doctors. They may have disordered eating habits or having a high BMI. They may also engage in unhealthy ways of coping, like shopping too much or nail-biting, as well as skin picking.
A thorough assessment by a health care professional or mental health professional is the most effective method to determine ADHD. In addition to looking at the patient's physical and emotional well-being, the doctor may seek feedback from family members and friends. They might also suggest some tests for the body or a diagnostic interview. A diagnosis can be a life-changing experience for many adults who discover they have been struggling with a mental health condition all along.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time controlling their impulses. This can cause other problems like self-injury and alcohol or drug abuse. It can also cause difficulties in relationships as inattention and impulsive behavior could result in miscommunications or conflicts with family, friends and colleagues.
The term "impulsivity" refers to an urge to speak loud, purchase something on impulse, or act without thinking about the consequences. It's important to remember that acting in a rash manner isn't always an indication of a bad character, and certain people require more time than others to process their thoughts before deciding to act. However, it's still an excellent idea to speak with your doctor about this and get checked for ADHD particularly when you start to notice that these symptoms are getting more severe.
It is also normal for women with ADHD to have trouble controlling their emotions, which can lead to depression and other mental health issues. Symptoms of depression are difficult to spot in women, because they may resemble other health issues such as insomnia or a persistent headache. Women with ADHD find it hard to seek help since they believe that their symptoms are a sign of low self-esteem or a flaw in their personality.
It's important to understand that gender and sex are two different concepts, and that the physical characteristics that determine whether you are either a woman, man or a nonbinary individual don't affect your internal sense of identity. However, many people with ADHD struggle to identify with their gender and this can trigger feelings of guilt and despair. The anxiety of untreated ADHD can intensify these feelings and can lead to a loss of support from family or colleagues.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they could be unable to handle adult responsibilities and interactions. This can cause problems at school or work and conflicting relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Women with ADHD might also have issues managing finances or a home, and they may be at risk of ignoring health-related issues such as regular checkups and exercises. They may also have trouble coping with negative emotions like anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms in women include forgetting things, losing things, becoming easily distracted, having difficulty working with others, or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work. There are also mood-related issues like lower self-esteem or a lack of confidence in themselves.
It is important to recognize the signs and get an assessment. It's also helpful to talk to an expert in mental health about their difficulties and develop strategies for coping with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can, for example, help to change negative thinking patterns and enhance the ability to cope. In addition the joining of a women's support group can provide valuable advice regarding living with ADHD and strategies for coping with everyday life.
It's important to note that women who suffer from ADHD might suffer from different symptoms than men. They can experience changes during transitional times such as puberty or pregnancy. They may also change in response to hormone treatments during the menopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations, as well as the fact that women have a bigger hippocampal region that plays a key role in the development of memory and learning. Women are also better at masking their ADHD symptoms than men, which could make it difficult to establish a diagnosis. It is possible to lead an enjoyable and fulfilling life with ADHD despite these obstacles.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be difficult for women suffering from ADHD to admit they have anxiety issues, getting an assessment and finding the right treatment for them can make their lives much better. It can also help them gain a better understanding of their behavior and how it impacts others.
Anxiety may be a significant symptom of ADHD in women who are adults and it may look like:
Distraction, like daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding difficult or boring tasks. Problems with concentration at school or at work. Being late or forgetting things for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or under stress at home or at work. Not able to relax or go to sleep. Being easily upset, or being overly sensitive to criticism.
Women who suffer from ADHD may be more likely to develop coexisting mood disorder such as depression, and they could have a harder time establishing friendships. They might also have issues with intimate relationships that cause a higher risk of intimate partner violence and a higher percentage of alcohol abuse.
It can be challenging for women and girls to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis because symptoms for girls and women differ from those of men and boys. To accurately diagnose ADHD, health professionals need to be aware of the differences. This means identifying certain traits that are more distinct, like a clear symptom-profile, difficulty with social interactions, a tendency for ways to cope with the signs of performance issues or underachievement and the coexistence between anxiety and depression. It is also important to take into consideration the impact hormone levels of women have on her symptom presentations.