Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Women and girls can have ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often, it is also possible for women to be affected by the disorder. However, stereotypes, prejudices about referrals and internalized symptoms as well as the presence of comorbidities may make it difficult to get them properly assessed and treated.
Many women devise coping strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms and to meet social expectations, but these strategies can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are a few 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 have a difficult time to keep track of many deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more prone to forget important events or appointments. They may also find it difficult to concentrate in noisy or crowded environments. This can lead to missed opportunities and a lower level of productivity.
These issues can cause frustration for many adults suffering from ADHD. They might feel that they reflect of their own performance or of themselves. Many people who suffer from ADHD have an unsatisfactory self-image and a negative perception of their body. They may also be struggling to keep relationships stable and come up with effective strategies to cope. In some cases, they turn to unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking or drug use. This can make it more difficult for others to understand the signs of struggle and delay an accurate diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD might be more sensitive to criticism or failure. This can lead them to internalize their problems and make it difficult for them to seek assistance. They might also be afflicted by problems with relationships and are unable to find meaningful employment. They could be more susceptible to depression, anxiety and mood swings. In some cases, the symptoms can result in a mental illness, such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI), that can be expressed by cutting or burning.
Although it's more common in males and boys to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms can persist into adulthood and can impact multiple areas of life. Women should recognize the signs and seek out an evaluation by a medical professional. A proper diagnosis can result in better control of symptoms and an improved quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD often complain of feeling overwhelmed and like their lives are a mess. They may miss work deadlines or have difficulty keeping up with chores at home or at work like paying bills and keeping appointments. Their finances and their home could be disorganized and they may have a difficult time to maintain good relationships and a stable job.
Inattention ADHD symptoms can lead to frustration and miscommunications in relationships between friends, partners and coworkers. These issues can cause strained or broken connections and feelings of isolation. Forgetfulness, difficulty listening, and a tendency to "zone out" in conversations could cause misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
Signs of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and mood swings are more prevalent among women suffering from ADHD than in men and can be extremely disruptive to both your personal and professional. Women with untreated ADHD are often overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of their families, work and the society, and might be more sensitive to criticism or harsh judgment.
There are ways to deal with these symptoms. Treatment options for adults include lifestyle modifications, the use of specialized organization tools, and prescription stimulant drugs.
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a harder time than men to hide their ADHD symptoms and, as a result they are often not diagnosed until the age of adulthood. They are also more likely to have co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety that can increase the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also have trouble maintaining healthy relationships and stable jobs and are susceptible to low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers a person's genetic makeup, chromosomes, hormones and anatomy. Gender refers to the internal perception of self as a woman, man or a nonbinary gender identity and mental health issues are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety. These feelings can be exacerbated by the inability to keep the track of the daily schedule and appointments, which can lead to health problems such as missed appointments, late payments, and even debt. The emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness associated with ADHD can also create relationship issues with colleagues, partners and family members.
Many women develop coping strategies to hide their problems that can make it harder for others to see that they struggle to stay focused and organized. These coping strategies may be healthy, like creating an annual schedule or setting phone reminders, or they may be unhealthy and rely on alcohol or drugs to help them function or cope with their difficulties. These strategies can make women feel anxious and unsure, leading them to doubt their abilities and self-confidence. This can trigger feelings of anxiety or depression.
Additionally, women with ADHD often feel a sense of not being accepted or meeting societal expectations and this can lead to low self-esteem and frustration. They may also encounter difficulties at work, such as issues with organization abilities, adhering to corporate policies, or sticking to a routine of 9-5. They may have difficulty managing their finances due to disorganization and impulsive spending, or they may be unable to keep up with work-related assignments or completing homework.
ADHD can be a long-lasting condition that requires ongoing support, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence this disorder is undiagnosed and misunderstood. It is also undertreated. The lingering stigmas, referral bias, internalized symptoms, comorbidities, and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the distinctive symptom manifestation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They can be easily annoyed or overly excited, and may lose track of time or be late for events. They might also have difficulty reading body language or picking up on social signals. This can lead to issues at work or in relationships. For instance, they could be easily entangled in arguments or spend too much time with hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They might also have difficulty maintaining friendships or making new connections due to their struggle to stick to promises and commitments.
Women are better at developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them to diagnose. They might, for example develop routines to help them stay organized or use apps to remind themselves of their appointments. They could alter their behavior to comply with social norms and expectations. They may even try to hide their symptoms with drugs or alcohol. This can have grave health consequences in the long run.
Some people suffering from ADHD are not able to overcome the symptoms. About 60 percent of women with ADHD in childhood continue to have the condition into adulthood, compared to 30% of males.
Professional therapy can be beneficial for those who can not see relief from medications or lifestyle changes. There are many options, including life coaching, career coaching, and counseling, together with stimulants and medications. Exercise is a great way to improve your mood and boosting your energy. It releases neurotransmitters, which increase the motivation and focus. It can also reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Girls and women with ADHD are frequently affected by emotional hyperactivity. They may find it hard to regulate their emotions and express them in a proper manner and can cause anger with themselves and others. A woman with ADHD might become angry when her partner criticizes them, but she might not be able to calm down to discuss the issue in a rational manner. She may also struggle to "pause her reaction" by identifying body cues like a flushed face or shortness in breath that indicate she is overexcited or overwhelmed.
symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults with regulating emotions can result in confusion and anger and make those with ADHD susceptible to anxiety or depression. It can also cause problems with social interactions because it is difficult to discern people's moods or detect social signals.
In certain situations, ADHD people may appear in a way that they are emotionally detached and not interested in their friends or loved one, even though they care about them. In some cases they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions to avoid experiencing them.
Gender bias is a frequent feature of doctors and the impact of ADHD on women are often omitted due to the nature of their symptoms. Many women conceal their ADHD symptoms, and when they do show up, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as mood or anxiety disorders. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it can be helpful to seek a mental health professional experienced in working with women and girls who have ADHD. They can validate your experiences, show you how to use strategies such as self-awareness and pacing and offer family psychoeducation to help you learn to recognize and respond to your ADHD symptoms in the future.