Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Women and girls can have ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently but it is also possible for women to be affected by the disorder. However, stereotypes, prejudices about referrals, internalized symptoms, and other comorbidities can make it difficult for them to be properly assessed and treated.
Many women develop coping strategies to cover up their ADHD symptoms and conform to social expectations, but these strategies can be unhealthy and unsustainable. Here are some of adult women's most common ADHD symptoms.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD can be prone to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. It is often difficult for them to keep track of deadlines, emails and meetings. They are also more likely to overlook important dates or events. They may also find it difficult to focus in noisy or busy environments. This can lead them to miss out on opportunities and work that is less than satisfactory.
For many adults suffering from ADHD, these challenges can be seen as a reflection of their character or performance, and can cause frustration. Many adults with ADHD have a low sense of self and a negative perception of their body. They may also have difficulty maintaining stable relationships and establishing efficient coping strategies. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy coping behaviors, such as excessive alcohol or drug use. This can make others less likely to recognize their struggles and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are often sensitive to criticism or failure. This can lead them to internalize their problems and make it difficult for them to seek help. They may also experience problems with relationships and are unable to find work that is meaningful. They may also be more prone to anxiety, depression and mood fluctuations. In some cases, the symptoms can lead to a mental condition, such as non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI), that can be expressed by cutting, burning or scratching.
ADHD is more common in men and boys, but symptoms can linger and affect many areas of your life. It is crucial for women to be aware of the symptoms and seek an assessment from a health care professional. A proper diagnosis can result in better-managed symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD often complain of feeling overwhelmed and feel like their lives are in chaos. They may fail to meet deadlines for work or have difficulty keeping up with chores at home or at work, such paying bills and keeping appointments. Their home and finances could be messy, and they may struggle to maintain good relationships and a stable job.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms can lead to more anger and miscommunications with partners, friends, and coworkers. These problems can lead strained or broken connections and feelings of loneliness. Forgetfulness, difficulty listening and a tendency "zone out" in conversations could contribute to misunderstandings and arguments with loved ones.
severe ADHD symptoms adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from symptoms of impulsivity, emotional instability, and mood swings. These can cause disruption both in their professional and personal lives. severe ADHD symptoms adults who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of work, family, and society, and might be more sensitive to criticism or harsh judgement.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. For many adults, treatment options include lifestyle modifications and the use of specialized organizational tools, as well as prescription stimulant medications.
Women with ADHD might be able conceal their ADHD symptoms better than men and can result in being undiagnosed until later in life. They are also more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also have trouble maintaining healthy relationships and a stable job, and can suffer from low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to a person's hormones and chromosomes; gender is the internal belief in oneself as a male woman, woman, nonbinary or any other gender identity. Mental health issues are usually diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. These moods can be made worse due to the inability of keeping track of daily tasks and appointments, which can lead to health issues like missed appointments, late payments or even debt. ADHD can trigger emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to relationship problems with family, friends, and coworkers.
Many women develop strategies to disguise their symptoms. This can make it difficult for others to notice that they have difficulty staying organized and focused. These coping strategies may be healthy, such as establishing a daily schedule or setting reminders for phone calls, or they may be unhealthy depending on alcohol or other drugs to manage or overcome their challenges. These coping strategies can trigger an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt and stress for women, making them feel like they are not doing enough or productive, which could increase feelings of depression and anxiety.
In addition, women who suffer from ADHD often experience a sense of not fitting in or meeting the expectations of society, which can lead to feelings of self-doubt and anger. They may also encounter issues at work, including issues with organization skills, adherence to corporate policies, or sticking to a 9-to-5 routine. They may be struggling with managing their finances, because of their indecisiveness and uncontrolled spending, or they could struggle to complete work-related assignments or finishing homework.
ADHD can be a chronic condition that requires lifelong support, particularly when it affects women and girls. Despite its prevalence it is undiagnosed and misunderstood. It is also undertreated. The lingering stigmas, referral bias internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the unique symptom presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses. They could be easily frustrated or overly excited, and may lose track of time or be late to events. They may also have difficulties reading body language and picking up social signals. This could cause issues at work or with relationships. For example, they might be easily entangled in arguments or they may spend too much time in pursuit of hobbies and interests that aren't very important to them. They might also have trouble maintaining friendships or making connections because they are unable to keep their commitments and promises.
Women are generally better in establishing coping mechanisms that help them mask their ADHD symptoms, making it difficult for them to be diagnosed than men are. For instance, they could create routines to help remain organized or rely on apps to remind them of appointments. They might change their behavior to comply with social norms and expectations. They might even attempt to conceal their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs. This could have negative health effects over time.
Certain people with ADHD are not able to overcome the symptoms. About 60% of women with ADHD in their childhood will suffer from it until they reach adulthood. This is in contrast to 30% of men.
If you are unable to find relief through medication or lifestyle changes, professional treatment can be beneficial. There are many options, including career coaching, life coaching, and counseling along with medications like stimulants. Exercise is also a great way to improve your mood and increase your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters that increase attention and motivation and can reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotional stimuli
Girls and women with ADHD are frequently affected by emotional reaction. They may struggle with controlling their emotions and communicating them in a proper manner. This can cause frustration for both themselves and others. A person with ADHD may become angry when her partner criticizes her, but she might not be able to calm down to talk about the issue in a rational way. She may also struggle to "pause" her reaction by identifying body signals that indicate she's overwhelmed or overexcited like flushing skin or shortness of breath.
This inability to regulate emotions can lead to confusion and frustration and make people with ADHD prone towards anxiety or depression. It can also cause problems with social interactions, as it can be difficult to read other people's moods and detect social cues.
In certain instances, people who suffer from ADHD might appear emotionally distant and uninterested in their peers or loved ones, even though they truly love them. In other instances they may avoid situations that trigger them to avoid feeling emotions that are intense.
The nature of women's symptoms could make it easy for clinicians to overlook the symptoms of ADHD. Women often hide their ADHD symptoms and when they do show up they are more likely to be misdiagnosed as anxiety or mood disorders. If you're experiencing trouble with these symptoms, it can be helpful to seek an experienced mental health professional who has experience in working with girls and women who suffer from ADHD. They can confirm your experiences, teach you strategies such as self-awareness and pacing, and also provide you with family psychoeducation to help you recognize and respond to future ADHD symptoms.