Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Symptoms of ADHD in adults women can be more difficult to identify than men due to the fact that women often have coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms, according to Dr. Frank. Fortunately, lifestyle modifications and medication can help them 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
ADHD symptoms for women can include having trouble keeping track of the time, missing appointments, misplacing items, or getting easily distracted. Women may also struggle with procrastination, forgetfulness and difficulty working or studying in a noisy or crowded environment. Women are often struggling with interpersonal skills. They can interrupt others or make remarks that they regret later.
Women who suffer from ADHD are better at masking symptoms than men and boys. They may come up with healthy ways to cope like relying on a daily schedule or setting up phone reminders for important events. However, these strategies for coping may not be sustainable over the long run and do not suffice to handle the demands of real life. In addition, their symptoms can also be complicated by comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Many people suffering from ADHD exhibit hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms as well. Adults may experience subtler symptoms that only affect specific areas of their lives like social interactions or work. Those with a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may experience frequent fidgeting, talkativeness or trouble sitting still during conversations. They might also have difficulty to relax or settle down. They may also struggle to form and keep friendships.
People who suffer from mild to moderate ADHD might not experience significant problems at work or in their relationships, however they may have difficulty being organized and executing on commitments. They may have issues with household chores, finances or schoolwork, and are overwhelmed by their obligations. People with severe symptoms experience a lot of disruption in their daily lives. They might have difficulty finding work or maintaining relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD frequently struggle to organize their home, work and personal belongings. They also tend to lose track of things like keys, wallets, eyeglasses, and cell phones. They are also easily distracted and lose their temper. Inability to follow directions and complete their tasks can affect their academic performance, as well as their relationships.
Women cover up their symptoms by through their emotions to justify their actions. This makes it difficult to identify and treat. For example women may feel low self-esteem or anxiety as a reason for her inattention and forgetfulness. She might also blame relationship issues or other complaints, such as nausea and headaches, on the stress of life or hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menopausal, perimenopausal or menopause).
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious problems. For instance, girls and women who suffer from ADHD may be at a higher risk of sexual activity in adolescence due to their impulsivity as well as issues with boundaries within the group and planning. They may be more likely to resort to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. Inattention can lead to delay in doctor's appointments and procedures. They may have inconsistent and disordered eating habits or a higher BMI, and unhealthy coping habits, such as nail-biting, skin picking, obsessive shopping, and excessive exercise.
A thorough evaluation by a medical professional or mental health professional is the most effective way to diagnose ADHD. In addition to looking at the patient's physical and mental health, the professional might ask for feedback from family members and friends. They might recommend lab tests or a diagnosis interview. Having a diagnosis could be a life-changing moment for many adults who discover they've been struggling with an illness of the mind all along.
3. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD have a difficult time controlling their impulses. This can lead to other problems such as self-injury or alcohol or drug abuse. It can also cause relationships problems as forgetfulness or impulsive behaviors can cause confusion and conflict with family members, coworkers, and friends.
Impulsivity is characterized by an urge to speak loud, buy something on impulse, or act without considering the consequences. It's important to remember that acting impulsively isn't always a sign of a bad character, and some people need more time than others to process their thoughts before acting. However, it's still a good idea to consult your doctor about this and to get checked for ADHD, especially as you begin to notice that the symptoms are getting more severe.
Women suffering from ADHD often have trouble managing their emotions. This can cause depression and other mental health issues. Depression symptoms can be hard to recognize in women as they can be similar to other health problems, like chronic headaches and insomnia. Some women suffering from ADHD find it hard to ask for help because they believe their symptoms are a sign of self-esteem issues or a flaw in their personality.
It's important to realize that sex is a distinct concept from gender and that your inner sense of identity isn't dependent on the biological traits that determine if you are a woman, a man, or non-binary. However, many people with ADHD have difficulty identifying with their gender, which can cause feelings of shame and desperation. This can be made worse by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD and can result in an absence of professional or personal support.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD develop into women, they may be unable to handle adult obligations and interactions. This can cause problems at work or in school as well as strained relationships with family members, friends and romantic partners. Women with ADHD can also have difficulty managing their finances and home. They may be at risk of neglecting health issues like regular checkups and exercises. They may also have difficulty managing negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms for women may include forgetting things, losing things, becoming easily distracted, having difficulty working with others or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work. There are also mood-related issues like low self-confidence or poor self-esteem.
It's crucial for women to be aware of their symptoms of ADHD and seek a diagnosis. It is also beneficial to talk to a mental health professional about their difficulties and develop strategies for coping with ADHD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help, for instance, to alter negative thinking patterns and increase coping skills. Participating in a women's group could also provide valuable information on living with ADHD and coping strategies for everyday life.
It is also important to note that women with ADHD may experience different symptoms than males, and they can vary during transitional periods like puberty or pregnancy, childbirth or hormone treatments during menopause. This is due to hormone fluctuations, and also the fact that women have a bigger hippocampal area that is a major factor in memory and education. Women can also mask their ADHD symptoms better than males. This can make it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis. It is possible to lead an enjoyable and fulfilling life with ADHD despite these challenges.
5. Anxiety
While it can be challenging for women with ADHD to admit they have anxiety issues, getting a diagnosis and finding the right treatment for them can make their lives so much better. It will also help them comprehend their behavior and how it affects other people.
Anxiety may be a significant sign of ADHD in women who are adults and it can look like:
Difficulty staying focused or on task, daydreaming or appearing to be distracted. Making mistakes that aren't made. Avoiding what do you think that require concentration or can be boring. Finding it difficult to concentrate in the classroom or at work. Forgetting or being late to appointments and meetings. Feeling overwhelmed by crowds or when under stress at home or at work. Finding it difficult to relax or fall asleep. Being easily upset or being too sensitive to criticism.
Women with ADHD are more likely to have a co-existing mood disorder, such as depression. They might also have difficulty to make friends. They may also have problems with intimate relationships, which can lead to a higher incidence of violence from intimate partners and a higher percentage of substance abuse.
Girls and women may have difficulty getting a correct ADHD diagnosis because their symptoms are different from the men and boys. Health professionals must be aware of these differences to arrive at a precise diagnosis. This means identifying certain features, like an individualized symptoms profile, difficulties with social interactions and a tendency to develop coping strategies that mask inadequacies and performance issues and the coexistence of depression and anxiety. It is also essential to take into consideration the effect of hormone levels in women on her symptom presentation.
