Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While males and females are diagnosed far more often with ADHD but girls and women are also susceptible to it. However, stereotypes, prejudices about referrals, internalized symptoms, and the presence of comorbidities may make it difficult to get them properly evaluated and treated.
These strategies can be unhealthy and ineffective. Here are some of adult women's most common ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women suffering from ADHD are often overwhelmed by daily tasks. They often have a difficult time to keep track of numerous deadlines, emails, and meetings. They could also be more prone to forget important appointments or events. They may also have difficulty concentrating in noisy or busy environments. This could result in missed opportunities and lower quality of work.
These challenges can lead to frustration for many adults with ADHD. They may believe that they are a reflection of their own performance or of themselves. They may end up with a low self-esteem as well as a negative image of their body. They may also be struggling to maintain stable relationships and come up with effective strategies to cope. In some cases they resort to unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking or drugs. This could make people less likely to recognize their struggles and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are often sensitive to criticism and failure, which can cause them to internalize their problems and struggle to get help. This is why they may have issues with relationships and may have a difficult time finding work that is meaningful. They may also be more prone to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In certain cases the symptoms may cause a mental disorder such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI) which can be exhibited through cutting or burning.
While it's more common for males and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms can last throughout adulthood and affect various aspects of life. It is crucial for women to recognize the signs and seek a thorough examination from a medical professional. A proper diagnosis can lead to better management of symptoms and a better quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often report feeling overwhelmed and feel like their lives are in chaos. They may fail to meet deadlines for work or struggle to keep the track of their the tasks at home or at work like paying bills and scheduling appointments. Their home and finances could be disorganized and they may find it difficult to keep good relationships and a stable job.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can cause frustration and misunderstandings in relationships between partners, friends and coworkers. These issues can cause strained or broken connections and feelings of loneliness. The inability to listen, forgetfulness, and a tendency to "zone out" in conversations could contribute to misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from symptoms of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. They can be disruptive both in their personal and professional lives. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of their families, work, and society, and may be particularly sensitive to criticism or harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are options to reduce the impact of these symptoms. For many adults treatments include lifestyle modifications and the use of specific tools for organizing, as well as prescription stimulant medications.
Women with ADHD might be able to cover up their ADHD symptoms better than men which could lead to being undiagnosed until later in life. They are also more likely to suffer from multiple disorders that are comorbid, like anxiety and depression, which can compound the effects of untreated ADHD. Women can also struggle to keep their relationships stable and secure, and may suffer from low self esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the hormones and chromosomes; gender refers to the internal perception of oneself as a male, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health problems are often diagnoses in relation to both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These feelings can be exacerbated due to the inability of keeping on top of the daily schedule and appointments that can cause health issues like missed appointments, late payments and even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness of ADHD can also lead to problems with relationships with coworkers, partners and family members.
Many women develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, which can make it harder for others to recognize that they have trouble staying focused and organized. These coping mechanisms may be beneficial, like setting up a daily schedule, or a phone reminder or harmful, like drinking alcohol or taking drugs to cope or function. These coping skills can create an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and stress for women, which makes them feel that they aren't successful or productive, which may add to feelings of depression and anxiety.
In addition, women with ADHD frequently feel the pressure of not being accepted or meeting societal expectations and this can lead to feelings of self-doubt and anger. They might also face challenges at work, like issues with organization abilities, adhering to corporate policies, or adhering to a 9-to-5 routine. They may struggle to manage their finances due to a lack of organization or an impulsive spending. Also, they might be struggling to complete assignments or homework.
ADHD can be a lifelong condition that requires ongoing support, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite the disorder's prevalence however, it's still misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and untreated. Lingering stereotypes as well as referral biases, internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal changes all contribute to the unique symptom-based presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They could be easily frustrated or overly exuberant, and they may lose track of their time or be late to events. They might also have trouble reading body language and picking up social cues. This can lead to issues at work or with relationships. For ADHD symptoms adults , they may get into arguments easily or they may spend too much time on hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They may also have difficulty maintaining friendships or making new connections because they struggle to stick to promises and commitments.
Women are better at developing ways to cope with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them than men to be diagnosed. For example, they might develop routines to help them keep track of their time or use apps to remind them of their appointments. They might also change their behavior to conform with the norms and expectations of society. They might even attempt to hide their symptoms using drugs or alcohol. This could have grave health consequences in the long run.
Many people with ADHD outgrow their symptoms, but others do not. About 60 percent of women who suffer from ADHD during childhood continue to have the condition into adulthood, compared to 30% of males.
If you are unable to achieve relief with lifestyle or medication, professional treatment can be helpful. There are many options available, such as counseling, career coaching, and life coaching. There are also stimulants. Exercise is a great way to improve your mood and increasing your energy. It releases neurotransmitters which boost the motivation and focus. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often have issues with emotional reactivity. They may have difficulty regulating their emotions and how they express them. This can lead to anger for themselves and others. A person with ADHD may become angry when a friend criticizes them however she may not be able to calm down to talk about the issue in a rational manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause" her response by identifying bodily cues that she's getting overexcited or overwhelmed like flushing skin or breath shortness.
This difficulty in regulating emotions can lead to confusion and frustration and make people with ADHD prone towards depression or anxiety. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions as it is difficult to read people's moods or pick up social cues.
In certain instances, people with ADHD may seem emotionally detached and uninterested in their peers or loved ones, even if they genuinely love them. In other cases they might withdraw from situations that trigger emotions to avoid feeling emotions that are intense.
The nature of women's symptoms can make it easier for doctors to overlook the effects of ADHD. Many of them hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear in the future, they're more likely be seen as anxiety- or mood-related, which can lead to misdiagnosis. If you're struggling with these symptoms, it can be helpful to seek an experienced mental health professional who has experience in working with girls and women who have ADHD. They can confirm your experience, instruct you on strategies like self-awareness and pacing, and provide you with family psychoeducation to help you identify and manage future ADHD symptoms.