Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in adult women are typically more difficult to identify than men, as women have coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle support 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. Attention!
The signs of ADHD in adults women often include difficulty keeping track of time, missed appointments, misplacing items or being easily distracted. Women may also have issues with procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as working or studying in an environment that is noisy or busy. Women often struggle with interpersonal skills. They may interrupt other people or make statements that they regret later.
Women who suffer from ADHD are better at masking symptoms than boys and males. They might develop healthy coping strategies, such as relying on a daily schedule or using phone reminders for important events. However, these coping strategies may not be sustainable over the long run and do not suffice to handle the demands of daily life. Additionally, their symptoms may be exacerbated by co-existing conditions like depression and anxiety.
Many people with ADHD also show hyperactivity and impulsivity. In adults, these symptoms are more subtle and may only affect certain 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. ADHD symptoms in adult women may also have difficulty relaxing or finding a way to calm down, as well as trouble making and maintaining friendships.
People who suffer from mild to moderate ADHD might not experience significant problems at work or in their relationships, however they struggle with being organized and executing on commitments. They may experience problems with household chores, finances or schoolwork, and are overwhelmed by their obligations. ADHD symptoms adults who suffer from severe symptoms are severely disrupted in their day-to-day lives and might have difficulty finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD have trouble organizing their home, work and personal items. They can also lose track of important things such as their glasses, wallets, and keys. They are also prone to losing their temper and getting distracted by extraneous thoughts and activities. Their trouble adhering to instructions and completing tasks also affects their schoolwork, work performance, and relationships.
Women often hide their symptoms by using their emotions as an excuse for their behavior, making it harder to get diagnosed and treated. For instance women may feel low self-esteem or anxiety as the reason for her lack of attention and forgetfulness. She may also blame relationship issues or somatic complaints (such as headaches and nausea) on the stress of everyday life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal or perimenopausal).
When untreated, ADHD can lead to serious issues. For instance, girls and women with ADHD might be at higher likelihood of engaging in sexual activities as adolescents because of their impulsivity and difficulty with interpersonal boundaries and planning. Self-medicating with alcohol and drugs could be more prevalent. Inattention can lead to delay in doctor's appointments and procedures. They could have unbalanced eating habits or an elevated BMI. They may also use unhealthy strategies for coping such as excessive shopping, nail-biting and skin picking.
The best way to diagnose ADHD is through an exhaustive evaluation by an expert in mental health or health care provider. The professional will also ask the patient about his or her physical and emotional well-being. They may also suggest lab tests or a diagnostic interview. A diagnosis can be a life-changing experience for many adults who realize they have been struggling with mental health issues for years.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more difficulty controlling their impulses than men, and this may result in self-injury, alcohol or substance abuse, and other mental health issues. ADHD in adults symptoms women can also cause difficulties in relationships as forgetfulness and impulsive behavior can cause confusion or conflicts with family, friends, and co-workers.
Impulsivity is characterized by a tendency to speak out loud, buy something on impulse, and act without considering the consequences. Be aware that acting impulsively does not necessarily mean you're a bad person. Some people need more time to think before they act. It's still important to speak to your doctor and get tested for ADHD if you notice that the symptoms are getting worse.
Women who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty managing their emotions. This can cause depression, or other mental health problems. Symptoms of depression can be difficult to recognize for women because they may resemble other health issues, such as headaches or insomnia. Some women with ADHD are reluctant to seek help because they think their symptoms are the result of low self-esteem.
It is crucial to recognize that sex is a different concept than gender and that your internal perception of your identity is not affected by the genetic characteristics that determine if you are a woman, man, or non-binary. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their assigned gender. This can lead people to feel embarrassed and a sense of despair. These can be exacerbated by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD, which may also lead to the absence of personal or professional support.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they may experience issues with adult responsibilities. This can cause problems at school or work and conflicting relationships with family and friends as well as romantic partners. Women with ADHD might also have issues managing their finances or their home, and they may be at risk of neglecting health-related issues such as regular checkups and exercises. They may also struggle to deal with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.
Signs of ADHD in women who are adults may include misplacing items or not remembering appointments, being easily distracted by noise or movement or having difficulty interacting with others, or getting overwhelmed by the demands of tasks. They could also be more likely to suffer from mood-related symptoms like poor self-esteem, low self confidence, or physical complaints like abdominal pain or headaches.
It is important that women recognize their symptoms and receive an assessment. It's also beneficial to speak with a mental health professional about their issues and devise strategies for coping with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example, help to change negative thinking patterns and improve coping skills. Additionally, joining a women's support group can give valuable information about living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It is also important to note that women who suffer from ADHD can experience different symptoms than men, and symptoms are different during transitional periods like puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, or hormone treatments during menopausal. This is due in part to hormonal fluctuations, and the fact that women have a larger hippocampal region that plays a crucial role in the development of memory and learning. Women are also more adept at masking their ADHD symptoms than men, and this makes it more difficult to establish a diagnosis. Despite these obstacles it is still possible to live an enjoyable life with ADHD.
5. Anxiety
Although it can be difficult for women with ADHD to admit they suffer from anxiety issues, getting a diagnosis and finding the appropriate treatment can make their lives much better. It can also help them understand their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety can be a major sign of ADHD in women who are adults and it may look like:
Trouble staying focused or not being on task, focusing on the task at hand, or seeming to be distracted. Making careless errors. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or could be boring. Having trouble focusing in the classroom or at work. Not remembering things or being late for appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed in crowds, or when under stress at home or at work. Having trouble relaxing or falling asleep. Being easily agitated or overly sensitive to criticism and rejection.
Women who suffer from 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 have problems with intimate relationships that cause a higher risk of intimate partner violence and a higher risk of substance abuse.
Girls and women may be unable to obtain a precise ADHD diagnose because their symptoms differ from those of boys and men. Health care providers must be aware of these differences in order to arrive at a precise diagnosis. This involves identifying specific traits, such as an individualized symptom profile, difficulty with social interactions, a tendency to develop strategies to cope with the signs of underperformance and performance issues and the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is crucial to be aware of the effect hormone levels of women affect her symptoms.