Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Dr. Frank says that the symptoms of ADHD in women who are more difficult to spot than in men, because women develop coping mechanisms in order to mask their symptoms. Fortunately, support for lifestyle and medication can help improve their functioning and 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
ADHD symptoms in women include difficulty in keeping track of time, missing appointments, misplacing items, or getting easily distracted. Women may also experience the habit of procrastination, forgetfulness or working or studying in a noisy or busy environment. They are often challenged with interpersonal skills, such as interrupting other people and making statements they later regret.
Unlike boys and men, women with ADHD tend to be better in masked symptoms. They can develop healthy coping strategies, such as having a regular schedule or using phone reminders for important events. These strategies for coping may not last for long and are insufficient to cope with the complexity of daily life. In addition the symptoms of these disorders can be exacerbated by co-existing disorders like anxiety and depression.
Many people with ADHD display impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms too. Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that are only affecting specific areas of their lives, such as social interactions or at 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 struggle to establish and keep friendships.
People who suffer from mild or moderate ADHD don't have major problems in their jobs or relationships, however they struggle to stay organized and have a difficult in executing their commitments. They may have issues with household chores, finances or schoolwork and are overwhelmed by their obligations. Severe symptoms can cause significant disruptions to a person's daily life. They might also have difficulties maintaining relationships or keeping a job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD struggle with organizing their work, home and personal belongings. They also tend to lose track of things such as their wallets, keys eyeglasses, cell phones. They are also easily distracted and lose their temper. ADHD symptoms in adults males to follow directions and complete tasks affects their work, schoolwork and relationships.
Women mask their symptoms with their emotions in order to justify their actions. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat. For example, she might blame her lack of attention or forgetfulness on low self-esteem and anxiety. It is also possible to blame relationship issues or somatic complaints (such as nausea and headaches) on the stress of life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal).
If left untreated, ADHD can lead to serious problems. For instance, women and girls with ADHD could be at greater risk of sexual activity in adolescence because of their impulsivity and issues with boundaries within the group and planning. They are more likely to resort to alcohol and drugs to self-medicate. Inattention can lead to missed doctor's procedures and appointments. They could have inconsistent and disordered eating habits or a higher BMI, as well as unhealthy coping habits like nail-biting, skin picking, compulsive shopping and a lot of exercise.
A thorough evaluation by a health care provider or mental health professional is the most effective way to diagnose ADHD. The specialist will also inquire with the patient about their physical and emotional well-being. They may also suggest lab tests or a diagnosis interview. Many adults are shocked find out that they've been suffering from a mental illness for a long time.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more trouble controlling their impulses than men, and this can cause problems such as self-injury, alcohol or substance abuse, and other mental health issues. It can also cause relationships problems as forgetfulness or impulsive behaviors can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts with family, colleagues, and friends.
The signs of impulsivity are the tendency to blurt things out, purchasing something at the spur of the moment, and jumping in before thinking about the consequences. It's important to keep in mind that acting in a rash manner isn't always a sign of bad character, and some people need more time than others to think through their thoughts before acting. However, it's an excellent idea to speak with your doctor about this and get checked for ADHD, especially as you start to observe that your symptoms are getting more severe.
It's also common for females with ADHD to struggle with managing their emotions. This can result in depression and other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be difficult to recognize in women since they can resemble other health problems like insomnia or a chronic headache. Some women with ADHD find it hard to seek help due to the fact that they believe their symptoms are indicative of low self-esteem or a personality flaw.
It is important to recognize that gender and sexuality are two different concepts and that the biological traits that determine whether you're either a woman, man, or nonbinary person don't influence your personal identity. However, many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty identifying with their gender, which can cause feelings of guilt and despair. These feelings can be further exacerbated by the stress of living with untreated ADHD, which may also result in the absence of professional or personal support.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD become women, they may experience difficulties handling adult responsibilities. This could lead to issues at work or school and strained relationships with family and friends as well as romantic partners. Women with ADHD can also have difficulty managing their finances or at home. They may be prone to neglecting health issues like regular checkups and exercises. They may also have difficulty dealing with negative emotions such as depression and anxiety.
Signs of ADHD in women of all ages may include misplacing items or not remembering appointments, being easily distracted by noise or movement, having difficulty working with others, or being overwhelmed by the demands of tasks. They might also experience mood-related symptoms like lower self-esteem or a lack of confidence in themselves.
It is essential that women recognize their symptoms and get an assessment. It is also helpful to speak with a mental healthcare professional about your difficulties and develop strategies to cope with ADHD. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies can help to change negative thinking patterns and improve coping strategies. A women's club can also provide valuable information on living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.
It is important to remember that women with ADHD might suffer from different symptoms than men. These can change during transitional times such as puberty or pregnancy. They may also change during hormonal treatments during menopausal. This is due to hormone fluctuations and the fact that females have a bigger hippocampal area, which plays a role in memory and learning. Women also have the ability to mask their ADHD symptoms better than males. This can make it harder to obtain an accurate diagnosis. It is possible to live an enjoyable and joyful life with ADHD despite these challenges.
5. Anxiety
While it can be challenging for women suffering from ADHD to admit that they have anxiety issues, getting an diagnosis and locating the appropriate treatment can make their lives so much better. It can also help women better understand their behavior, and how it impacts others.
Anxiety is a common symptom of ADHD in women who are adults and it can look like:
It is difficult to stay focused or on task, daydreaming or seeming to be distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or can be boring. Focusing problems at school or at work. Being late or forgetting meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or feeling pressured at work or at home. Trouble falling asleep. Being easily agitated, or being overly sensitive to criticism.
Women with ADHD can be more likely to develop coexisting mood disorder such as depression, and may be less successful in establishing friendships. They might also have issues in their relationships with family members, which can lead to an increased rate of violence between partners and substance abuse.
It can be difficult for women and girls to obtain a precise ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that symptoms for girls and women differ from those of men and boys. In order to accurately diagnose ADHD, health care providers must be aware the distinctions. This means identifying certain traits, such as a more distinct manifesting symptom, difficulty in social relationships, a tendency to develop strategies to deal with the signs of underperformance and performance issues, and the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is important to also take into consideration the impact that a woman's hormonal levels have on her symptom presentations.