Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
While males and females are diagnosed far more often with ADHD but girls and women can also have it. However, stereotypes, prejudices about referrals, internalized symptoms, and other comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be appropriately assessed and treated.
Many women devise coping strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but they can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed by their daily tasks. They often find it challenging to keep track of multiple deadlines, email notifications and meetings. They are also more likely to miss important events or appointments. They may also have difficulty staying focused in noisy or crowded environments. This can result in missed opportunities and lower level of productivity.
For many adults suffering from ADHD the challenges they face can be seen as an expression of their character or performance and lead to frustration. Many people who suffer from ADHD experience a low sense of self and a negative perception of their body. They may also be struggling to maintain relationships and develop effective coping strategies. In some instances they may turn to unhealthy coping methods, such as excessive alcohol or drugs. This can make it more difficult for others to see that they're struggling and delay the diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are particularly sensitive to criticism and failure which can cause them to internalize their difficulties and struggle to get assistance. They may also have problems with relationships and are unable to find a meaningful job. They could be more susceptible to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In certain instances these symptoms may result in the development of a mental health problem such as self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which may be expressed through cutting, burning, or scratching.
ADHD is more common among males and females, however symptoms can linger and affect many areas of your life. It's essential for women to be aware of the signs and seek a thorough evaluation from a health care professional. A proper diagnosis can result in better control of symptoms and an improved quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often report feeling overwhelmed and feel like their lives are chaotic. They might miss deadlines at work or struggle to keep track of chores at home or at work, such paying bills and scheduling appointments. Their home and finances could be cluttered and they may have a difficult time to keep healthy relationships and a stable job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can heighten frustration and miscommunications with friends, partners and colleagues. These issues can cause strained or broken connections and feelings of isolation. Inattention, forgetfulness, and the tendency to "zone out" or not pay attention, can cause misunderstandings with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience signs of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. These can be disruptive both in their personal and professional lives. Women who are not treated for ADHD may be overwhelmed by the demands of family, work and social life. They may also be sensitive to criticism and harsh judgment.
The good news is that there are options to reduce the impact of these symptoms. Treatment options for many adults include lifestyle modifications as well as the use of specific tools for organization, and prescription stimulant medications.
Women with ADHD might be able to conceal their ADHD symptoms better than males and can result in an undiagnosed condition until adulthood. They are also more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. More Support can also have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships and stable jobs, and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's biological makeup, chromosomes and hormones and anatomy. Gender refers to the internal perception of self as a woman, man or nonbinary gender identity and mental health issues are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are at risk of developing depression and anxiety. These symptoms can be worsened when you're unable keep the track of your daily tasks and appointments. This can cause health problems like missed appointments or payments that are late, or even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness of ADHD can also cause problems with relationships with colleagues, partners and even friends.
Many women develop strategies to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to notice that they're having difficulty staying organized and focused. These coping mechanisms may be healthy like setting up a daily schedule, or a phone reminder, or unhealthy, like relying on drugs or alcohol to manage or function. These coping strategies can make women feel stressed and insecure and make them doubt themselves and their abilities. This can trigger feelings of depression or anxiety.
Additionally, women with ADHD often feel a sense of not fitting in or meeting societal expectations which can cause low self-esteem and a sense of frustration. They might also face issues at work, like issues with organization skills, adherence to corporate policies, or sticking to a daily 9-to-5 schedule. They may have difficulty managing their finances due to a lack of organization or impulsive spending. Also, they might struggle to keep up with work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD is a chronic condition that requires continuous care, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite the disorder's prevalence however, it's still under-diagnosed, misunderstood and untreated. The unique symptoms of ADHD in women are a result stereotypes of referral biases, internalized symptomatology, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuation.
4. Impulsivity
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They could be easily upset or excited, lose track of time, or be late to events. They may also have difficulty understanding body language or recognizing social cues. This can lead to problems at work or with relationships. For example, they might be easily entangled in arguments or spend too much time with hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They might also have difficulty keeping friendships and creating new connections due to the fact that they struggle to stick to promises and commitments.
Women tend to be better in developing coping mechanisms to help them mask their ADHD symptoms, so it's more difficult for them to be diagnosed than men. For instance, they could create routines to help keep track of their time or use apps to remind them of appointments. They could also alter their behavior to conform with societal expectations and norms. They might even attempt to hide their symptoms using drugs or alcohol. This can have negative health effects over time.
Some people suffering from ADHD do not completely overcome the symptoms. About 60% of women who have ADHD in childhood will suffer from it throughout their adulthood. This is compared to 30% of men.
Professional treatment may be beneficial for those who could not find relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling, as well as medications such as stimulants. Exercise can also be beneficial to boost your mood and increase your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters, which increase motivation and attention. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Girls and women with ADHD are often affected by emotional reaction. They may have difficulty regulating their emotions and communicating them in a proper manner. This can lead to frustration for themselves as well as others. A person with ADHD may become angry when her partner criticizes her, but she might not be able to talk about the issue in a rational manner. It is also possible that she struggles to "pause" her reaction by identifying body signals that indicate she's feeling overwhelmed or stressed like flushing skin or shortness of breath.
This difficulty in regulating emotions can cause frustration and misunderstandings, and can make people with ADHD more prone to anxiety or depression. It can also cause issues when it comes to social interactions, because it can be difficult to read the mood of others and detect social cues.
In some instances, those with ADHD might appear emotionally distant and disinterested in their friends or loved ones, even when they truly love them. In other instances, they may withdraw from situations that trigger them to avoid feeling emotions that are intense.
Gender bias is common among doctors, and the effects of ADHD on women are often omitted due to the nature of their symptoms. Many women hide their ADHD symptoms, and when they do show up they are more likely to be mistakenly diagnosed as depression or anxiety disorders. If you're experiencing trouble with these symptoms, it might be helpful to seek an experienced mental health professional who has experience in working with women and girls with ADHD. They can help validate your experiences, teach you how to apply strategies like pacing and self-awareness, and provide family psychoeducation that can help you learn to recognize and address your ADHD symptoms in the future.