Symptoms of ADHD in Adults Women
Symptoms of ADHD in women who are adults can be harder to recognize than men due to the fact that women often develop strategies to cope with 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
Symptoms of ADHD in women of all ages typically are characterized by difficulty in keeping track of time, missed appointments, misplacing objects or being easily distracted. Women may also have difficulty with procrastination and forgetfulness, as well as working or studying in an environment which is noisy or bustling. They are often challenged with interpersonal skills, including interrupting others and blurting out statements they later regret.
Unlike boys and men who suffer from ADHD tend to be more adept at masking their symptoms. They can develop healthy coping strategies, such as using a daily schedule or making phone calls to remind them of important occasions. These coping strategies may not last long and are not sufficient to deal with the complexities of daily life. Furthermore, their symptoms could be complicated by comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Many people with ADHD exhibit hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms as well. Adults may experience more subtle symptoms that are only affecting certain areas of their life 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 have difficulty to make and maintain friendships.
People who suffer from moderate to mild ADHD may not have significant problems at work or in their relationships, however they struggle with being organized and executing on commitments. They may have problems with schoolwork, finances or household chores and often experience a sense of being overwhelmed by their responsibilities. The severity of the symptoms can cause major disruptions to a person's daily life. They might also have difficulties maintaining relationships or holding their job.
2. Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD have a hard time organizing their home, work and personal items. They can also lose track of important items like eyeglasses, wallets, keys and keys. They may also become easily distracted and lose their temper. Inability to follow directions and complete their tasks can affect their schoolwork, work and relationships.
Women often hide their symptoms by using their emotions as a reason for their behavior, which makes it harder to get diagnosed and treated. For instance women might experience low self-esteem or anxiety as an explanation for her lack of attention and forgetfulness. She might also blame relationship issues or somatic complaints such as nausea and headaches on the stress of life or hormone fluctuations (e.g., perimenopause or menopausal).
If left untreated, ADHD can lead to serious problems. Girls and women with ADHD may be more likely to engage in adolescent sex because of their impulsivity, difficulties with boundaries between people and lack of organization. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs is more frequent. Inattention can lead to missed doctor's procedures and appointments. They may have disordered eating habits or having a high BMI. They may also use unhealthy ways of coping, such as shopping excessively, nail-biting and skin picking.
The best way to diagnose ADHD is to conduct an extensive examination by a mental health professional or health care professional. The specialist will also inquire with the patient about their emotional and physical well-being. They may recommend tests in the lab or an interview. Being diagnosed can be a life-changing event for many adults who discover they've had mental health issues for years.
3. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more difficulty controlling their impulses than men, and this may cause problems such as self-injury or alcohol or drug addiction, or other mental health issues. It can also cause relationship problems, as forgetfulness or impulsive behaviors can lead to misunderstandings and conflict with family, friends, and coworkers.
The term "impulsivity" refers to the tendency to speak loud, purchase something on impulse, and act without considering the consequences. It's important to keep in mind that acting impulsively isn't always an indication of bad character, and some people need more time than others to think about their thoughts before they act. It's still essential to talk to your doctor and get tested for ADHD if you notice that the symptoms are getting worse.
It's also common for females with ADHD to have difficulty controlling their emotions, which can lead to depression and other mental health issues. adult male ADHD symptoms can be difficult to spot in women since they can appear similar to other health problems, like insomnia and chronic headaches. Some women with ADHD find it hard to seek help due to the fact that they believe that their symptoms are a sign of self-esteem issues or a flaw in their personality.
It is important to understand that sex is a distinct concept from gender, and that your internal sense of identity isn't dependent on the biological traits that determine if you are a woman, man, or nonbinary. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to identify with their gender. This can cause them to feel ashamed and despair. This can be made worse by the anxiety of living with untreated ADHD and can lead to an absence of support from a professional or personal perspective.
4. Distractions
As girls with ADHD develop into women, they might struggle with adult responsibilities and interactions. This can lead to problems at school or at work, and conflicting relationships with family and friends as well as romantic partners. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble managing their finances or home. They may also be at risk of ignoring health issues such as regular checkups and exercises. They may also be struggling to manage negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.
ADHD symptoms in women may include being unable to remember things, losing things, getting easily distracted, having difficulty working with others or feeling overwhelmed by work. They might also experience mood-related symptoms such as lower self-esteem or a lack of confidence in themselves.
It is crucial that women recognize their symptoms and get an assessment. It is also beneficial to speak with a mental health professional about their struggles and create coping strategies for ADHD. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help change negative thinking patterns and enhance coping skills. Participating in a women's group could provide valuable information about living with ADHD, and coping techniques for everyday life.
It's also worth noting that women who suffer from ADHD may experience different symptoms than men, and these may differ during transitional times such as puberty or pregnancy, childbirth or hormone treatments during menopause. This is due in part to hormonal fluctuations, and the fact that women have a greater hippocampal region that plays a crucial role in memory and education. Women can also mask their ADHD symptoms better than males. This can make it difficult to receive a correct diagnosis. It is possible to lead an enjoyable and fulfilling life with ADHD despite these difficulties.
5. Anxiety
It can be difficult for women with ADHD to admit that they suffer from anxiety issues, however, getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make an enormous difference in their lives. It can also help them understand their behavior and how it impacts other people.
Anxiety is a common sign of ADHD in adults women and it can look like:
It is difficult to stay focused or distracted, or seeming to be distracted. Making a few mistakes. Avoiding tasks that require concentration or could be boring. Problems with concentration at school or at work. Forgetting things or being late for meetings and appointments. Feeling overwhelmed by the crowds or under pressure at work or home. Having trouble relaxing or falling asleep. Being easily disturbed or being a bit sensitive to criticism.
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from a co-existing mood disorder, like depression. They may also find it difficult to establish friendships. They might also have issues with intimate relationships that lead to a higher incidence of violence between intimate partners and a higher risk of substance abuse.
It can be difficult for women and girls to get a correct ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that symptoms for girls and women differ from those seen in men and boys. Health professionals must be aware of these differences in order to provide a correct diagnosis. This includes identifying specific features, like a more distinct manifesting symptom, difficulty in social relationships and a tendency to create coping strategies that mask underachievement and performance problems, and the coexistence of anxiety and depression. It is important to also consider the impact hormone levels have on her symptom presentations.